[img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//35210618/ecbbefd80558243016e97fc43d3bb370ff4f5761.jpg[/img] One of the key goals with this DLC was to provide an engaging narrative experience, with memorable characters, beautiful presentation, and high-quality writing and voice acting. Below are just a few interesting ways CaptureAge approached the narrative – hope you like the results and are ready to jump into [b][i]Chronicles: Battle for Greece[/i] on November 14![/b] [hr][/hr] [b][i]Chronicles: Battle for Greece[/i] is available for pre-order now on Steam, Microsoft Store, and Xbox! Pre-order now for 15% off, and play on November 14th![/b] https://store.steampowered.com/app/2805520/Age_of_Empires_II_DE__Chronicles_Battle_for_Greece/ [hr][/hr] [h2]Cutscenes[/h2] [img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//35210618/bbb2b28bcf77d90718345a83356837dd2663901c.png[/img] The most obvious narrative change in this DLC is the switch to animated cutscenes. In the Achaemenid section of the campaign, these cutscenes are styled like Persian rock reliefs, while in the Athenian and Spartan sections of the campaign, they’re styled like Greek vase paintings. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, there were several other objectives for cutscenes. The first was to clearly convey enough historical information to put the upcoming scenario in context. Altogether, the cutscenes provide a concise but accurate summary of the real history which inspired this DLC. [img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//35210618/94e467a0b59165d0980d9be37d36a4fd85226e37.png[/img] The second objective was to make cutscenes a reasonable length – players should not miss out on narrative content because they don’t want to sit through an overlong movie! Finally, as well as being fond of Homeric similes and historical details, our narrator (whose identity will remain a secret for now) interprets events from an ancient cultural and religious perspective. This provides even more of the historical and cultural flavor of the time period. [quote]For more history, check out our previous post about the history behind [i]Chronicles: Battle for Greece![/i] [table equalcells=1 noborder=1][tr][td][/td][td][url=https://www.ageofempires.com/news/the-history-inside-chronicles-battle-for-greece/][img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//35210618/8872e11d0a7b35f21769b6c77485e9880098eac5.jpg[/img][/url][/td][td][/td][/tr][/table][/quote] [h2]Characters[/h2] [img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//35210618/b528dd4dd7ae14eeaa46ccc548db50891219b723.png[/img] Character-focused storytelling is at the heart of Chronicles. The 21-scenario campaign tells the story of the fifth century BCE through a few select characters, with many of the scenarios chosen to maximize those characters’ screen time. In contrast to other [i]Age of Empires II[/i] campaigns, cutscenes provide exposition and context, but the scenarios themselves to do the bulk of the character development. This means you’ll hear a lot more dialogue from the characters. Characters will also converse and respond to one another, developing complex friendships and rivalries. In each section of the campaign, the player will take on the role of one key character and get to know them in depth. They are also paired with contrasting side characters: the inexperienced, bookish, somewhat prickly administrator Artaphernes is advised by Datis, an unflappable, tough, but warm-hearted veteran; the devious, clever Themistocles is paired with the upright Aristides; the noble Brasidas must try to restrain the ruthless Lysander. These relationships evolve and grow across the campaign – and there’s a healthy dose of other antagonists and allies in the mix too. [table equalcells=1 noborder=1][tr][td][img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//35210618/e8998eda9d12ea1bf9dd076f5f6dd413f848bc0f.png[/img][/td][td][img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//35210618/8b29c9c4d9fc30b13674a3508d4395c0443efa51.png[/img][/td][td][img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//35210618/76fe4af7e2a2082c20ba80767ac2693c97ae5c73.png[/img][/td][/tr][/table] [table noborder=1 equalcells=1][tr][td][i]Best of enemies: Aristides and Themistocles[/i][/td][td][/td][td][i]The ruthless Spartan admiral, Lysander[/i][/td][/tr][/table] A special mention must be made for the spectacular cast of voice actors, who have brought incredible energy and variety to [i]Chronicles[/i] and allowed for a different approach to voice acting. They truly delivered and gave a distinctive and fitting sound to each of our characters. [h2]Gameplay[/h2] [img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//35210618/e6174cadfc2dff07ec288869c040238edfd910f5.png[/img] Each scenario has gameplay fitting the narrative and characters featured in them. When playing as the politician Pericles, for instance, players will have to maintain popularity with the people of Athens, while numerous scenarios featuring the vicious general Lysander have mechanics which reward violence and destruction. A huge amount of effort has been put into the presentation of the scenarios too. Magnificent cities, filthy siege camps, and war-torn landscapes are brought beautifully to life with a host of new scenario editor objects. The [i]Battle for Greece[/i] campaign is filled with carefully-crafted cinematic moments, from epic charges to city festivals to grand military parades. [h2]A Message from CaptureAge [/h2] This being our final dev blog before release, the CaptureAge team would like to take the opportunity to thank the community for their positivity and support. We wanted to create something new and different with [i]Chronicles[/i], and it’s incredibly gratifying to see fellow [i]Age of Empires[/i] lovers appreciating the enormous efforts we’ve put into our work! [i]Battle for Greece[/i] is just the first part of the [i]Chronicles[/i] story – and believe us when we say that there’s plenty of innovation still to come. [hr][/hr] [h2]Pre-Order Now![/h2] [b][i]Chronicles: Battle for Greece[/i] is available for pre-order now on Steam, Microsoft Store, and Xbox! Pre-order now for 15% off, and play on November 14th![/b] https://store.steampowered.com/app/2805520/Age_of_Empires_II_DE__Chronicles_Battle_for_Greece/