I liked both of them. They are focusing on two different periods of history. AoE2, set in the Middle Ages, is following the campaigns of several great historic figures, like William Wallace, Joan of Arc, Barbarossa, Saladin and Genghis Khan. While AoE3 follows some fictional scenarios based on the colonization of the New World.

I would also suggest you to play them as they are. First play Age of Empires 2 and then try Age of Empires 3.
P.S.: Check some gameplay videos before buying any of them.

i prefer 2, classic rts with proven mechanic, aoe 3 with card mechanic feel too much as a distract for me

I know it's too late to add to the discussion, but get Age 2 and load up the campaigns. Then marvel at the beautiful cities the designers made! This is the only strategy game where I'd enter what counts for the enemy base and actively try to destroy as little of it as possible.

If it's not too late, you may be interested in This Post. I just minutes ago picked up this deal and activated it on Steam and you do get the base game with the purchase of the DLC for $2.50.

I've read nothing but bad things about Age of Empires 3. But I've played the hell out of AoE 1 and 2! The 2nd game was the best in my opinion and multiplayer was great!

It would be really cool if GOG could get these Microsoft games! Here are their wishlists:
Age of Empires
Age of Empires II

if you own aoe 2 hd on steam get the forgotten dlc , i got it recently and man its gotten a lot tougher and good challenge for old aoe 2 players , they just released the final campaign too

I did get that exact deal :-)
I saw the post about the deal and jumped on it, was quite nice LOL

Thanks for the info though, very nice of you!!

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