User Rating: 9.1 | Rise of Nations PC
Rise of Nations is a game I heard about in passing just a month or two ago, and didn’t think much of it until I decided to research a little into the game. I was immediately intrigued but also skeptical how blending two strategy concepts into one would work. I am happy to say Big Huge Games got it with near perfection. While the one player pick up games are RTS only they are steal a breath of fresh air. RoN takes different approaches on almost every aspect of the RTS conventions. For example, all technology upgrades are handled at your library, and unlike AoE/AoM where you only advanced ages you are also required to advance specific technology groups such as military, civics, economy, and science. Naturally only certain upgrades become available depending on the age and amount of technology you have researched. What is especially nice is that if you have multiple libraries you can research multiple technologies. Also rampant resource gathering and advancement is curbed by the fact that wealth and knowledge are not the easiest resource to gather. The solo player conquer the world campaign is also a refreshing change. It is the turned based component, but is mainly a strategic map for you to move armies, engage diplomacy, and other high level decisions. Only when you invade or are invaded does the campaign go into RTS. One of my largest complaints about the game is the lack luster graphics. While the game does not look bad and the individual unit animations are nice; the overall look of the game seems a little dated. Unlike its cousin Age of Mythology the environment is not 3D rendered, nor are the units. I believe it might have been more of a technical issue since the game can be very big, as can the number units. The multiplayer is fantastic as well. Direct IP connect, along with GameSpy ladder games work great and with little to no problem. If you’ve played and enjoyed either the Civilization or Age of Empires series then you will like this game. Highly recommended.
