Age of Wonders 4: Thrones of Blood

The main pros of the game

• Aesthetic Appeal: The vampire theme and visuals are well-received, with many players enjoying the gothic aesthetic and customization options for vampire rulers.
• New Mechanics: The introduction of new tomes, abilities, and units adds depth to gameplay, particularly with blood magic and the unique vampire ruler type.
• Fun Gameplay: Some players find the gameplay with vampires enjoyable, especially the thematic elements and the ability to create various vampire builds.
• Visual and Audio Quality: Many reviews praise the graphics, sound design, and overall atmosphere of the new content, enhancing the immersive experience.

The main cons of the game

• Content Scarcity: Many users feel that the DLC is lacking in content compared to previous expansions, with fewer new units, tomes, and overall gameplay features.
• Balance Issues: The vampire rulers are often criticized for being underpowered, particularly in the early game, making them feel less impactful compared to other ruler types.
• Gameplay Limitations: Players express frustration over the lack of transformations for vampires and the restrictive mechanics that limit their strategic options.
• Bugs and Glitches: Several reviews mention bugs at launch, including visual issues and gameplay quirks that detract from the experience.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• More Content Variety: Users express a desire for additional new forms or factions, particularly related to the vampire theme, such as batpeople or more diverse vampire abilities.
• Enhanced Customization: Players wish for more customization options that could allow for a wider range of vampire archetypes and gameplay styles.
• Additional Story Realms: Some reviewers feel that the single story realm provided is insufficient and lacks the depth and engagement found in previous DLCs.
• Balancing Adjustments: Many users hope for future updates to address the perceived weaknesses of vampire rulers, particularly in terms of gameplay balance and strategic viability.

Summary

• Overall, while Thrones of Blood adds some enjoyable content to Age of Wonders 4, many players feel it falls short in terms of quantity and balance compared to earlier expansions, leading to mixed reviews regarding its value for the price.

Summary generated on: December 1, 2025