Publisher: Microsoft
Ages: teens & up
Parental
Advisory:
War theme
As expansion packs go, Microsoft's Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots is a first rate addition that makes Rise of Nations, a fantastic strategy game, even better. This expansion enables players to explore some 6,000 years of history as they amass powerful armies, build prosperous economies and perform acts of diplomacy.
In the first rate Rise of Nations (Daytrum Review of Rise of Nations), players build a city and then improve its infrastructure, create new cities and expand national borders. Gamers have the option to win through military might, economic power or diplomatic finesse.
The expansion pack introduces six new nations, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, which include the Americans, Lakota, Iroquois, Persians and more. There are 20 new units that include Persian elephants and US Marines and new wonders and government types. After creating a government, any nation, old or new, can choose how to be governed, which effects how units perform.
Four excellent new single-player campaigns let gamers control the course of history through historical events that changed the world: Napoleon, conquest of the New World, Alexander the Great and the Cold War. The single-play campaigns are outstanding additions that are challenging and fun to play. The game feels much the same and there are only minimal modifications to the game itself.
Fans of Rise of Nations will enjoy Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots expansion pack. It's hard to imagine, but the expansion pack definitely improves an already outstanding game.
5/20/04 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
