Since AoW3 and all expansions are so cheap right now I think I'm gonna give it a shot based on your praise of it. Thank you for the replies, and thanks for going into detail on this one. Originally posted by Iguana-on-a-stick:Depends on what you want. I also think that AoW3 is the best game in its sub-genre (turn-based tactical fantasy combat.) I find its wars a lot more fun than CiV IVs, and to be quite honest I never found the Fall From Heaven mod that inspiring compared to the base game and its been years since I played it. Since this is the AoW3 forum, you may not be surprised to hear that my vote goes to AoW3. Although there are multiple victory conditions (with the expansions) they will all involve fighting most or all other players on the map. Diplomacy and expansion serves mostly to prepare you for your next war. You will be fighting battles every turn, but won't be spending nearly as much thought on what to build in your cities.

On the empire building side of things AoW3 is more streamlined and more limited than Civ IV. (Though the random or pre-designed scenarios are typically more fun.) (Okay, the quests are pretty basic compared to Endless Legend, but still.) There's also a story based campaign. There are dungeons to traverse, magic items to find, quests to perform. Honestly, no civilisation game with its much more abstracted number-crunching combat is going to compare to AoW3 when it comes to war and combat.ĪoW3 also has a much greater focus on heroes, levelling and exploration. (Well, okay, the 'squash 3 idiot mine guard' battles get pretty same-ish, but that's what auto-combat is for.) The battles are quick but surprisingly deep, with simple but very impactful systems for action points and outflanking, and each unit will have plenty of unique abilities or spells so no two battles will play out the same way. Its main focus is the great tactical combat, which takes place on a separate combat map (tons of unique ones in the game) and typically involves 6-24 units a side. But with magic and much more focus on the experience system.ĪoW3 is an entirely different style of game. It means you get a vast scope, epic length games, great depth of research and a strong focus on empire building and settling. (And in the case of Fall from heaven, a fantasy nation.) Both can be a lot of fun.įall from Heaven is a great mod, but it is still a Civ game at its heart, with all the good and bad that entails. Civ IV makes you feel like an emperor commanding a nation. AoW3 makes you feel like a fantasy warlord leading his warband to victory against his ruthless rivals.

Age of wonders 3 auto combat only style