Of the 16 civilizations, 3 will be available to play every week. The first set of playable civilizations will be the French, Haudenosaunee, and Russians. Trial players will also be able to try out the first campaign of the game, following Knight of St. John Morgan Black on his quest to the New World. Historical Battles are also available to play in the trial.

The new trial doesn’t affect players who already own the game, however, and those who wish to buy the title after giving the trial a shot will be able to get full access to the game. All game modes in the trial will be available to play solo, as well as in co-op, including Historical Battles, as well as skirmishes.

Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition is available on PC.

At their recent Age of Empires fan event, Microsoft and series developers World’s Edge spend a healthy chunk of time talking about the upcoming Age of Empires 4, detailing the new Delhi Sultanate civilization, the Chinese civilization, showing an impressive amount of new gameplay footage, and more. As promised, however, they also provided updates on Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition. Both remasters are going strong, and both are going to keep trudging forward for the foreseeable future, with meaty new updates announced for both.

Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition is getting its second full-fledged expansion. Called Dawn of the Dukes, the expansion will take players to Eastern Europe, and is due out this Summer. There’s not a lot of info on what the expansion will entail, but a new campaign is kind of a given, while new civilizations are also very likely. In addition to that, the game is also going to see another update later this year that will add co-op, which will be a first for the series (and might be hinting at things to come in Age of Empires 4 later this year). Specific campaign missions and historical battles will be selected by the developers for co-op support.

And what about Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition? That’s getting its own update as well. The new content update is out on April 13, and it will be adding the United States as a new civilization. In addition, it will also add nine new units, a new age-up mechanic, a new explorer, and a new home city. Players who complete an in-game community challenge within a limited time period will be able to claim the update for free. Alternatively, it can be purchased for $4.99.

Meanwhile, it’s also been confirmed that an expansion for Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition is also in the works. It’ll launch later this year and will add African civilizations to the game, but beyond that, details on it are scarce for now.

Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition and Age of Empire 3: Definitive Edition are both available on PC.

True to recent leaks, Microsoft have announced an Age of Empirs-focused event for April 10. Age of Empires: Fan Preview will be streamed on the day at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET / 5 PM BST, and you can expect plenty of major new updates to drop for the series.

The highlight of the show, as you’d expect, is going to be Age of Empires 4. No specifics are given as to what we can expect (fingers crossed for a release date), but the announcement trailer for the event promises new gameplay, and it’s been a while since we last saw that– so there’s definitely reason to get excited.

On top of that, new updates will also be shared for Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition, which will take the form of new campaigns and civilizations being revealed. Whether both will get major new content announcement remains to be seen.

Either way, Age of Empires fans will definitely want to tune in. We’ll be covering the event live, of course, so make sure you stick with GamingBolt for all the latest updates.

Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition releases tomorrow for PC and sees the classic RTS getting the remastered treatment. Tantalus Media and Forgotten Empires have released a new overview trailer in the meantime, which outlines the different gameplay systems and features. Check it out below.

Matches start out with Explorers who venture across the map and collect treasures. Doing so will provide experience, units and resources for your civilization. When enough experience has been accrued, shipments (in the form of cards) can be requisitioned for different benefits. Players can customize their own deck from over 100 cards to formulate different strategies.

There’s a lot more to go over so check out the accompanying post here. Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition offers more than just remastered 4K visuals and all of the DLC – it also includes two new civilizations and new modes with Historical Battles and The Art of War Challenge Missions. It’s out tomorrow for PC via Steam, the Microsoft Store and Xbox Game Pass.

Microsoft has announced the next slate of titles coming to Xbox Game Pass, starting with Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition on October 15th. It will be available for PC subscribers and offer 4K Ultra HD visuals, two new game modes and two new civilizations. Co-op title Heave Ho (PC), action platformer Katana Zero (console, PC and Android) and The Swords of Ditto: Mormo’s Curse (PC) will also be available on the same day.

But that’s not all. Bandai Namco’s Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition will also be available, bringing the remastered RPG classic to console and PC subscribers. On October 21st, ScourgeBringer will exit early access and be available for console subscribers while October 22nd sees Cricket 19 and Supraland added.

Overall, there’s quite a bit to look forward to. Next month could potentially be even bigger with the Xbox Series X/S launching on November 10th. The consoles will be available for $499 and $299 respectively with major titles like Forza Horizon 4, Gears 5 and more receiving enhancements.

Super Mario Bros. 35

This isn’t Super Mario Battle Royale or Nintendo’s answer to Fall Guys but it might just be the closest thing to competitive free for all Mario. For Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, that is. Super Mario Bros. 35 sees players platforming through your typical Super Mario Bros. stage, defeating enemies, gathering coins and whatnot.

The twist is that there 34 other players, visible on-screen, that are competing against you. Players can send obstacles into others’ games, specifically targeting those with the most coins, the least time or completely at random. Coins can be used to purchase items and increase one’s survival rate. The last player standing is the winner.

It’s out on October 1^st 2020 for Switch and looks cool. However, Super Mario Bros. 35 is only available to play until March 31^st 2021. So if it ends up being amazing, savor each and every moment until it’s inevitably gone.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time

We’re finally at the stage where googling “Crash Bandicoot 4” doesn’t automatically bring up Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex. If that’s not progress, we don’t know what is. As a direct sequel to the original trilogy, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is developed by Toys for Bob, the same team behind the excellent Spyro Reignited Trilogy.

Essentially, the space-time fabric has been torn asunder and it’s up to Crash and Coco to find the Quantum Masks to set everything right. Along with playing through each level as either Bandicoot in the main story, players can also experience “alternate timeline” versions. These have Doctor Neo Cortex, Dingodile and an alternate version of Tawna being playable along with own unique enemy placements and traps in levels.

On top of this, there are Flashback levels that provide tougher challenges, N. Verted versions of the same with varying conditions, local competitive and co-op modes, and the option to play in Retro or Modern Mode, the latter providing infinite lives. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is out on October 2^nd for PS4 and Xbox One.

Star Wars: Squadrons

Ever since the days of Star Wars: X-Wing and TIE Fighter, we’ve yet to really see a space combat game capture that magic (at least in the same setting). With how well-received Starfighter Assault was in Star Wars Battlefront 2, a standalone title like Star Wars: Squadrons makes sense. Still, for $40, it’s surprising to see a proper campaign – which takes place after Return of the Jedi and alternates between pilots in the New Republic and Empire – and no microtransactions.

Each side has four ship types to choose from with different components and weapons to customize them with. Multiplayer consists of 5v5 Dogfights and Fleet Battles to eliminate the opposing flagship. Operations, daily challenges and so on will keep things fresh post-launch.

Last year, EA somewhat redeemed its shoddy handling of the license with Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order. We’ll see if it can continue that with Star Wars: Squadrons out on October 2^nd for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

RIDE 4

Though it doesn’t have the biggest budget of most racing sim franchises, the RIDE series is one of the few that’s focused primarily on bikes. RIDE 4 aims to go even further with “hundreds” of different bikes to choose from, dozens of tracks, dynamic weather and full day/night cycles, and even a neural AI system that offers more realistic competition (at least in theory). The single-player experience offers a number of events to participate in, and there’s a new Endurance mode to truly test one’s mettle for longer races. RIDE 4 is out on October 8^th for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

FIFA 21

A new FIFA game is coming up – please be excited. For a yearly sports franchise, that too one notorious for its RNG card packs, EA Sports is going out of its way to implement long-requested features in FIFA 21. Match simulation in Career Mode will allow for jumping in and out of matches more intuitively; loan to buy deals are now possible when making transfers; players can now be trained for other positions; and annoying FUT items like fitness and training consumables are gone.

Ultimate Team also supports co-op now, which carries its own modes and rewards; FUT Stadiums have way more customization; and there are also FUT Events for players to compete and collaborate in together. Even if the overall gameplay changes end up falling short, at least the major changes sound worthwhile. FIFA 21 releases on October 9^th for PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4 and Xbox One.

NHL 21

EA Sports has another title out in October with NHL 21. However, it seems to offer a lot of what fans expect, from Hockey Ultimate Team mode to familiar multiplayer modes like Threes Eliminator, Clubs and so on. World of Chel offers the ability to progress through seasonal ranks for each mode with Club Finals Championships available near the end.

There’s also “Be a Pro”, a more cinematic take on Career Mode where your custom-created player competes professionally en route to the NHL. Dialogue options abound, though given how the story-telling has been in recent EA Sports titles like Madden NFL 21, it’s best to be skeptical. NHL 21 is out on October 16^th and unlike its contemporaries, it’s only planned for Xbox One and PS4.

Pikmin 3 Deluxe

Continuing the trend of bringing every major Wii U title over to the Switch, Nintendo is releasing Pikmin 3 Deluxe for the console on October 30^th with improved visuals and new content. The original is a real-time strategy title with three new Captains to control and up to 100 Pikmin to command, offering co-op and competitive multiplayer modes in addition to the story. Pikmin 3 Deluxe features all of that along with options for lock-on targeting and hints, and increasing the difficulty for some added challenge.

All of the DLC stages from the original are here while new side-story missions focused on Olimar and Louie have been added. Pikmin 3 was pretty well-regarded back in the day so whether you’re a new or experienced player, the Deluxe version might make it worth hopping back into.

Amnesia: Rebirth

Frictional’s critically acclaimed psychological horror series finally returns with Amnesia: Rebirth. Touted as a brand new game, it focuses on Tasi Trianon who’s trapped in the desert with a horrifying creature (or two) stalking her. There’s a fair bit of exploration and puzzle-solving along with managing one’s physical and mental well-being.

But Tasi will also have to contend with her “own hopes, fears, and bitter regrets” in order to survive. If previous games were any indication, then Amnesia: Rebirth should offer another terrifyingly compelling journey. It’s out on October 20^th for PS4 and PC.

Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition

Fresh off its stellar run with Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition, Tantalus Media and Forgotten Empires have turned their attention to remastering and enhancing Age of Empires 3. Along with a remastered soundtrack, the visuals have been upgraded to 4K Ultra HD. Judging by the previous game, you can also expect lots of nuanced improvements in terms of character models, textures, animations and environments (while still maintaining the overall look and feel of the original).

Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition will also feature all of the previously released expansions, two new modes with Historical Battles and The Art of War Challenge Missions, and the Swedes and Inca as new civilizations. This is in addition to improved online multiplayer and mod support. It releases on October 15^th for PC.

Ghostrunner

Combining first person platforming with combat and a one-hit mechanic that applies to both enemies and the player, Ghostrunner is a sleek looking title with some unique hooks. Set in the future, your goal is to reach the top of a tower and defeat the Keymaster. A variety of foes will attempt to stop you but there are also plenty of environmental hurdles to overcome.

To that end, players will run, jump, grapple, wall-run, dash and slash through foes to progress, and perhaps replay levels for better times. Ghostrunner arrives on October 27^th for Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch and PC.

World of Warcraft: Shadowlands

The Covenant system and Blizzard’s unwillingness to change it based on alpha feedback is concerning but Shadowlands is still a big deal for many WoW players. It’s the first time they’ll be heading to Azeroth’s realm of the dead; introduces the game’s first level squish, making 60 the default level cap; and provides new ways to customize the core races. One can also look forward to exploring five huge zones, eight new dungeons, a new raid and Torghast, the Tower of the Damned, which provides a roguelike dungeon-crawling experience. And of course, there are four Covenants to join, each with its own campaign, gear and abilities that will add more depth to one’s character.

Again, it’s all very interesting but it remains to be seen if the system provides meaningful choices or hamstrings players who choose the “wrong” Covenant. WoW: Shadowlands is out on October 27^th for PC so we’ll find out soon enough.

Watch Dogs: Legion

A mysterious group called Zero Day has framed hacker collective DedSec for some bombings. As a result, the PMC Albion takes control of London and uses ctOS to trample on human rights. It’s up to the player to recruit new operatives from the populace and effectively liberate the city.

From a gameplay perspective, pretty much any NPC is fair game for recruitment. Complete their respective missions and you can utilize their skills, whether it’s a getaway driver with a unique vehicle, a hacker who’s skilled in drones or a professional assassin. Throw in some co-op support, perma-death for characters (if you refuse to surrender, that is) and multiple approaches to missions, and you have quite the replay value.

Watch Dogs: Legion is out first for PC, PS4, Xbox One and Google Stadia on October 29^th. Those on console and keen on features like ray-tracing may want to hold off for the next-gen versions which release on November 10^th for Xbox Series X/S and November 12^th for PS5.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope

The Curator’s presentation of unfinished horror stories continues with The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope. The story sees a group of college students, along with their professor, trapped in Little Hope. Witch hunting was quite popular back in the late 1600s and it seems the group has some connection to the town.

Much like Man of Medan, different dialogue options can influence the fate of the cast, leading to multiple endings. One can also expect the return of co-op online play and Movie Night Mode which sees up to five players making story decisions. Despite numerous delays, The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope will finally release on October 30^th for PS4, Xbox One and PC.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 4

It’s taken a while for English localization but Falcom’s thunderous conclusion to the Erebonia Arc is nearly here. Following the previous game’s conclusion, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 4 sees the new Class VII continuing forth and rallying support to save the world. Heroes from other arcs like Trails in the Sky and Trails of Zero/Azure will also be appearing to lend a hand, which makes for a fairly sizable roster, and there will likely be even more epic battles with Panzer Soldats and Knights than before. The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 4 is out on October 27^th for PS4.

Second Extinction

It’s no Dino Crisis but Second Extinction should provide some fast-paced shooting action as players either fight solo or with up to two others against hordes of mutant dinosaurs. Launching in early access with four heroes, 10 weapons with upgrades, six missions and several regions, Second Extinction also has a mechanic called the War Effort. This sees the threat level of different regions lowering if players successfully complete missions in them.

However, other regions will see their threat levels rise and this could result in an Emergence Event (which is much tougher than usual missions). Second Extinction will arrive on PC first with Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S versions expected later this year.

Xbox Game Studios finally unveiled Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition during Gamescom Opening Night Live after months of speculation. Developed by Tantalus Media and Forgotten Empires, it’s essentially an updated version of the RTS classic. A new gameplay interview by IGN with World’s Edge creative Adam Isgreen, Tantalus director of development Joss Ellis and Forgotten Empires co-founder Bert Beeckman highlights all the new features that can be expected.

Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition encompasses all of the content released for the game with 14 different civilizations to play with. Along with 4K visuals and a remastered soundtrack, there are also two new modes – Historical Battles and challenge missions called The Art of War. Two new civilizations have also been added with the Inca and Swedes.

Online multiplayer also sees some updates with cross network play, spectator modes, mod support and much more. Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition releases on October 15th for PC. Stay tuned for more details and gameplay in the coming weeks.

Age of Empires 3 might not have the same sort of cache as its immediate predecessor, but as fans of the series and the game will tell you, it’s one heck of an RTS that shouldn’t be overlooked. Soon, it will be coming back in modernized fashion with Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition, and we now know what its exact release date is.

At the Gamescom Opening Night Live showcase, a new trailer for the game confirmed that it will be releasing on PC on October 15 this year. The remaster promises rebuilt assets, 4K visuals, a modernized UI, enhanced audio and soundtrack, and full cross-play support. In addition to that, fans can also expect two new civilizations and two new game modes, developed exclusively for the Definitive Edition release. Check out its trailer below.

Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition releases for PC on October 15, and will be available via Steam, Xbox Game Pass for PC, and the Windows Store. Age of Empires 4 is also currently in development for PC.

Microsoft may be focusing on first-party titles for Xbox Series X at its upcoming showcase. However, PC players might also want to tune in. According to the Australian Classification Board’s website (spotted by Gematsu on Twitter), Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition and Battletoads have been rated. Both ratings have Microsoft listed as the publisher, which means they could have announcements at this week’s showcase.

Battletoads has already been revealed so this could either be a stealth drop for Xbox One and PC (especially since it was rated in Brazil earlier this month) or a release date announcement. Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition is more interesting. It hasn’t been teased till now, what with the focus being on Relic Entertainment’s Age of Empires 4 and Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition. Still, given the positive praise that the latter received, it seems like a no-brainer to update the third game.

The Xbox showcase will take place on July 23rd at 9 AM PST. Other titles rumored to appear include Fable 4 which is in development at Playground Games. 343 Industries’ Halo Infinite has been confirmed with gameplay from its campaign finally debuting. Stay tuned for more details in the coming days.

Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition and Battletoads rated in Australiahttps://t.co/S8vk5ScfFghttps://t.co/wGIvl6UPft pic.twitter.com/gLDSAfMiL5

— Gematsu (@gematsu) July 20, 2020

The Age of Empires franchise has been enjoying a formidable revival of late, with Age of Empires and Age of Empires 2 both having seen remastered releases in the last couple of years, while Age of Empires 4 is also in development. Next in line in remasters, of course, is Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition, and while that game’s actual release is still a while away, players (a few of them, at any rate) will be able to get their hands on it pretty soon.

Over on the official AoE forums (via PCGamesN), it’s been confirmed that the beta for the upcoming remaster will kick off in February- though the testing process for the game will be slightly different from previous AoE remasters. Instead of one long beta period, Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition will have multiple betas for Age of Empires Insiders.

The process, as mentioned earlier, will kick off in early February for a small group of players (described as “fans of the original Age 3“), though more invitations will be sent out in March. Meanwhile, most of the testing period will be focused on the game’s multiplayer aspects, it’s been confirmed that some beta testing will be done for the campaign as well, though that will be limited to “a very small group of players and only certain missions.”

Finally, system requirements for the beta have also been revealed. You can check them out below:

• Windows 10 64-bit
• 8GB RAM
• 2GB video memory
• DX11 / D3D11
• HD Graphics 4400 or more if using integrated Graphics