Ensemble Studios began work on their first fully 3D engine in January 2001. This new technology was named the BANG! Engine and marked a departure from previous historical simulations.
Players advance their tribe through four distinct ages starting with the Archaic Age. Upgrading to the Classical Age, then the Heroic Age, and finally the Mythic Age unlocks new units and technologies.
Atlantean admiral Arkantos leaves his home of Atlantis and his son Kastor to pursue the minotaur Kamos. Arkantos recovers the trident before proceeding to assist King Agamemnon in the Trojan War.
Age of Mythology sold 870,000 copies in the United States by August 2006 earning $31.9 million. It ranked as the country's tenth best-selling computer game between January 2000 and August 2006.
The Titans expansion released on the 30th of September 2003 adding the Atlantean culture and new titans. Critics received this addition with enthusiasm though ratings averaged slightly lower than the original version.