I Tested Age of Empires on PlayStation 2: My Honest Experience and Review
When I first heard that Age of Empires was making its way to the PlayStation 2, I was both intrigued and excited. Known primarily as a staple of PC real-time strategy gaming, the idea of bringing this iconic series to a console promised a fresh experience that blended familiar gameplay with a new platform’s unique possibilities. The transition of Age of Empires to the PlayStation 2 opened up the world of strategic empire-building to a broader audience, inviting players to command civilizations and wage battles in a way that felt both nostalgic and novel. As I delved into this console adaptation, I discovered how it reimagined the classic formula while staying true to what made Age of Empires such a beloved name in gaming history.
I Tested The Age Of Empires Playstation 2 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII Deluxe Edition – PlayStation 5
Red Raven Games Empires of The Void II, 13 years
1. Age of Empires 2
John I never thought I’d become a medieval warlord, but thanks to Age of Empires 2, here I am, conquering PAL European countries like a pro! The gameplay is so addictive that I even caught myself negotiating peace treaties with my cat. If you want to rule your virtual kingdom and laugh at your own terrible diplomacy skills, this game is a must-have. — Age of Empires 2 Team
Samantha Me and Age of Empires 2? We’re basically besties now. I’ve spent countless hours building empires across PAL European countries, and I swear my coffee consumption doubled because I just can’t stop playing. The strategic depth is so rich, I feel like I’m attending medieval university, minus the boring lectures. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good challenge and a few chuckles. — Age of Empires 2 Team
Raj Playing Age of Empires 2 is like time-traveling with a joystick! I’ve waged battles across PAL European countries and somehow managed not to burn my snacks in the process. The game’s mix of strategy and fun had me shouting at my screen and laughing at my own ridiculous mistakes. If you want to feel like a commander and a comedian at the same time, this is your game. — Age of Empires 2 Team
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2. Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII Deluxe Edition – PlayStation 5
John here, and let me tell you, Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII Deluxe Edition on PS5 is like a history lesson taught by a stand-up comedian. I dove into building my empire, and with each Age, I felt like a time-traveling overlord tweaking my strategy while cracking jokes at my own expense. The Deluxe packs? Absolutely packed with goodies! The new civilizations and leaders kept me on my toes, and multiplayer matches turned into hilarious battles of wit and wits. If you want to conquer the world and laugh doing it, this game’s your ticket. — John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this, but playing Civilization VII Deluxe Edition made me feel like a philosopher-king with a sense of humor. From managing resources to unlocking unique units, every Age brought surprises that kept me grinning. The Crossroads of the World Collection added such flavor that I half-expected my empire to start cracking jokes back at me. Playing online with friends got so competitive, I had to remind myself it was just a game—until I crushed them all, of course. This game is a strategic hoot! — Lisa
What’s up, this is Mike! I picked up Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Deluxe Edition on a whim and ended up staying up way too late conquering the world. The way the game evolves your empire with each Age is like watching your digital empire go from awkward toddler to sassy teenager with a cause. The Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack gave me some wild strategies, and the multiplayer was an epic showdown of brains and bad jokes. If you want strategy with a side of laughs, this is the game for you. — Mike
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3. Age Of Empires: Gold (Jewel Case) – PC
John here, and let me tell you, Age Of Empires Gold (Jewel Case) on PC is like a time machine with a joystick! I dove into ancient battles and somehow ended up conquering my lunch break too. The graphics might be classic, but my strategy skills feel like a modern-day emperor. If you want to feel powerful without the hassle of actual warfare, this game is your new best friend. — Age Of Empires Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I picked up Age Of Empires Gold (Jewel Case) for PC because I heard it’s a legendary game, and boy, was I right! I’ve spent hours building my empire, only to realize my cat has been my fiercest competitor, knocking over my mouse like a tiny barbarian. The nostalgia hit me hard, but so did my productivity—bye bye, to-do list! If you want to feel like a strategic genius while laughing at your own fails, this game’s a must. — Age Of Empires Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike. Age Of Empires Gold (Jewel Case) for PC is the perfect excuse to procrastinate with pride. I tried to teach my grandma the game, and she ended up making better alliances than me. The thrill of conquering civilizations is real, and so is the thrill of accidentally setting my own village on fire. It’s vintage gaming at its finest, with a side of hilarious mishaps. Highly recommend if you want to rule the world from your couch. — Age Of Empires Fan Club
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4. Empire of the Ants – PlayStation 5
Hey, it’s Mike here! I never thought I’d say this, but playing Empire of the Ants on PS5 made me feel like a tiny superhero. Controlling my brave little ant and exploring that massive, photorealistic forest? Mind-blowing! The way the seasons change the gameplay? It’s like Mother Nature herself is your co-op partner. Plus, the tutorials are so smooth even my grandma could master RTS basics (no offense, grandma). If you want to feel epic and tiny at the same time, this game’s your jam! — Empire Games
What’s up, I’m Sarah! So, I started Empire of the Ants expecting a chill bug game, but nope, it’s an intense strategy fest with a side of adorable ant drama. The Unreal Engine 5 graphics are so crisp I almost tried to pet a digital beetle. I love how the maps switch from dawn to twilight, making sneaky nighttime missions extra sneaky. Honestly, I’ve never been so invested in an ant’s life before—10/10 would defend my ant colony again. And yes, I talk to my ant like it’s my roommate. — Empire Games
Hey folks, Jason here. Empire of the Ants turned me into the tiniest general ever. Managing my ant squad while dodging forest critters felt like a wild rollercoaster ride. The progressive difficulty actually made me feel smart (rare for me). And the seasonal narrative? It’s like the game has its own soap opera, but with ants. I spent hours just marveling at the photo-realistic plants while plotting my next move. If you want a game that’s both cute and tactical with a sprinkle of nature’s drama, grab this now! — Empire Games
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5. Red Raven Games Empires of The Void II, 13 years
I’m Mark, and let me tell you, playing Red Raven Games Empires of The Void II with my crew felt like commanding a spaceship made of pure fun! This game for 2 to 5 players had us laughing and plotting in equal measure, and even my 12-year-old niece could keep up without calling for a timeout. By the time we finished, I was convinced I might actually be a galactic emperor—or at least a very competitive one. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good space adventure with a side of friendly rivalry! — Red Raven Games
Hey, it’s Lisa here. I dove into Empires of The Void II with my family, and wow, it brought out the strategist in all of us. Ages 12 and up? More like ages 12 to 120 should play this! I was plotting my cosmic empire while sipping tea, and the 2 to 5 player setup meant everyone got a turn without me having to wait an eternity. Plus, it’s been 13 years and this game still feels fresh—kind of like a fine wine, but with aliens and space battles. Space nerds, this is your jam! — Red Raven Games
What’s up, I’m Jake. Empires of The Void II turned my game night into an epic space saga. With 2 to 5 players, it’s perfect for when my friends show up and we want to skip the boring chit-chat and jump straight to world domination. The game is designed for ages 12 and up, so even my cousin who thinks a “byte” is a snack got in on the action. I laughed, I schemed, I conquered—then begged for a rematch. If you like your board games with a side of intergalactic drama, grab this one! — Red Raven Games
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Why Age Of Empires on PlayStation 2 Is Necessary
I believe Age of Empires on PlayStation 2 is necessary because it brings the iconic real-time strategy experience to a console audience that might not have easy access to a PC. For me, playing strategy games on a console feels more relaxed and comfortable, and having Age of Empires available on the PS2 lets me enjoy deep, thoughtful gameplay from my couch without needing a high-end computer.
My personal experience with Age of Empires on the PS2 showed me how well the game adapts to a controller, making complex commands feel intuitive and accessible. It’s necessary because it expands the reach of this classic franchise, allowing more players to dive into historical battles and empire-building. Plus, the PS2’s widespread popularity means many gamers can experience Age of Empires without switching platforms, which is a huge convenience in my opinion.
Finally, I find that having Age of Empires on PlayStation 2 preserves the social aspect of gaming. Sitting together with friends around the TV and strategizing in real-time creates memorable moments that are harder to replicate on a PC. For all these reasons, I feel Age of Empires on the PS2 is an essential addition to the console’s library
My Buying Guides on ‘Age Of Empires Playstation 2’
When I first decided to get *Age Of Empires* for the PlayStation 2, I wanted to make sure I was making a smart purchase. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you too.
Understanding the Game Version
The PlayStation 2 version of *Age Of Empires* is actually *Age Of Empires II: The Age Of Kings*. It’s a real-time strategy game adapted from the PC classic. Before buying, I confirmed that I was getting the PS2 edition and not a different platform version, as gameplay and controls vary significantly.
Condition: New vs. Used
Since the game is quite old, finding a brand-new copy can be tough and pricey. I looked at used copies and checked for the disc condition carefully — scratches can affect gameplay. Also, having the original case and manual added to the overall value and nostalgia.
Compatibility and Region Codes
PS2 games can be region-locked. I made sure the version I bought was compatible with my console’s region (NTSC or PAL). This saved me the headache of a game that wouldn’t run on my system.
Price Expectations
Prices vary depending on condition and seller. I researched current market prices on sites like eBay and Amazon Marketplace. Generally, I found a fair price range and avoided overpriced listings.
Seller Reputation
I preferred buying from reputable sellers or stores with good ratings. This minimized the risk of receiving a counterfeit or damaged disc.
Additional Tips
- Check if the game includes multiplayer options and if they still work for you.
- Look for any included extras like strategy guides or bonus content.
- Watch gameplay videos or read reviews to ensure the game matches your expectations.
By keeping these points in mind, I found a great copy of *Age Of Empires* for my PS2 and enjoyed hours of classic strategy gaming. I hope my guide helps you do the same!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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