AOE was the very reason that I got into strategy games. The game blended the best RTS elements with lot of history and turned out a fun game that has kept many a company over time. If we can name some games that shaped this genre the AOE and its successors would be there on top of the list. The gameplay is classic RTS with resource management, building and war. There are a few civilizations which you can play and all of them are very well balanced yet are unique. The game features several game modes other than the campaign and most of them are very interesting. The graphics for its time is very good and doesnt really tax any configuration. If you have a feel for classics this is one to have in your collection