Age of Empires II Thrives Anew with Epic “Three Kingdoms” Expansion

More than 20 years since its original launch, Age of Empires II remains a powerhouse in real-time strategy—buoyed by its newest add-on, “The Three Kingdoms.” Focusing on China’s legendary Three Kingdoms era, the expansion adds five playable civilizations and intricate campaign narratives starring figures like Liu Bei and Cao Cao. Reviewers say it’s among the best AoE II content yet, injecting branching missions and stunning design elements while respecting the classic gameplay. Nostalgic fans praise it for combining historical depth (ink-wash aesthetics, Chinese musical motifs) with modern RTS features. Multiplayer lobbies are booming, proving a vintage title can endure if lovingly updated. The expansion’s success is a testament to how sustained developer support and community passion keep Age of Empires II vital across generations.