When Age of Mythology: Retold arrived in 2024, it wasn’t just a remaster; it was a revival. The legendary 2022 RTS returned with a modern sheen, updated systems, and the same larger-than-life battles that cemented it as one of the genre’s time greats.

Since then, it’s grown stronger, expanding its mythological scope with new stories and factions. We took a deep dive into the base game (here), and later explored the first expansion, Immortal Pillars (here). Now, the sage continues with “Heavenly Spear”, the second major expansion.

Promising to reshape the battlefield with fresh civilisations, units, and godly powers, it’s poised to stand as a defining moment in Retold, one that both honours its legendary roots and carves out bold new territory for strategy fans.

The campaign centers around a farmer’s daughter named Yasuko. She stumbled across a mysterious spear in the countryside, which at that moment changed her life forever. What starts as a small personal story quickly escalates into an epic battle between gods, yokai, and mortals.

Yasuko’s journey spans across twelve missions, which are surprisingly cinematic, mixing heartfelt character moments with massive, myth-fueled showdowns.

I feel like the developers made a point of making each mission feel like it’s been handcrafted with a purpose in mind. Early on, you’re defending small villages from invading warlords, and before you know it, you’re summoning storms and divine beings to crush armies.

The pace the developers set was fantastic, constantly introducing new twists, allies, and god powers to keep things interesting. It’s got that old school Age of Mythology spirit, but has been polished and refined for modern gaming.

​I could be a little biased here, but the highlight for me was the new pantheon of Japanese gods. There are twelve in total, and each one changes how you play the game. Raijin’s Thunder Drums can scatter entire armies, Fujin’s wind powers can create chaos on the battlefield, and Watasumi’s Dragon Typhoon is probably the most satisfying god power I’ve used in the game so far. I was a big fan that none of the gods felt overpowered, and they were all well-tuned.

I was a little surprised by the new Gauntlet mode. It’s a new co-op challenge where players battle through escalating encounters, unlocking blessings, and facing mythic bosses. It’s fast, replayable, and adds a different kind of challenge-focused content that the series has been missing.

Whether you’re a casual player like me or a competitive player, Gauntlet offers the kind of replay value that keeps you coming back and adds some spice.

Visually, Heavenly Spear continues to impress. The art direction captures the spirit of Japanese mythology with grace, shimmering temples, golden skies, and hauntingly beautiful soundscapes. The soundtrack blends traditional Japanese instruments with Age of Mythology’s signature orchestral flair, creating a tone that’s equal parts epic and serene.

Ultimately, Heavenly Spear is a triumphant addition to Age of Mythology: Retold. It feels like a true evolution of what made the series special, a fusion of myth, magic, and meaningful strategy. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the franchise.

Written by: Hayden Nelson