Age of Mythology: Retold DLC Faces Review Bombing

The Age of Mythology: Retold Legacy Deity Portrait Pack is currently experiencing a wave of negative reviews, with disgruntled users review-bombing the DLC. The backlash began during the game’s early access week, quickly gaining traction across online platforms.

Released on September 4 for Xbox Series X/S and PC, Age of Mythology: Retold launched as a day-one title on Xbox Game Pass. While officially promoted as a remaster, the game offers more than just upgraded visuals, with substantial improvements thanks to the revamped Bang Engine and many newly created assets. It’s essentially a faithful rebuild of the beloved 2002 real-time strategy (RTS) game.

Legacy Deity Portrait Pack Receives 'Very Negative' Reviews on Steam

Although the base game is being met with generally favorable reviews, one DLC item has stirred up significant controversy. The Legacy Deity Portrait Pack allows players to switch their deity portraits to the ones featured in the original Age of Mythology—but it comes at a price of $6. Many fans find this pricing questionable, reflected by the nearly 200 "Very Negative" reviews the DLC has accumulated on Steam.

Player Reactions to AoM: Retold Deity Portrait DLC

Steam may not permit users to review items they haven’t purchased, but many players accessed the portrait pack through the Age of Mythology: Retold Premium Edition, which includes the DLC. A vocal segment of this group expressed their displeasure, criticizing the decision by Xbox Game Studios to charge $6 for portraits that date back 22 years. Many of these frustrated fans argue that they’ve supported the Age of Mythology series for decades, making this add-on feel like an unnecessary cash grab.

Some users also believe that the default portraits included with the game are designed to encourage players to buy the replacements, as they feel lackluster compared to the paid ones. Others went a step further, claiming that even the legacy portraits fail to live up to the originals, with noticeable quality degradation—such as reduced detail on Loki’s tunic. Interestingly, even some users who left positive reviews felt the portraits should have been free but recommended the DLC due to the overall affordability of the $49.99 Premium Edition.

Mixed Reception: Game Praised, DLC Criticized

Despite the criticism aimed at the portrait pack, Age of Mythology: Retold itself is enjoying a positive reception. Over 4,000 "Very Positive" reviews on Steam highlight the game’s updated graphics, enhanced accessibility, and timeless appeal. On OpenCritic, the game holds a "Strong" rating with an aggregate score of 83 and an 86% recommendation rate. Reviewers have applauded the remaster for successfully modernizing a classic without losing the charm that made it iconic.

While the Age of Mythology community continues to debate the portrait DLC, the game’s solid foundation and overall reception indicate that it remains a worthy addition to the RTS genre. Whether the controversy surrounding the DLC will affect the game's long-term success remains to be seen, but for now, the base game continues to shine amid the drama.