Age of Wonders: Planetfall | A Mixed Bag of Strategy and Repetition
Edited By
Omar Ali
July 24, 2025
Triumph Studios’ Age of Wonders: Planetfall brings a twist to the 4X strategy genre, blending vibrant factions and engaging combat with a controversial pacing that has left some players divided. Released in 2019, this game invites players to command various space races while reclaiming a galaxy after a cataclysm. But does it hit the mark?
The Highs: Engaging Combat and Surprising Depth
Players are drawn to Planetfall for its intense combat mechanics. Many rave about the game’s ability to employ diverse strategies in early skirmishes. "Every new race I’d look at their tech tree and immediately start looking for the self-heal/regeneration abilities since those were often the most busted," one player commented. The distinct races, from space elves to space dwarves, create a dynamic experience.
The campaign mode has been praised, particularly for its moral choices, offering a refreshing layer to the gameplay. "I appreciate having a reason to commit genocide," noted another player, demonstrating the game's narrative engagement.
The Lows: Predictability and Repetition
However, not everything is stellar. A common frustration is the predictability after a number of turns when victory becomes apparent, yet the artificial intelligence fails to surrender. "It needs a 'You’re f***ed, you know that right?' button to force the CPU to quit,” shared one frustrated player.
Combat can also become tedious once players establish an overpowering strategy. After forming a “doom stack,” auto-resolving battles reduces the thrill that once gripped players.
The Neglect: Weak Non-Combat Elements
In contrast to the robust combat, the game’s non-combat mechanics feel underdeveloped. Players have noted that diplomacy often revolves around simple actions, like complimenting opponents, rather than engaging in deep strategy. "Wasn’t the strategy part of the plan?" questioned one critic, pointing out a disconnect in the gameplay experience.
Final Thoughts: Worth It?
Planetfall doesn’t stray far from typical 4X tropes, and while its combat shines, it fumbles in areas that make for a full gaming experience.
"The story mode is fun, but is it enough to lure 4X fans from Civilization?"
Notable Reactions
Positive Sentiment: Excitement for combat mechanics and promising campaign.
Critical Views: Disappointment over repetitiveness and shallow non-combat features.
Anticipation for Future: High hopes for smoother mechanics in a sequel amidst calls for polish.
Key Insights
✅ Planetfall boasts deep combat strategies, but falls short in pacing.
⚔️ Many fans find early game skirmishes engaging, but later turns mundane.
📜 Limited diplomacy options frustrate and undercut intended complexity.
This title faces a mixed reception among fans and newcomers alike. Can the next installment fix these issues and unify the community?
Predictions and Probabilities
There’s a solid chance that the developers will address the pacing and non-combat mechanics in their next update or sequel, especially given the critical feedback. Experts estimate around a 75% likelihood that Triumph Studios will prioritize enhancing diplomacy and providing more engaging non-combat strategies to balance what players love about Planetfall’s combat. Additionally, if they listen closely to community demands, we might see improvements to AI behavior, with about a 60% chance that they will implement more responsive strategies that echo players' expectations during late-game scenarios. Such changes could unify the player base and enhance the franchise's reputation as a serious contender in the 4X genre.
Echoes from Time
Drawing a parallel to the evolution of the Final Fantasy series, we see a similar trajectory where initial entries amazed players with innovative mechanics but suffered from repetitive gameplay in sequels. One standout example is Final Fantasy XIII, which faced criticism for its linearity and lack of depth, yet its follow-ups embraced feedback with world-building and character development that brought fans back into the fold. Just like Planetfall, the Final Fantasy franchise learned to adapt and innovate over time, proving that even in a genre rife with expectations, responsiveness to feedback can lead to a revitalization worthy of its dedicated fanbase.