Game of Thrones' The Mountain Loses To Age of Empires 4 Trebuchet
In celebration of the launch of Age of Empires 4, Xbox challenged strongman and Game of Thrones actor Hafþór Björnsson to out-throw a trebuchet, one of the most powerful weapons players will encounter in the game. Björnsson, perhaps best known for his role as Ser Gregor Clegane a.k.a The Mountain in the hit HBO series, put his skills to the test in a new Xbox Age of Empires 4 video, giving new meaning to the term "game launch."
Age of Empires 4 marks the return of the beloved real-time historical strategy series. Aside from a 2020 remaster of the third game, the franchise has been dormant since the original release of Age of Empires 3 in 2005, with many fans excited to experience what changes the new addition will bring to the existing formula. As well as promising to be one of the most historically accurate and immersive RTS games on the market, Age of Empires 4 will offer new game mechanics, 4K visual fidelity, and PVP and PVE multiplayer modes. Post-launch support is already planned for the game, with mods and custom game tools coming in 2022. Longstanding fans of the series are already hopeful for Age of Empires 4, with the game launch imminent.
In a new video, Xbox has pitted one of the world's strongest men against a Medieval-inspired trebuchet similar to those seen in the game. The trebuchet comes in at over 21 feet tall, with its arm weighing 220lbs. According to Xbox, the trebuchet has the power to launch items to around 230 feet, depending on their size and weight. Icelandic professional strongman and Game of Thrones' actor Hafþór Björnsson was challenged to out-throw the trebuchet, landing his basketball at an impressive distance of 149 feet. Unfortunately for Björnsson, the strong arm of the trebuchet managed to beat the throw with a distance of 201 feet. "I don't like losing," joked Björnsson after the defeat, admitting he was both "amazed" and "impressed" by the power of the trebuchet. The literal "launch" video, including a breakdown of how the trebuchet was made, can be watched below.
Watch the video on YouTube here.
Trebuchets will have an important role in Age of Empires 4, giving players the chance to use the powerful and historical Medieval siege weapons to bring down their opponents. According to the developer, some civilizations, including the English, will have siege engine upgrades, increasing their area of damage. One of the most powerful trebuchets in history, the Chinese Huihui Pao, will appear during one of Age of Empire 4's campaigns, making for a dramatic final showdown.
Xbox players will be able to delve into the historical adventures of Age of Empires 4 via the Xbox Game Pass subscription service, with the new release available to subscribers from day one. The game is one of many day one launches that players will be able to access through Game Pass, including the upcoming Forza Horizon 5 and Halo Infinite. Age of Empires 4 comes to Xbox Game Pass for PC on October 28.
Source: YouTube/Xbox