When I first got this I was pretty underwhelmed compared to the masterpieces that were AoE II and AoM, but it's grown on me more and more over the years. While I still think the other are better, I think this is a pretty great game. The War Chiefs expansion is arguably even better.

a great sequel to the original and made great leaps forward in graphics quality and added more factions to the list of playable forces

My favorite game from the #Age of Empires series, and I know, it's unusual. I remember this release as a good period because I didn't play a lot of PC games but I was a strategy nerd, switching from #StarCraft to #Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, and the third opus (or fourth with the excellent #Age of Mythology) of Age of Empires was a rare breath of fresh air. I've always been more tempted by #Fantasy but the realism and slick mechanisms in the series were a force to be reckoned with. I loved both expansions released afterwards but I too rarely had the occasion of playing them in multiplayer. I also enjoyed the solo scenario but I think the difficulty level is a bit high nonetheless.

My Favorite Civilizations: French, Sioux (The WarChiefs), Japan (The Asian Dynasties).

Age of Empires 3 had the problem of being the long-awaited third in a renowned series, and is often remembered as the "off" game in the series. That is a shame, because it is a great game in its own right.

Rather than the traditional empire-forging of its predecessors, III focuses on the colonial exploits of European powers from the 1500's into the 1800's in the Americas. Though the scale does admittedly feel smaller than in previous games, this idea is captured well. The Home City system, in which players can summon shipments of troops, supplies, or upgrades from "Europe" creates a feeling that one is a part of a bigger empire. Likewise, making trade posts in native villages and along paths to recruit natives, learn native techs, and gain resources builds the "colonial" experience. And though there are only 8 civilizations, they are more distinct that in II. Had this been called "Age of Colonization," it would still be adored to this day.

I loved making my little cities pretty by leveling up cultures. Still don't remember anything beyond that, but it must have been fun, 'cause my Lisbon was lvl 30.

I loved AoE III. While not as good as AoE II, I played a lot of it, especially against my brother. I wish the campaign was grounded in history like the previous game in the series, which was really my main problem with the game. Overall, a great game that I had a lot of fun with.