First off, let me explain something to you.. I am a snob.. a full-out over-the-top snob. I cut my teeth on hex-based wargames, throw in a healthy dose of turn based strategy and top it off with computer chess. This is why, in the past, I have been guilty of scoffing at the "strategy" in real-time strategy games.. after all, where's the strategy in building heaps and heaps of units and throwing them haphazardly at your opponent?

Imagine my surprise, then, when after only a few games of Big Huge Games' newest addition to the Genre - Rise of Nations, I found myself totally and utterly hooked.

Now, I am not saying that Rise of Nations (now and forever more referred to as RoN) is anything new, as far as RTS goes, most of the features and gameplay ideas will be very familiar to any RTS fan. Where RoN really knocks it out of the park is in terms of how well these existing ideas are sculpted on to a very solid engine.

RoN takes players from the Ancient Age, complete with Spear Chuckers, Slingers and blokes with Pointy Sticks, through the Medieval Ages with Knights and Catapults, past the Gunpowder Age all the way through to Modern Day with Stealth Bombers, Cruise Missiles and Flamethrowers and pretty much everything in between. Needless to say, this isn't anything revolutionary, but RoN is so polished, so flawless in its approach that you may be forgiven thinking that this is the first time. I felt like an RTS virgin all over again.

Players have the option of leading one of 18 nations through the history books in the quest for ultimate dominance, and each nation has its own distinctive units as well as special strengths, or powers. BHG (Big Huge Games) have taken extreme care in balancing all of these nations, so playing each one not only helps the player understand their opponents, but also dramatically increases the replayability - a frequent let down in other titles of the genre.

Players have the option of fighting on a myriad of maps, against 1-7 computer opponents as part of the "quick battle" scenario, and there is a veritable host of options and game styles from the traditional free for all, deathmatch, to more unusual play styles like "Assassin" and "Musical Chairs". Assassin is my personal favourite as the player is assigned a target nation to strike against, and is at huge penalties if he should try to attack another nation not on his hit list. It may sound a little unusual, but when you play it for yourself, you’ll see exactly what I mean.

The campaign in Rise of Nations is almost a game within a game. Called "Conquer the World", it places all of the 18 nations on the world map and the player must decide whether to use diplomatic, monetary wealth or military power to conquer each of the 50-odd territories. If he chooses to opt for a military solution, it spawns a real-time scenario, and I feel this works excellently to flesh out the bridge between a scope more akin to a turn-based game, to the ferocious face-off that is the real-time portion of the game.

As one would expect, there are a number of difficulty settings versus the AI, and in my long (very) years of experience, I have not seen AI this polished before. The computer plays smart, and aggressively and on most of the settings, does not "cheat". Muchos kudos to BHG - the AI routines used in RoN should be a standard all future strategy games need to aspire to.

Comments

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  1. Ferrago_Adrian Unregistered 6 years ago

    I actually was very comfortable with the feel of AoE. AoE, back in its day, was a solid title, and that helped me settle into it well.

    But agree totally with you on the Campaign front... makes a very nice change from previous offerings.

  2. Nick Unregistered 6 years ago

    It has so many great little touches, this game. Every sensible RTS convention is here, plus nice useful additions.

    Like the way drag-box selection doesn't mix military units and workers, so if you need to grab a fighting squad at a moments notice you don't have to worry about stray civilians ending up in battle.

    Or the automatic unit management for idle workers.

    Just great design, through and through. It deserves to sell well, and I hope it does.

  3. Glaukon Unregistered 6 years ago

    I have been playing RTS games for a very long time...Dune(the original Westwood Game). Not since then have I ancountered a game that I have enjoyed so much. This game has been the only thing I have played since its release.....and I haven't payeed a game like that since......warcraft.
    A truly great game.

  4. Etan Unregistered 4 years ago

    Yeah i lossed my RON disc but i still got the expansion anywhere i can download the game?

  5. Dragoonos Unregistered 4 years ago

    Plzzz write me where i can download full verion of RON dragon85sw@interia.pl

  6. ADITYA Unregistered 4 years ago

    HI I would like to know if anyone knows where I can download the full version of Rise Of Nations

  7. theguyoverthere Unregistered 4 years ago

    this site is so cool!!! its neatooooooo!!!
    and ill never go to jail

  8. Dudester Unregistered 4 years ago

    please send me a link at

    Mark_Hughes5@hotmail.co.uk

  9. Nick.W Unregistered 3 years ago

    hmmm... Hi, I got something to ask, is the site http://dl.njfiw.gov.cn/softwares/%D3%CE%CF%B7%D3%E9%C0%D6/%b9%fa%bc%d2%b5%c4%e1%c8%c6%f0/%b9%e2%c5%cc%d3%b3%cf%f3/
    one of you guys posted indeed the full download? And does it include Thrones And Patriots???? Thx.

    If anyone knows where I can download the full versionof thrones and patriots, please tell me, and post it. THX!

  10. Nick.W Unregistered 3 years ago

    Where can I find a site to download a full version of Rise Of Nations : Thrones And Patriots?????

    Could anyone please tell me, thanks!!!!!

  11. philip Unregistered 3 years ago

    no comment

  12. fillip Unregistered 3 years ago

    the game is realy cool

  13. oomey Unregistered 3 years ago

    k is that link actualyl the reald deal cuz i dotn want it to be e avirus

  14. Noob Unregistered 3 years ago

    where i can download aoe 1 or 2 full version?

  15. Tiago Unregistered 3 years ago

    i have done it i have got rise of nations not the new but it´s
    cool for that you have to have emule razorback 2.0

  16. johnny Unregistered 3 years ago

    anybody know where to find a complete download for aoe

  17. fel_ton Unregistered 3 years ago

    please could someone send the full rise of nations game to fel_ton1@hotmail.co.uk

  18. Nelly - Ville Unregistered 3 years ago

    Ok this is aimed at KRAKA!.... i am interested in this torrent, P2P thing you were talking about could you plz tell me more about it, because i too was looking on how to download a variety of games through a certain program ... i would be much appreciative thanks :)

  19. Robetox Unregistered 3 years ago

    If you know when I can Download full wersion of Rise of nations please send me an email. Durboune@atlas.sk

  20. zach Unregistered 3 years ago

    please tell me where to download Rise Of nations plain and simple at iopitz@comcast.net

  21. mithun Unregistered 3 years ago

    waste

  22. sxyassmthrfkr@yahoo.com Unregistered 3 years ago

    does anyone know where i can get a free copy of rise of nations. i have an image runner so i can post a cd image.

  23. ian Unregistered 3 years ago

    Could anyone tell me where the full download of RON is i used to have the CD for it but I lost the disk Please email me at iopitz@comcast.net

  24. ?undeground Unregistered 3 years ago

    help, Where is he download site

  25. israfil Unregistered 3 years ago

    iyi

  26. Alin Unregistered 3 years ago

    E tare It is ok :-)

  27. Evan Paret Unregistered 3 years ago

    I for one enjoy the challenge of Rise of Nations. but for all the years I have played, the computer AI has gotten easy to beat, even on toughest. The computer needs to be given the ability to think. instead of just being agressive.and we also need more unique units, and nations, in order to maintain the games popularity.

  28. shadow3 Unregistered 3 years ago

    where can i download the full version of riise of nation at binnybd@comcast.net

  29. rise of nation Unregistered 3 years ago

    they sould put canada in there

  30. help!! Unregistered 3 years ago

    NVM i got itn :-)

  31. help!! Unregistered 3 years ago

    NVM i got itn :-)

  32. Anony Unregistered 2 years ago

    Buy the friggen thing its 30 fricken dollars god!

  33. alrefai Unregistered 2 years ago

    this web is v.nice ....

  34. Jeffrey Unregistered 2 years ago

    Why dosen't someone just pirate the CD!!!I just want a free download!

  35. Jeffrey Unregistered 2 years ago

    Why dosen't someone just pirate the CD!!!I just want a free download!

  36. shree Unregistered 2 years ago

    plz help me to get full version of ron at shri_spidy@yahoo.co.in

  37. shree Unregistered 2 years ago

    plz help me to get full version of ron at shri_spidy@yahoo.co.in

  38. mikoo Unregistered 2 years ago

    hiiii i want to play conquer,,,,,,,,,,

  39. TIANNA RILEY Unregistered 2 years ago

    I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WERE I COULD DOWNLOAD RISE OF NATIONS FOR FREE PLZ TELL MII I LUV THA GAME I PLAY IT AT SKOOL SOO YER......

  40. barni Unregistered 2 years ago

    could someone tell me from where can i download the full game?:) it's a great game. i like it even more than aoe:) i've played all versions of aoe:) it's great, but somehow i like this even better. thanx

  41. fsf Unregistered 2 years ago

    sf

  42. mid8 Unregistered 2 years ago

    tttttthhhhaaaannnnnkkkkkxxxxxxxx

  43. gouriwhocares Unregistered 2 years ago

    plz send full ver of rise of the nation

  44. sreyas Unregistered 2 years ago

    eeem nice

  45. jhj Unregistered 2 years ago

    hjhj

  46. Sunny Singh Unregistered 2 years ago

    can anyone plz teel me where can i find RoN full version 4 free. Plz e-mail me at rebelcyberus88@yahoo.con

  47. -=aka=-Zeus Unregistered 2 years ago

    I don't have version full of Rise of nations.Meine id ist:andy_batista97 add your list of massanger !!!

  48. karlkani 1 year ago

    Where can I find a site to download a full version of Rise Of Nations ? in direct link ... not with bittorran !

  49. jkdjsKLJDKs;a Unregistered 1 year ago

    cool game but can I play for free

  50. Savior Unregistered 1 year ago

    http://angernet.org/

    here is thou free download. has every expansion pack too!

  51. Savior Unregistered 1 year ago

    http://angernet.org/

    here is thou free download. has every expansion pack too!

    it is a very slow download though, i recommend you start at night, turn of monitor, and play completed thing in morning

  52. anujmi6@yahoo.co.in Unregistered 1 year ago

    from where i can download rise of the nations full version free

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  56. Annoyed Unregistered 1 year ago

    Is there any way to fix a scratched cd? my disc is pretty messed up and I can't play it anymore.

  57. Hot Unregistered 1 year ago

    HI I would like to know if anyone knows where I can download the full version of Rise Of Nations

  58. ipunkmanis@yahoo.co.id Unregistered 1 year ago

    HI I would like to know if anyone knows where I can download the full version of Rise Of Nations.

  59. dog Unregistered 1 year ago

    u suck

  60. zachsean 1 year ago

    zachary

  61. zachsean 1 year ago

    zach
    sean
    nick

  62. madhu Unregistered 1 year ago

    I actually was very comfortable with the feel of AoE. AoE, back in its day, was a solid title, and that helped me settle into it well.

  63. khalil Unregistered 1 year ago

    thank you really

  64. fsdsds Unregistered 1 year ago

    fsdfsdfgfdg

  65. Khatebovisch Unregistered 9 months ago

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  66. emre lafanta Unregistered 8 months ago

    ya super

  67. l33t Unregistered 8 months ago

    H4X

  68. zega Unregistered 8 months ago

    yhuj

  69. 2229286 Unregistered 7 months ago

    If any one here recognize this account. Please send me a direct link download to rise of nation at cancai100@yahoo.com. or 2229286@gmail.com

  70. ahmed Unregistered 7 months ago

    i want to know where is the full version of rise of nation pleazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

  71. ahmed Unregistered 7 months ago

    if any body knowes pls send it at ahmed_ame2001@hotmail.com

  72. DANIELIUS Unregistered 7 months ago

    HOW DO I DOWNLOAD ALL OF THE FULL OF RISE OF NATIONS THE FULL BUT MY FRIEND DWNLOD IT SO Y CAN'T I LIKE FFS,THNKS

  73. Ommar Unregistered 6 months ago

    Take this link to download full rise of nation :
    http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5UKKBU8F

  74. soton Unregistered 6 months ago

    Tigran

  75. CMON Unregistered 6 months ago

    plz can u also post the password for the rar file

  76. jrftjitr Unregistered 5 months ago

    kjkjrtkyrkrykrykrykyr

  77. 5yu5u54eu Unregistered 5 months ago

    eueruerue

  78. rehyrehreh Unregistered 5 months ago

    rehjrejherjh

  79. accord275 5 months ago

    please tell me where to download Rise Of nations plain and simple at accord275@yahoo.com

  80. troy Unregistered 5 months ago

    thanksss

  81. troy Unregistered 5 months ago

    thanks

  82. kreg Unregistered 5 months ago

    I just want to play

  83. dani Unregistered 4 months ago

    tf

  84. tom Unregistered 4 months ago

    how i download this game full version for free

  85. gogi1313 Unregistered 4 months ago

    rise of nations

  86. mr.p Unregistered 4 months ago

    link: http://dw.com.com/redir?edId=3&siteId=4&oId=3001-7483_4-10519805&ontId=7483_4&spi=fc483f635a6316cb1f715c1af03dbeeb&lop=txt&pid=10519804&mfgId=64523&merId=64523&pguid=dDcVxQoPjAAAABULG7sAAACC&destUrl=http%3a%2f%2fsoftwarex-files.download.com%2fsd%2f4LzMP6LICwfGoykktZisztJyOD7yEjXD2rvf2NBWCzNEQZIA8w4zFYeTUbX8ci5gERLBiPVNY_opRy75G04hhL8QT99dYZ2A%2fsoftware%2f10519804%2f10519805%2f3%2fsetup.exe%3flop%3dlink%26ptype%3d1901%26ontid%3d7483%26siteId%3d4%26edId%3d3%26spi%3dfc483f635a6316cb1f715c1af03dbeeb%26pid%3d10519804%26psid%3d10519805

    trust me its working

  87. iwan Unregistered 4 months ago

    day woodsmen

  88. mamon Unregistered 3 months ago

    fsdfsadf

  89. tz Unregistered 3 months ago

    the game is so cool i really want this game from the bottom of my heart

  90. dekym Unregistered 3 months ago

    hey um the only place i know were to get rise of nations is to download it off katz rapid share just go google type in katz and search the games!

  91. Zidax Unregistered 3 months ago

    can someone can tell me the password of the rar file for rise of nations pls??? send me the passsword through yahoo messanger : ianrafael_14@yahoo.com thx for help if ever u have

  92. punit Unregistered 2 months ago

    asd

  93. mustafakemal Unregistered 2 months ago

    let's play;)

  94. sa Unregistered 2 months ago

    good

  95. chaptac Unregistered 2 months ago

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  96. Mustafa Unregistered 1 month ago

    This is game verygood I playing this game before !

  97. Emad Unregistered 1 month ago

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  98. qasim Unregistered 1 month ago

    hi

  99. qasim Unregistered 1 month ago

    hello

  100. qasim Unregistered 1 month ago

    hi

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