The game also implements a maximum gathering limit for each resource per one-third minute, which can be increased by doing research at the library. In Rise of Nations, an indicator is given as to how much of a resource is being gathered of a specific resource per one-third minute. In other strategy titles, resources simply increase by arbitrary amounts as peasants return resources to the drop-off facility. Secondly, unlike other strategy titles, Rise of Nations makes is easier to predict the income of resources. This makes civilians much more efficient and easier to manage. Instead of simply assigning an arbitrary number of civilians to woodcutting of a forest, a maximum number can be assigned to a resource gathering facility. Rise of Nations also offers a very different resource-gathering model than other real-time strategy titles.
The city model is one of the most unique elements to come out of a strategy title in a long time, a welcome change to an old formula. This offers a new gameplay dynamic focused on capturing cities, as when a city is captured all of the facilities used for resource gathering in that city become the property of the attacking nation. The benefit to this city model is that opponents can't simply sneak right outside your city and build a fortress or military facility, nor can they mine for resources within your national borders. Cities grow based on the number of buildings within them, and the larger the city the more difficult it is to capture it. Within these city limits, facilities for producing units, and collecting resources are present. For starters, Rise of Nations is based around a city model, as players create cities and have national borders. The gameplay strategy is completely different, and techniques that work well in other titles do not necessarily adapt overly well to Rise of Nations. Besides these issues, the sound engine in Rise of Nations is superb and extremely well developed.Īlthough it may appear to have a lot in common with popular strategy titles such as Empire Earth or Age of Empires, Rise of Nations is a very different game. I found the caption to occasionally get into the way of what I was trying to accomplish. It would be much more effective if these were simply indicated by a voice indicating you of the event, as. Some of the in-game messages, such as when an opponent begins constructing a wonder, are displayed on screen as captions.
The background music present in the game is also very enjoyable to listen to it seems to change depending on the current situation happening on screen. Overall, the graphical element of Rise of Nations is very well developed, one of the strongest aspects of the title.Īlong with the graphics engine, the sound effects in Rise of Nations are very engaging, albeit repetitive at times. Watching planes bomb a small city, only to come crashing down after taking a hit from anti-aircraft fire, or a barrage of missiles take down a building is really well animated.
Finally as one sinks to the ocean floor and vanishes, that is the atmosphere in Rise of Nations. A pair of 19th century battleships duel it out in the sea, watching as they pummel holes in each other. The structural models are also really well developed, as players advance through the technology tree the buildings become more modernized. Attack and defensive animations are fluent and flow nicely with the overall style. Environments are highly detailed, and models are well developed. Graphically, Rise of Nations is a very strong title. If you have never ventured into the title before, then it's definitely worth getting the bundle as the expansion adds a lot to the game. Published by Microsoft, Rise of Nations: Gold Edition contains both the original title and the Thrones & Patriots expansion in one bundle.
Big Huge Games first major entry into the PC gaming community is more than a surprise it is a welcome change to a proven yet repetitive formula. On the outside, it may look like a remake of Microsoft's Age of Empires, or Sierra's Empire Earth, but this one is a totally different monster to tackle.