DS Age of Empires uncovered

The one problem with world domination in the digital age is that it has always been way too stationary. Quality empire-conquering games are plenty on land-locked desktop PCs and clunky laptops, but they haven't yet cracked the portable handheld market. Hoping to shake things up, publisher Majesco and developer Digital Eclipse want gamers to be Genghis-on-the-go with Age of Empires: The Age of Kings for the Nintendo DS.

Majesco today revealed more details on its portable empire-building simulator. The game will be derivative of Ensemble Studios' PC title Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, with new DS-exclusive features.

Unlike the real-time strategy Age of Empires games on the PC, the DS version will be turn-based. Players will once again begin in the Dark Ages and expand their realms through the Middle Ages as one of five different civilizations: the Britons, Franks, Mongols, Japanese, or Saracens.

As rulers of the land, players will lead more than 45 different unit types into battle, including samurai, bowmen, and monks, as well as specialized hero units based on historical figures such as Robin Hood and Joan of Arc. Science is the key to advancement, and researching technologies will give rise to new units and improve existing units.

Wireless support for up to four players will also be supported.

Developer Digital Eclipse is part of Foundation 9 Entertainment, the largest independent game maker in North America. In addition to Digital Eclipse, Foundation 9 also includes the brands The Collective and Backbone.