Rise of Nations

Hoping to add a fresh twist to a stale genre, Rise of Nations boldly enters the real-time strategy fray with amazing graphics and a number of customizable gameplay modes. The inclusion of turn-based elements such as national borders and city relationships adds a new dimension to the usual tasks of collecting resources, researching, and building troops.

The technology tree breaks down into four categories: military, civics, commerce, and science. As you develop each of these areas, your nation creates various institutions and progresses through eight ages: Ancient, Classical, Medieval, Gunpowder, Enlightenment, Industrial, Modern, and Information. In the meantime, you're trying to conquer the world through a variety of methods, based upon different conditions for victory.

First-rate military and diplomatic strategy, easy-to-learn city management, stunning battle graphics, and tons of customizable options are only a few of the highlights that place Rise of Nations a rank above its predecessors. The game benefits mightily from its moderate pace--not as slow as Civilization and not as fast as Age of Empires. Borrowing the best from both strategy classics, Rise of Nations makes a strong claim for the real-time throne.