Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition is landing on Xbox Games Pass later this month, which means you’ll be able to play the remake of the 1999 classic Age of Empires 2 on the Xbox, and even through a browser-based cloud gaming system, as long as you have an Xbox Games Pass subscription.
We’ve known about this coming to the Xbox Game Pass for some time, but the recent release of a new trailer means it’s fresh again in our minds. All the features added to Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition will be included in the release, as well as the DLC, but also with a nifty new controller mode, which means you can play the groundbreaking RTS from the comfort of your sofa on your Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, or Xbox One. This is a pretty huge addition, and while we’ve seen console versions of classic RTS games in the past (Command and Conquer: Red Alert came to the original PlayStation, along with other RTS games), it’s not a usual addition in recent years, and it’ll be exciting to see how it performs.
You’ll also be able to play the game through Xbox Game Pass’s new and improving cloud gaming service, which means Age of Empires 2 will now be playable through a browser. Giving this level of accessibility to one of the true legends of the real-time strategy genre is a real win, and another reason to be excited.
Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition will be dropping onto Games Pass on January 30, but it won’t be alone. Also included will be Hi-Fi Rush on January 25, RoboQuest on January 30, and Inkulinati and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure All-Star Battle R on January 31st. However, keep a weather eye out for GoldenEye 007, the legendary Nintendo 64 game, which will be available through cloud and console gaming on Game Pass from January 27. That’s another true classic, and a real reason to grab Game Pass.
More games will be following in early February, including Darkest Dungeon and Grid Legends. Though, if you’re anything like us, you’ll be too deep in managing your empire to notice.