From today, Age of Empires III (2007) will no longer be available for purchase. After many years of support, we will be retiring the title from sale. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition will continue to be supported. In addition, on October 30, 2024 at 10am PT multiplayer services for the game will cease to run. This is due to the technology no longer being supported. If you own the game, you will still be able to play campaign and skirmish content.
Which is pretty funny because I distinctly remember AOE 3 being seen as a regression from 2.
I do remember liking the home city mechanics. Almost a roguelike in that you could improve your games over time out of band
I honestly prefer AoE 1, though I like both 1 & 2. Everything past 2 feels wrong.
Metaprogression
I think the home city shipments, training on blocks of 5, and no resource drop-off were vast improvements.