Rise of Nations ships

Microsoft has announced that Rise of Nations is on its way to retail stores in North America. Rise of Nations combines the fast pace of RTS games with elements of turn-based strategy games, like those Brian Reynolds designed while he was at Firaxis. In the game, players build cities, develop their infrastructure, and expand their nation's borders in order to wage war. There are eight historical epochs that civilizations will develop through, each of which will have an authentic mix of units and present unique challenges. Players can take command of any of the 18 nations in quick single-player or multiplayer battles or engage in a long-term conquer the world campaign.

Rise of Nations will have a suggested retail price of $49.95. For more details, check out our previous coverage of the game.