ReClassEx reports this RTTI about our unit object:ĪVTRIBE_Combat_Object : AVRGE_Combat_Object : AVRGE_Action_Object : AVRGE_Moving_Object : AVGRGE_Animated_Object : AVRGE_Static_Object Thanks to Runtime Type Information (RTTI) this also gives insights about its inheritance hierarchie. Using CheatEngine I was able to find a pointer to a unit object, just by manual searching based on changing a units position. Much of the underlying code is exactly the same as in the original.įirst, I wanted to see if I can perform some actions through code. Quite a lot actually, since the game is mostly a graphic overhaul. What does a 90s networking architecture have to do with “Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition” released in November 2019? Missing or broken sanity checks would make it possible to send invalid commands that alter the game’s state in unintended ways.Īnd that would be devastating, wouldn’t it? Exploring the game This architecture implies that clients have to carefully inspect incoming commands and perform sanity checks on them. the validity of a command or the position of a unit) the simulation is in a “desynced” state and the match gets terminated if clients disagree about anything (e.g.every command sent needs to be verified and acknowledged by all players.any command a player sends (such as moving a unit) is sheduled to be executed two “turns” later.each client simulates the game on its own, there is no central server holding state.The AoE network architecture was designed in the LAN party era, commonly referred to as the 90s. but these few leaks were relatively easy to secure in subsequent patches and revisions. The gamasutra article also involved a curious paragraph: Because the game's outcome depended on all of the users executing exactly the same simulation, it was extremely difficult to hack a client (or client communication stream) and cheat. They had to simulate several hundred units for up to 8 (!) players on the internet. I stumbled upon an interesting gamasutra article about how the first Age of Empire games managed to accomplish a (at the time) daunting task. Naturally, I sucked at the game but got interested in how it works internally. While looking for a way to connect with nature during the corona lockdown (without leaving my basement ofc.), I stumbled upon AoE on steam. Like its predecessors it let’s you play online matches against real opponents. Numerous expansion packs and remakes have been published since.Įxactly twenty years after the original Age of Empires 2 was released, the “Definitive Edition” remake was published in 2019. BackgroundĪge of Empires (AoE) is a very popular real-time strategy game series with roots in the late 90s. Then I’ll explain how I interactively explored the game’s internals, until I could do things that should not be possible.Ī proof of concept that lets you instantly win every online match is provided at the end of the post. My efforts did not only educate me about lock-step simulation and 90s coding practices, but also lead to various multiplayer hacks.įirst I’ll give a brief background on the game’s multiplayer architecture. You can also experience new Civilizations and Campaigns with the Lords of the West DLC! Recent updates include a Battle Royale game mode, ongoing support for the Scenario Editor, Quick Play for easy social games, enhancements to the game UI, and more!Ĭhoose your path to greatness with an eye-catching and engaging remaster to one of the most beloved strategy games of all time.This blog post describes my lockdown project of (partially) reversing the popular 2019 videogame Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition. Head online to challenge other players in your quest for world domination with 35 different Civilizations. With over 200 hours of gameplay and 1,000 years of human history, improved experiences await. Frequent updates include events, additional content, new game modes, and enhanced features with the recent addition of Co-Op mode!Įxplore all the original Campaigns and the best-selling expansions like never before. Age of Empires II: DE features “The Last Khans” with 3 new campaigns and 4 new Civilizations. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition celebrates the 20th anniversary of one of the most popular strategy games ever, now with stunning 4K Ultra HD graphics, and a fully remastered soundtrack.
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