Gamefings logoimg
Retro Game Review banner

Review of Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings on PlayStation 2

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Aug 2003
Cover image of Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings on PS2
Gamefings Score: 9
Platform: PS2 PS2 logo
Released: 15 Aug 2003
Genre: Real-time Strategy
Developer: Ensemble Studios
Publisher: Konami, Microsoft

Introduction

Welcome, dear strategist, to the world of *Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings on PS2*! Strap yourself in because you're about to navigate the choppy waters of medieval diplomacy and warfare, and probably also your fragile sanity! For those who thought building a Lego house was hard, you're in for a wildly challenging ride as you attempt to lead your civilization to glory (or just a really bad headache).

Gameplay

You start as a lowly villager just begging for food, wood, and a little bit of gold. While the other civilizations around you are getting their act together, you'll be wondering why your villagers are apparently more interested in staring at trees than chopping them down. As you collect resources-and let's be honest, you'll need a LOT of them-you'll find yourself advancing through an immersive game that requires quick strategizing, smarter specialization in units, and victory conditions that will make you rethink your entire strategy halfway through your campaign. There are plenty of civilizations to choose from, each with unique units and strongholds. You can play as the Brits, Celts, Mongols, and more! Each one comes with its own quirks, strengths, and weaknesses, allowing for a bit of trial and error. Just pray others don't see through your fog of war quicker than the moment your allies realize your vast plan is merely a bunch of cute knights losing to a few nasty footmen. Building up your military forces and developing strategies will keep your mind buzzing with possibilities as you discover what works best for you and your army. The campaigns and multiplayer settings are particularly noteworthy as they keep your knightly ambitions alive with challenges that would send most players crying to their mother. Expect loads of frustrating, hair-pulling moments, or maybe even some victorious fist-pumping as you gain the upper hand against rival civilizations. And let's be real-if you could beat your buddy and get a rematch, wouldn't you jump at the chance just to prove your royal prowess? Absolutely. With a vibrant community of players still fighting for supremacy today, you're bound to find many hours of timeless strategy joy.

Graphics

Imagine a splendidly blocky yet charming view of medieval life, complete with castles and feudal delinquents! The graphics on the PS2 may not compete with today's standards, but there's something whimsical about seeing your army of knights trot around like fairytale characters. Seriously, you might wonder if someone sprinkled some fairy dust when you set those siege weapons into motion. The art style has its own unique charm that feels distinctly nostalgic. So, while you might not be dazzled by high-def graphics, you'll surely revel in the colorful and strategic world this game breathes into life. Just don't mistake them for a cardboard cutout at a school play!

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you like strategy, hilarious mishaps, and a dash of resentment towards your neighbors for having more productive villagers than you (seriously, how do they do that?), then blast essential medieval music, grab a snack, and dive into *Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings* on PS2. You'll have more laughs, facepalms, and tactical choices than you can shake a sword at. So, gather your villagers, build your empire, and prove you have the strategic mind of a future king-just be prepared for some gentle knightly rage along the way. Trust me, it's all part of the charm!

See Prices for Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings on PS2 on Ebay

See Latest Prices for Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings on PS2 on Amazon

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Sophie Turner Is Lara Croft — How Tomb Raider's Brutal Skill Ceiling Will Shape Amazon's TV Take'
Hemal Harris - 04 Sep 2025
Sophie Turner will play Lara Croft in Amazon's Tomb Raider series. Here's how the show can capture the games' brutal challenge loo...
image for news article 'Gamescom 2025: From Hornet's Revenge to Gunfights in the Future — The Biggest Reveals, Ranked by Hype (and Probability of Screaming)'
Gemma Looksby - 27 Aug 2025
Gamescom 2025 unleashed release dates, surprises, and enough nostalgia to power a retro arcade. Hollow Knight: Silksong finally la...
image for news article 'From Sidekick to Symptom: An In-Depth Look at How Game Characters Grow (and Break) Over Time'
Tanya Krane - 22 Aug 2025
A witty, in-depth analysis of how video game characters evolve - from antiheroes and companions to tragic villains - and how gamep...
image for news article 'Helldivers 2: The Ultimate Skill Test — How to Survive When Friendly Fire Is A Feature'
Hemal Harris - 22 Aug 2025
Helldivers 2 turns cooperative shooters into a terrifying teamwork exam. From friendly-fire fiascos to stratagem juggling and glob...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus August Drop: Mortal Kombat 1, Spider-Man, Sword of the Sea and Two Resident Evils — Sony’s Buffet of Beatdowns and Beachside Introspection'
Chucky - 22 Aug 2025
Sony's August PlayStation Plus drop mixes Mortal Kombat 1 and Marvel's Spider-Man with day-one indie Sword of the Sea, EDF6 co-op ...
image for news article 'Tariff Drama and Console Character Arcs: How the PS5 Price Hike Recasts PlayStation's Story'
Tanya Krane - 21 Aug 2025
Sony just raised PS5 prices in the US - but this is more than a number. We break down the cast, the catalyst (hello, tariffs), and...
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...