These are the Stone Age (Mesolithic/Nomad/Paleolithic), the Tool Age (Neolithic/Chalcolithic), the Bronze Age and the Iron Age. Each civilization has technologies unique to them, so that no civilization possesses all the technologies possible within the game.Ī major component of the game is the advancement through four ages. Twelve civilizations are available, each with individual sets of attributes, including a varying number of available technologies and units.
Resources must be preserved, as no new resources become available as the game progresses for example, trees that are cut down will not grow back. To assure victory, the player must gather resources in order to pay for new units, buildings and more advanced technology. Age of Empires requires the player to develop a civilization from a handful of hunter-gatherers to an expansive Iron Age Empire.
