The release of Age of Empires IV hasn’t interrupted the continued development of content for its predecessor Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition. The new Mexico civilization, releasing 1 December 2021, will be the game’s most adaptable and strategically diverse yet, according to the creators.
The Mexico civilization is a new faction for the game inspired by the nascent Mexican nation. It is distinct from the Aztec civilization already in the game. Instead, it’s similar to the playable United States faction in that it advances through the ages by choosing from different federal states, with each unique state adding new cards to Age of Empires III’s deck feature.
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition
Image Credit: Xbox Game Studios
New dynamism
The developers emphasize the dynamism of the new Mexico faction. Rather than plumping for one game-changing Revolt, players can access different revolutions in each age. Electing for a revolution limits player options while emphasizing certain advantages. With Mexico, players can reverse their revolution and return to the typical age-up line of progression.
The DLC introduces new units to the game. They include the general, who can construct forts and inspire nearby combat units such as the soldato, a grenade and musket-wielding infantry unit; the saltador, a skirmisher available from the commerce age who can peek through fog of war; and the lance-wielding chinaco.
The cathedral houses new technologies, while the hacienda is a unique economic building that replaces the mill, estate and livestock pen. This can be toggled to produce food or coin automatically. It can also be garrisoned and upgraded, transforming it into a significant part of an economy.
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition
Image Credit: Xbox Game Studios
Historical battles
The expansion also adds a new Historical Battles scenario focused on the Cry of Dolores (Grito de Delores):
As the Bourbon Reforms granted the Spanish elite more power and diminished that of the church, resentment grew among the rural Mexican population. When news of Napoleon Bonaparte’s conquest of Spain reached the Americas, the words of a Catholic priest ignited the sparks of revolution.
Owners of the United States civilisation receive The Burning of USS Philadelphia scenario even if they don’t purchase the Mexico expansion, while owners of both the United States and Mexico DLCs receive The Battle of Queenston Heights historical battle.
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition
Image Credit: Xbox Game Studios
In a post on the Age of Empires website, the developers explained some of the historical inspiration for the new Mexico civilization. The historical figure Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla served as an inspiration for the priest character in the Cry of Dolores historical battle, while Ignacio Allende y Unzaga informs the general figure.
Because the Mexican flag is trademarked, the developers created their own flag using the official colours, inspired by the flag of the Army of the Three Guarantees.
