Project: Age of Empires IV: Yue Fei’s Legacy

Client: Relic, Worlds Edge

We Did: Music Composition • Music Production  • Orchestra Recording – Sound Design – Audio Integration

Composers: Nicolai Patricio, Christian Wirtz, Alexander Röder, Matthias Wolf

The Sound of Legend: Scoring Age of Empires IV: Yue Fei’s Legacy

History doesn’t just live in books; it lives in the thunder of drums and the haunting cry of a bamboo flute. We are thrilled to finally pull back the curtain on one of our fantastic projects: composing and implementing the full audio experience for the Age of Empires IV expansion, Yue Fei’s Legacy.

From the first sketch of a melody to the final mix, our team lived and breathed the Song & Jin Dynasty for months. Here’s a look behind the scenes at how we brought this legendary general’s story to life.

A Global Symphony

Yue Fei’s story required us to record historic instruments as well as an enormous symphonic orchestra. Just like the fans are used to hearing in Age of Empires 4.

• The Power: We recorded a full symphony orchestra to provide the sweeping, cinematic foundation that Age of Empires fans expect.
• The Soul: To ensure cultural authenticity, we collaborated with master instrumentalists in China and across the globe. The distinct timbre of the Guzheng, pipa, and bamboo flutes were recorded in highest quality in China and all around the world to serve as the emotional heart of the score.

Beyond the Notes: Implementation & Cinematics

We didn’t just hand over a folder of MP3s. Our team was embedded in the development process, handling the technical implementation to ensure the music reacts dynamically to your gameplay. Whether you’re peacefully building your economy or engaging in a desperate siege, the score shifts seamlessly with your strategy.

Furthermore, we took the reins on the sound design and music for all campaign cutscenes. We treated these as mini-feature films, layering foley, environmental ambience, and a custom score to make Yue Fei’s rise and sacrifice feel visceral and immediate.

“Our goal was to bridge the gap between historical reverence and modern gaming intensity. Every note played on a solo instrument in Shanghai had to feel right at home next to a brass section recorded in Europe.”

Age of Empires IV: Yue Fei’s Legacy is out now. Put on your best headphones—it’s time to lead.

AimSound Studios Shanghai, China

GuZheng: Wu Hao 吴昊

Recording engineer: Tang Jian 唐舰

Flutes: Veronika Vitazkova

Pipa: Christian Wirtz

Orchestral Recordings: Budapest Art Orchestra

Orchestration: David Christiansen

Postpro and mix: Christian Wirtz

Sound Design: Philippe Spankus, Severin Schwarz

Audio Integration: Philippe Spankus

Release Trailer