Age of Wonders: Planetfall PS4 Review

As I delved into the world of Age of Wonders: Planetfall on my PS4, I discovered a thrilling experience that challenged me to explore ancient ruins, uncover hidden secrets, and navigate complex politics within the game's richly detailed universe. With six distinct factions vying for dominance, each with their own unique style and abilities, I found myself drawn into the game's intricate web of intrigue and conflict.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Planetfall is its ability to bring each faction to life through well-written quest-driven story scenarios set on pre-made maps. These scenarios provide a fascinating glimpse into the history and motivations of each faction, fleshing out their place in the galaxy and adding depth to the game's lore.

But it's not just the main factions that offer excitement – there are also plenty of intriguing alternatives to explore. Take, for example, the melee-focused insectoid Kir'ko or the creepy-as-hell cybernetic Assembly. Each faction has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, offering a fresh take on traditional 4X gameplay.

The Vanguard, as standard-issue humans who have been in cryosleep since before the collapse, provide a great starting point for new players. With their familiar style of conventional warfare using guns and tanks, they offer a solid foundation for those looking to ease into the game's more complex mechanics. And with their lack of knowledge about the current state of the galaxy, players can explore alongside them, uncovering secrets and piecing together the mysteries of Planetfall's far-future setting.

Speaking of which, the galaxy-spanning Star Union's collapse is a pivotal event in the game's story, leading to the formation of various factions vying for power. Each faction represents a splinter group of survivors who went their own way after the collapse, and it's fascinating to explore the different ways they've adapted to the new world.

While Planetfall excels in many areas – from its over-the-top sci-fi factions spewing lasers and acid bile across randomly generated planets to its finely balanced pacing between traditional 4X campaigns and XCOM-style tactical battles – there are a few areas where it falls short. A little more sense of tech progression and deeper base building mechanics would have been welcome additions, but these minor quibbles can't detract from the game's overall charm.

Overall, I found Age of Wonders: Planetfall to be an engaging and entertaining experience that quickly won me over with its unique blend of exploration, combat, and politics. Whether you're a seasoned 4X veteran or new to the genre, there's plenty to appreciate in this thoughtfully designed game.

Age of wonders: planetfall ps4 review