In 2003, Microsoft Game Studios released a then-new PC strategy game from developer Big Huge Games, the studio founded by ex-Firaxis designer Brian Reynolds. The game was called Rise of Nations, and it blended the era-spanning historical flavor and technology of Civilization with the real-time combat of Age of Empires.

By any standard, the game was a success, topping the charts and earning numerous critical accolades, including GameSpot's PC Game of the Year. It also spawned a nearly-as-acclaimed expansion, Rise of Nations: Thrones & Patriots, which added new content and gameplay types, including the popular "conquer the world" campaigns, based on Alexander the Great, Napoleon, the conquest of the New World, and the Cold War.

Now a new game is being added to the Rise of Nations pantheon--one that takes the franchise down a new path. Today, MGS and Big Huge Games announced Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends, a new RTS that abandons history in favor of sci-fi/fantasy. The game will pit four rival civilizations against each other--two that wield technology, and two that use magic. The game will also feature a streamlined resource system, an all-new 3D graphics engine, the realistic Novadex physics engine, and a host of new magical and alternate-history industrial units.

For more details on Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends, check out GameSpot's E3 2005 preshow first look at the game, which includes a video interview with Reynolds himself.