Microsoft is giving PC gamers a new chance to discover a classic RTS game but with a new coat of paint. Today, the company announced plans to launch Age of Empires II HD, a graphical revamp of the game that was originally developed and released in 1999 by the now defunct Ensemble Studios.
Microsoft"s website for Age of Empires II HD reveals that the development of the revamped version is being handled by Hidden Path Entertainment, best know for their own tower defense game Defense Grid: The Awakening. Age of Empires II HD"s graphics will now support 1080p resolution screens and will include "improved terrain textures, water, fire and ambient lighting effects."
Age of Empires II HD will be released exclusively on Valve"s Steam service, which means that you can expect Steamworks support for features like achievements, online matchmaking, clans and leaderboards. It will also support the Steam Workshop for distributing user created content.
The game will launch on April 9th for $19.99 but people who pre-order the game will get a 10 percent discount and be able to play it earlier on April 5th. Age of Empires II HD will contain both the original game and its expansion pack The Conquerors.
Source: Microsoft | Image via Microsoft