The magic system was more fleshed out than one, so there was that at least. The story was terrible compared to AoW1 and I found the art style, while more detailed, lost a lot of the charm of its predecessor. I haven't played Shadow Magic, only vanilla 2. I know it wasn't as popular as AoW3 but I think Planetfall was a successful experiment in its own right and that the devs apply the lessons they learnt there to any future installments in the main series. I love that the devs tried to experiment more with empire building though. I have left out AoW: Planetfall because its setting is so different from the others. Probably too old for many new players though. It had a real tolkien-esque feel to it that later titles seemed to abandon. I also feel this was the high point for the game in terms of lore and worldbuilding. If I had to recommend a title to new players to the series, this would be the oneДЄge of Wonders 1 gets special mention as being the one that started it all and for having two branching campaigns which were great. I like that the expansions addressed weaknesses in the base game with Eternal Lords being a real banger. I think Age of Wonders 3 + Expansions probably is the best all rounder. Shadow Magic for ''peak performance'' of the franchise 1,2,3 because they are great games too.

which are pretty poor in a day and age where Civ games arent great 4x anymore, and very simplified (if more accessible). Probably not a bad 4x game by todays standards tho. It lacks the well crafted (hand) campaign maps and as others note it feels bland and devoid of personality in comparison. Planetfall is only Age of Wonders in name. They all have very good tactical combat too. Honestly, its well worth playing all 3 Age of Wonders games just for their story and campaigns. The main characters of both games are relevant in Shadow Magic. However, imo it will lack much impact without having played the first 2 games or atleast Age of Wonders 2 who's story happens directly before. Technically it is the actual Age of Wonders 3, with 3 being 4. The fantasy strategy game Age of Wonders 3 features the same turn-based empire-building gameplay, with new features such as customizable characters and a riveting campaign. Realise this is a late reply, but imo still worth giving an answer if you didnt get around to trying all of them:ДЄge of Wonders Shadow Magic is the best game and its the (full game+story) expansion.

Age of wonders iii watcher