Age of Empires II (2013): The African Kingdoms is a real-time strategy expansion that adds four new civilizations, four campaigns, and several mechanics to the established Age of Empires II HD Edition framework on PC. Players manage resources, construct bases, advance through ages, and command armies in matches that blend economic planning with tactical combat across historical settings focused on Africa and surrounding regions.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on gathering wood, food, gold, and stone to build structures, train units, and research technologies while advancing from the Dark Age through the Imperial Age. Matches unfold in real time, requiring constant attention to economy, military production, and map control. The expansion introduces new generic technologies such as Arrowslits, which strengthens towers and keeps, and Arson, which improves infantry damage against buildings. New units include the Fire Galley for early naval aggression and the Siege Tower for transporting infantry over walls. These additions integrate into existing systems without altering the fundamental rock-paper-scissors balance of infantry, cavalry, and archers.
Civilization bonuses shape distinct playstyles. The Berbers emphasize mobility and trade. Malians focus on infantry strength and resource gathering. Ethiopians gain advantages in archery and early aggression. Portuguese excel at naval trade and defensive structures. Each brings unique units and bonuses that reward specific strategies in both single-player and multiplayer contexts.
Game Modes
Standard random map and deathmatch modes remain central, but the expansion adds Sudden Death as a distinct option. In Sudden Death, every player starts with one town center and cannot rebuild it if destroyed, turning the game into a direct contest over that single structure. This mode encourages aggressive early pressure and defensive focus around the town center. The title also includes spectator mode for observing matches and integration with Twitch streaming for live broadcasts.
Campaign play offers structured single-player experiences separate from skirmish modes. Four fully voiced campaigns guide players through historical events tied to the new civilizations, with objectives that mix base building, army management, and narrative progression across multiple scenarios each.
New Civilizations and Campaigns
The Berber campaign follows Tariq ibn Ziyad as he leads forces across the sea to Iberia. The Malian campaign centers on Sundjata overcoming personal challenges to unite West African kingdoms. The Portuguese campaign tracks Francisco de Almeida establishing trade routes and influence across continents. The Ethiopian campaign recounts Yodit rise from exile to queenship. These stories unfold through fully voiced dialogue and varied map designs that highlight the new African architecture set used by several civilizations.
Additional content expands map variety with new terrains, random maps, real-world layouts, and special scenarios. Scenario editor tools receive new objects to support custom creations. AI improvements make computer opponents more responsive in both campaign and skirmish settings.
Is It Worth Playing?
This expansion suits players who enjoy real-time strategy games with historical themes and layered decision-making. The new civilizations and campaigns provide fresh single-player content that extends the base game's campaign library. Multiplayer participants gain new options through the civilizations and Sudden Death mode, which alters pacing for shorter or more focused sessions. The title remains available as downloadable content for the Age of Empires II HD Edition on PC, with no ongoing seasonal updates or live service elements attached to this specific release. Those seeking additional civilizations, naval and siege options, and narrative campaigns will find the most value here, particularly if they already own the core game and appreciate its established systems.
