Age of Wonders 4 has captivated players with its immersive gameplay, and now, just a few months after its launch, the game has released its first DLC, Dragon Dawn. This reptile-themed content pack introduces a range of exciting new features, including customizable Dragon Lords, spell tomes, a new race called Lizardfolk, and a challenging realm known as Dragonfire Cradle: The Ashen War. In this detailed review, we will explore the highlights and drawbacks of Dragon Dawn, analyzing its impact on the overall gaming experience.
Customizable Dragon Lords: A Majestic Addition
Dragon Lords, the central focus of Dragon Dawn, offer players a thrilling new leader type alongside the existing Wizard Kings and Champions. These massive and powerful beings boast an impressive range of abilities and can be extensively customized. From snout to tail length, players have the freedom to design their Dragon Lords, choosing from various skin decorations and scale types. Although some customization options like skin color may feel limited, the overall level of personalization ensures that each Dragon Lord feels unique and adds depth to the game’s narrative.
One notable aspect of Dragon Lords is their inability to equip regular equipment. Instead, they accumulate items in their personal hoard, contributing to their gold generation. This fresh approach challenges players to strategize differently, relying less on enchanted items and more on the sheer might of their Dragon Lords. While the compromise is commendable, it would have been enjoyable to see additional cosmetic unlocks within the Pantheon progression specifically tailored for Dragon Rulers.
Engaging Spell Tomes and Tomes of Magic
Dragon Dawn introduces a line of spell tomes, starting with the Tome of Evolution, which combines Chaos and Nature magic affinities. These new spell books expand the game’s spell system and thematically align with the Dragon Rulers. The Tome of Evolution allows units to evolve into stronger versions when they reach Champion level, introducing a compelling strategy centered around growing weaker units strategically. Additionally, the tome provides valuable regeneration per turn buffs, enhancing gameplay dynamics.
However, some players may find the new spell tomes lacking in terms of their direct connection to the dragon theme. Although the Tome of Evolution and Tome of Dragons serve their purpose, it would have been exciting to see an alternative set of spell tomes combining other affinities, allowing for further exploration of playstyles.
Lizardfolk: A Thematic Addition with Room for Improvement
The inclusion of the Lizardfolk as a new race in Dragon Dawn is thematically appropriate, offering players an alternative faction with distinct characteristics. While the default traits of being Poisonous and Cold Blooded add flavor to the race, there is potential for additional cosmetic and trait options to enhance their uniqueness. The visual design of the Lizardfolk is commendable, with the High Lizardfolk sporting impressive silken attire, showcasing Triumph Studios’ attention to detail.
The Challenging Realm of Dragonfire Cradle: The Ashen War
Dragonfire Cradle: The Ashen War is the new realm map introduced in Dragon Dawn. This Tier 4 realm presents a unique story-based realm feature, immersing players in the conflict between six powerful Dragon Lords divided into two factions. The objective is to either slay or ally with all six Dragon Lords, making for an incredibly challenging gameplay experience.
The intensity of this realm can be overwhelming, as enemies quickly swarm the player within a short span of turns. The relentless pressure to engage in war with the powerful Dragon Lords can make it a difficult realm for less experienced players or those seeking a more laid-back experience. The inclusion of a less intense version of the realm would have been beneficial, allowing players to enjoy the new narratives without being excessively overwhelmed by the difficulty.
Improved Enemy AI and Technical Issues
Dragon Dawn not only introduces new content but also showcases improvements in enemy AI. The strategic movements of the elder dragons, maneuvering their armies in full stacks, mimic player strategies and add an additional layer of challenge to the game. The developers at Triumph Studios have made commendable efforts to enhance the AI, providing a more engaging and satisfying gameplay experience.
While Dragon Dawn offers an immersive and enjoyable experience, it is important to note some technical issues encountered during gameplay. Rare instances of crashes to the desktop while playing on the new realm map and delays in narrative events when selecting responses have been reported. However, these issues are likely to be resolved through updates and patches.
Value and Expansion Pass Considerations
Dragon Dawn is available as a standalone content pack priced at $9.99. While it brings notable additions to the game, some players may find that certain elements feel slightly lacking. The customization options for Dragon Lords, the engaging spell tomes, and the introduction of the Lizardfolk race contribute positively to the gameplay experience. However, a few more minor additions to the new features could have further enhanced the value of the content pack.
For fans of dragons and players already enjoying Age of Wonders 4 Dragon Dawn can be a worthwhile addition to the game. However, for those seeking a more comprehensive experience, the Expansion Pass, which includes Dragon Dawn and two future expansions, might offer a better value proposition.
Age of Wonders 4: Dragon Dawn brings a reptile-themed content pack to the game, introducing customizable Dragon Lords, captivating spell tomes, the Lizardfolk race, and a challenging realm. While the customization options for Dragon Lords and the spell tomes add depth and strategic variety, some aspects could have been further expanded upon. The inclusion of the Lizardfolk race provides thematic diversity, although additional cosmetic and trait options would have been appreciated. Dragonfire Cradle: The Ashen War offers a challenging gameplay experience, but a less intense version of the realm would have been beneficial for players seeking a more accessible narrative-driven journey. Overall, Dragon Dawn is a commendable addition to Age of Wonders 4, providing a natural extension to the base game and offering players new avenues for exploration and customization.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
