[Update #2]: The long wait is finally over - Age of Empires 4 has now been unleashed!

[Update]: Relic has just unveiled a full-length multiplayer match between the Holy Roman Empire and Rus factions.

After quite a few years in development, Age of Empires 4 will finally be heading over to PC in fall 2021. It'll bring with it eight playable factions (Chinese, Delhi Sultanate, English and Mongol are the known ones so far) with their own unique mechanics and visuals, four story-focused campaigns, and naturally, a whole host of gameplay improvements over its predecessors.

Rather than babble on, allow me to share with you the recently posted and rather lengthy gameplay preview. It should give you a pretty good idea of what Age of Empires 4 is all about and just how much inspiration it takes from the classics. Have a gander:

When it comes to the actual gameplay, I have very little to complain about. It's clear that Relic has seen how popular Age of Empires 2 has become and has decided to simply take that concept and push it to the next level. And from what I can tell, they seem to have done a pretty good job at that!

Unfortunately, the actual presentation seems incredibly rushed and janky. While the visual style is as strong as ever, the actual model and texture quality is looking fairly subpar, as is the lack of weight or impact to most of the animations. Arrows are by far the worst in this regard as they seem to not only spawn away from the actual bow itself, but also curve mid-air as if they're guided missiles. I can only hope these sorts of issues will get sorted out by the time Age of Empires 4 launches.

Whatever the case may be, I'll make sure to let you know once we get the next batch of gameplay previews. Until then, you can read more about Age of Empires 4 over at the official website.