Iroquois WarriorWhat can fans of Age3 expect from the expansion?
An expansion pack that will live up to the high standards here at Ensemble Studios. The overall theme is Native Americans, there are three new native civilizations and there is new content for the old civilizations too.
Native Americans
Although other civilizations were considered, the Native Americans were selected because they offer the most opportunities for new and unique gameplay. There are also good stories from the Native American point-of-view that need to be told and haven't been done in a previous game. In light of the sensitivity of this topic, Ensemble has always tried to portray the "underdogs." For instance, in Age 2 the Crusades were presented from Saladin's point of view. In this expansion pack, the native nations will be given full control of history and in some ways will be empowered to change it.
The Iroquois
The Iroquois controlled a large confederation that sprawled over a wide area. They actually expanded their territory and became more powerful after contact with the Europeans, making major conquests among other tribes. They enthusiastically adopted European technology and their military is the most "European-like" of the three native nations. They are an interesting combination of a fairly contemporary army (for the 1700s) backed up by a native economy and a strong tradition of mysticism, making them a great choice for the game.
In addition, the Iroquois really focused on their harvest, their domestic food plants, and their agricultural way of life and will be reflected in their in-game economy.
As far as Iroquois military units, the Iroquois Tomahawk and Mantlet units return from Age3 although their stats have changed and now all Iroquois units will cost population slots. There are about 6 new military units including the Aenna, the classic foot-archer unit, and the Musket Rider which is a musket-carrying cavalry unit representing the European influence on the Iroquois. Also, a feature of Iroquois military science was an emphasis on siege. Most of their enemies lived in fortified towns, and most Iroquois campaigns came down to siege warfare at some point. In the game, they have an excellent siege capability, partly reflected by special units such as their battering ram.
The Campaign
The single player campaign is going to expand the Black family saga, but hews much more closely to historical events. Thus, you will have members of the Black family involved in actual well-known happenings.
New content for existing civilizations?
There are new random maps, new native allies, new units, new Home City shipments, new civilizations, and new ways to win the game or break a stalemate. These new features do change the game but in an additive way.
Release Date
Fans can expect Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs to be available sometime this fall.