Age of Wonders III, like the previous games in the series is a turn-based
strategy game set within a high fantasy universe where the player assumes the role of a
political-military leader. Gameplay is 4X-based (explore, expand, exploit and
exterminate) where players explore the world map, slowly building an empire through
colonization, warfare and diplomacy with rival powers. However new to III is the greater
addition of role-playing game features, where players must first choose and customize
their leader, all options dependant on the player's chosen style of play. There
are six available races in the initial release: humans, draconians, high elves, dwarves,
orcs, and goblins, all that will determine the race of their empire with each having
unique perks and abilities. The leader and empire is further shaped by the choice from
skill sets based on traditional RPG classes along with further specializations and
skills to select. Each leader class also has access to their own unique units with a
distinct visual look based on their corresponding race, each to accommodate their own
unique approach to strategy, both in combat and when managing their empire. On release
there are six different classes a leader can be. The "Sorcerer" class
emphasizes the use of magic for enchantments and summoning powerful units. The
"Theocrat" derives from an organized religion based society including
zealots followers and the use of holy spells and warriors. The "Rogue"
favors less direct approaches to situations, employing stealth, thievery and
manipulation aswell as dark magic in diplomacy and warfare. The
"Archdruid" channels the power of nature, using it to their advantage by
being very self-sufficient and being able to call upon wild creatures. The
"Dreadnaught" leads a steampunk styled society, using large industry,
machinery and gunpowder-based units like cannons and tanks. Finally the
"Warlord" specializes in direct conflict and combat tactics, utilizing
effective non-magic based units and abilities. Leaders themselves and separate
recruitable hero units will be able to gain experience and level up, while also being
able to gain new equipment and powers. Players can also develop their alignment between
good and evil based on their player's actions and the cultures the player
absorbs into their empire, rather than race like the previous games in the series.
Cities themselves provide much of the resources, infrastructure and host to unit
recruitment. Independent cities and units not immediately aligned to any player/leader
are also present in the world map. Units that come from an unaffiliated city will fight
to protect a city's domain, and they won't forget that they're
tied to it. Many of these independent settlements aren't cities in the
traditional sense, but can be alternative settlements, like a "Giant's
Keep" for example. The player can conquer these holdings, which will provide
units like a city, or they can absorb them through diplomatic means by paying tribute
and diplomatic and/or alignment standing. Quests can also be given to players by
independent forces and cities, including but not limited to clearing out wild units,
searching for relics and even conquering cities and other holdings. Quests can grant the
support of independent forces for player in addition to a reward such as gold or
equipment, sometimes with the choice of either given to the player upon completion of
the quest. As in the case of the first game in the series, Age of Wonders III offers a
story-driven campaign that is playable from two sides, the human-centric Commonwealth
Empire and the Court of the High Elves. In addition to the campaign; single-player
scenarios, online multiplayer, random map generation and a map editor are also
available. The graphics of Age of Wonders III will be presented in 3D instead of the
isometric view the series has utilized up to this point.
