Age of Wonders: Planetfall

A significant part of the game is tactical combat, but good strategy at the higher strategic layer largely trivializes the tactical combat phase. Also, the scope feels small for a 4x game. It seems like it was built around multiplayer gameplay and it's just not what I'm looking for.

As a long-time fan of the Age of Wonders series, I was initially skeptical about Planetfall. It seemed like the developers were simply trying to make a quick profit by changing the setting while leaving the core mechanics intact. However, after completing the game, I can honestly say I was wrong. Planetfall doesn't just shift Age of Wonders into a sci-fi universe - it fundamentally reworks many of the gameplay mechanics, resulting in a distinctly different experience that still retains the spirit of the series. I had my doubts about the setting at first, but the developers did an excellent job with the new factions. Instead of classic undead, we have sentient machines and robots. In place of dragons and monsters, there are genetically engineered mutants. Magic has been replaced by strategic and tactical operations - such as hacking, satellite surveillance, orbital strikes, and other technological tools that integrate smoothly into the gameplay. Regarding gameplay differences, here are some notable changes: Territorial management. Cities now expand by annexing surrounding sectors, which allows for more flexible planning and strategic control. This shifts the focus more towards micromanagement of territory. City development and economy. Each sector can be upgraded and specialized, offering much greater variety and depth in economic strategy. Tactical combat. Combat is enhanced with overwatch systems, and unit modifications. While the length of battles remains comparable to previous titles, the tactical complexity and variety of situations have increased significantly. Technology research. The tech tree is divided into military and economic branches and is more nonlinear, allowing for flexible strategic choices, though it demands careful planning. Heroes and armies. Hero and unit customization is greatly expanded through modules and vehicles, enabling players to tailor their forces to their preferred playstyle. Diplomacy and independent factions. Diplomacy plays a larger role in Planetfall, and neutral factions have become strategically significant, although managing these relationships can require extra attention. In conclusion, Age of Wonders: Planetfall not only met but exceeded my expectations. It's an engaging, well-balanced, and thoughtfully designed strategy game. The developers have earned my respect - and their paycheck - with this effort. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Can no longer open game due to paradox launcher not installing.

I hardly ever review a game but I had to for AoW4 and Planetfall. I am stunned that this game has mixed reviews. Are you people out of your minds? I've had a blast playing this game both solo and with friends. Bought it on sale a few weeks ago almost have 50 hours played 0 bugs or crashes great game 9/10 would buy again don't listen to the haters.

Solid game. Worth the money.

Good game, takes time to get used to but worth the investment. I distinctly remember wondering whether or not to keep at 2 hours, as I know the amount of knowledge I would need to learn to play (I am getting lazy in my age) but was worth it. Nice diversity between races, heroes could do with feeling a little more unique. Simply; Civilization in space, simplified, but having the combat expanded greatly.

while the general game play and some of the mechanics (tech trees, etc) are ok.. the story and associated plot devices are pretty stupid. surely they could have come up with something better!? are they really trying to appeal to 'child like minds'? then there is the range and LoS issues. AI units of EXACTLY the same type as mine have more range! even though I setup a watch it wont trigger because the other unit (even with the same range indicator!) can fire from further out... then when you win and 'take a reward'.. if you are on water and take a 'land vehicle'.. I assume it 'sinks'.. because you dont get it!! how pathetic are these ppl that they dont even test something as basic as that!! the tech trees are ok, but the costs for mods! are way too expensive, yet the 'AI' seems to equip all their troops with them.. somehow (with NO cosmite income sources!).. and watching the replay of an 'auto combat', I notice that the 'AI' for my side is absolutely stupid, yet the 'AI' for the opposing side (the NPC AI) seems far more 'intelligent'.. and doesnt suicide its troops.. I almost always have to manually play the combat to minimise damage/losses. which isnt a problem as I tend to anyway.. but its just an interesting 'observation' (cheating devs!) so while I initially 'recommended' this game (because I like TBGs).. the really bad writing and the various troop inconsistencies (between player and AI).. and with RNG playing too much of a factor (biased toward the NPC) , the way the NPCs seem to be able to mod ALL their troops, the way the NPC seems to have far lower 'capability' (NOT the in game "capability score"! that is a complete joke!!) yet their colonies have higher militia power, etc etc...it really just breaks all the fun you might have playing the game.. basically the devs are so bad at writing 'intelligent' AI they resort to cheating to give the NPC an 'even playing field'. I just played the amazon 2nd campaign map and it was really bad. 2 NPCs.. both had 2 cities (when I stole maps), I had 6 cities at that point... took one of the cities from the KirKo.. so he was down to one.. he had 6x6 stacks of armies! tier 2 militia in the city.. there is NO way the NPC could afford those cities and armies.. I developed my cities with energy in mind and I had issues supporting my 4 x 6 stacks.. looking at the 'post game summary'.. I didnt top a single thing.. thats how stupid this game is.. I just did the first syndicate campaign and the NPC took control of the sector a quest was in which the player can NOT do unless you clear the 'structure' first (which it did NOT!)! and because of that I had to break the 'alliance' and go to war in order to complete the campaign.. I didnt bother.. this game is beyond stupid will not play this ever again

I came into “Age of Wonders: Planetfall” after playing Age of Wonders 4 for well over a thousand hours. For me, the systems were similar enough to make it a breeze to get into, but the tutorial does a good job on its own to ensure that’s not a requirement. Even so, the highlight of the game must be the empire mode. (7/10) The empire mode allows you to create a new empire that encompasses each of the custom characters you make and facilitates progression between games, ensuring each victory builds on the last. It’s easily the best part of the experience as the campaign missions vary greatly in quality. Some are great and allow you to dive into the various factions and learn more about their lore and background. Others are timed and are ruined by the proverbial clock ticking in the background. I play turn-based games so I can take my time and enjoy each map. If I wanted to feel the pressure of an RTS, I’d play an RTS. The campaigns are pretty short, too. Each DLC encompasses only two maps, or planets. You get some choices about how to deal with the quests, but many of them result in a violent free-for-all anyway, regardless of whether that makes sense for the faction you’re playing or not. The customization is also far less elaborate in this game compared to Age of Wonders 4. Specific traits and buildings are linked to specific races with their own aesthetics, preventing you from easily creating the empire of your dreams. Some of it can be circumvented by unlocking more through your empire, like the ability to plant forests the same way the Amazons can. Unfortunately, the commanders you make lack a lore window where you can give them backstories, though they can mix secret techs and factions freely. In short, if you’re looking for something to play and have already done everything Age of Wonders 4 has to offer, this game might tide you over to the next big thing. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done well enough. It also seems to work pretty well online if you’ve got a friend or two to play with, though the empire mode is unfortunately excluded from it. I’d have loved to have my empire clash with a friend’s, but alas. (7/10)