The Age of Wonders 4 Test: A Lackluster Quest Implementation?

In recent years, fans of strategy games have been eagerly awaiting the release of Age of Wonders 4 (AoW4). While the game has some promising mechanics, its quest system seems to be a major letdown. The base game was somewhat lacking, but AoW4's implementation is even more underwhelming.

One of the main issues with the quests in AoW4 is that they don't provide meaningful objectives or guide players across the map as effectively as other games in the same genre. In fact, fans of the series may recall epic custom scenarios from Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic (AoW:SM), which felt more fleshed out than AoW4's quest system.

The parodic MMORPG-style quests are an attempt to breathe some life into the game, but they're not exactly a great improvement. Twenty years ago, this style of quest might have been innovative, but with modern games like Crusader Kings 2 and 3, Stellaris, and others showcasing engaging questlines with varied objectives in procedural games, AoW4's lackluster effort is hard to ignore.

The only objective I saw in the game was 'go kill a random mob spawn.' This lack of depth is disappointing, especially considering the potential for more interesting questlines. While there are some redeeming qualities, such as the fluff and various choices/outcomes that make the game more engaging, the overall quest system falls short.

As fans eagerly await updates and improvements to AoW4, it's essential to acknowledge the issues plaguing its quest implementation. With a bit more attention to detail and creativity, Age of Wonders 4 could have offered a more immersive experience for players.

Age of wonders 4 test