I never played AoE1, but AoE2 and AoE3 were both great. I'd take either type, but I can't possibly see them making one like the first two. Game companies generally don't take steps backwards. It would be SUPER risky. They would never do it.
I liked AoE2 and 1 because it had to deal with physical combat...AoE3 moved into the era where it was all guns/cannons . I'm sure that's the main difference between the AoE games.... Not saying I don't like AoE3 because I really do, just pointing out that's one of the main differences and why some people might of lost the love for it