It's funny how AoW3 and 4 are compared negatively to 1 and 2&SM, or rather: it's funny WHY they're compared negatively.

I'll agree that the specializations are not impactful enough, but the class-race setup is more than varied in itself. As far as elements not being differentiated enough, the class system is more of than than any of the previous games. The insertion of balance is there to keep the tension on the tactical scenarios and remove the more extravagant combinations of MoM (which admittedly are strategically a lot of fun, but on another level).

Following that criteria, AoW 1 was atrocious in so far as the hero abuse made tactical manoeuvring and unit variety often pointless. I would say the point of these games is to develop tactical battles on a strategic field, with an emphasis on the individual unit characteristics. In that sense it's not flawed at all, if anything this series knows very well what it's doing. The third game is the accomplishment of said balanced design. I disagree with the consensus here, too much nostalgia bullshit as usual AoW always was meant to be a more balanced version of MoM. I'll admit the writing on the first game was cute, and the rest is bad, but it doesn't matter. Who plays these games for the story? Jesus.

Age of wonders 3 ai just spams