Thrones & Patriots goes gold

Rise of Nations: Thrones & Patriots, the expansion to GameSpot's 2003 strategy game of the year, has marched on to production. Published by Microsoft and developed by Big Huge Games, the historical RTS is set to conquer stores on April 27. Rated "T" for Teen, it will feature six new playable nations--including the Persians, the Dutch, and the Americans--each with its own abilities and unique units. New wonders of the world and government types will also be featured.