Rise of Nations is as solid as bedrock
User Rating: 9.3 | Rise of Nations: Gold Edition PC
Most interesting games seem to bend the rules a little bit, and Rise of Nations is no exception. In an obvious nod to the popular board game Risk, Big Huge Games has woven elements of global-level strategy with its efficient and exciting RTS keystone. Although the over-map portions seem to be a little anemic, the gameplay options they represent are startling to say the least. From complex diplomacy to "Give me what I want, or I’ll pummel you," this is a title that has a little something for everyone who loves good strategy coupled with solid gameplay. The story unfolds as you take the reigns of one of 18 different nations. From there, it’s your job to shape and mold your people’s future through war, diplomacy, and whatever other means you’re able to come up with. In terms of sheer variety, having the luxury of such a varied array of nationalities is a beautiful thing; but not all nations are created equal. Some have excellent bonuses incorporated with them, and others are decidedly ho-hum. However, after conquering a nation, you’re given its specific ability in the form of a card, which can be used before any battle – but can only be used once. You’ll also gain other cards which will give you permanent bonuses throughout your game, but choosing what nations to attack, and with which cards, is the kind of problem that strategy gamers love solving. In terms of nuts and bolts, advancing through civilization’s assorted ages is interesting, but the way these milestones affect your game is rather odd at times. Although the game does possess an internal "clock" of sorts that advances through the highpoints in humanity’s development (Classical Age, Age of Enlightenment, Industrial Age, etc.) on its own, you’re forced to re-research the different components that make up the innovations leading to the next major checkpoint over and over again until the game’s clock moves to the next age. I suppose it’s the nature of the RTS beast to have this kind of technology discovery repetition, but there must be a more fulfilling way to do it. As a pure real-time strategy title, Rise of Nations sizzles with excellent unit intelligence, intuitive formation building, and a mess of ways to gain political and military advantages over your foes. Each side seems to be well balanced, and if you play your cards right, some spectacular battles are in store for you. All told, Rise of Nations is as solid as bedrock. You’re not throwing your money away on something you’ll only enjoy for a scant few hours, and there’s a lot of fun to be had here. And with the addition of the expansion pack Thrones & Patriots adds more hours of fun and more bang for the buck.
