Revisiting the timeless strategy of a historical warfare
Rise of Nations: Extended Edition is a masterclass in real-time strategy game successfully blending civilization-building with fast-paced RTS action. This game remains a standout for anyone who loves guiding a nation from the Ancient Age to the modern Information Age.
Moreover, this edition of Rise of Nations: Extended Edition brings the classic 2003 experience into the modern era. By including the Thrones and Patriots expansion and introducing visual upgrades, it offers a comprehensive package that appeals to both nostalgic veterans and new players, ensuring the deep, age-spanning strategy remains polished.
Rise of Nations: Extended Edition’s gameplay loop is incredibly satisfying, allowing you to manage resources while expanding your borders. With 18 nations and over a hundred units, the variety is staggering. However, the dated user interface can feel a bit cluttered by today’s standards. While the Extended Edition improves textures, the unit pathfinding occasionally struggles, leading to frustrating moments when navigating complex terrain or narrow chokepoints during large-scale battles.
Deep mechanics
Strategy fans will appreciate the Conquer the World campaign, which provides a unique meta-game layer over the standard RTS skirmishes. It adds a sense of progression to every match. Despite these strengths, the multiplayer matchmaking can sometimes be inconsistent. While Steamworks integration is a great addition, finding a balanced game without a dedicated group of friends can take longer than expected, which might deter some casual players.
The inclusion of 14 Wonders adds a powerful strategic element, as each structure provides game-changing bonuses. Watching your empire evolve from hoplites to stealth bombers remains a thrill. Yet, the visual engine still shows its age. Even with improved water, the sprites can look pixelated when zoomed in, and the animations aren't as fluid as modern titles. It is a faithful restoration, but it definitely feels aged.
Classic strategy game
Ultimately, Rise of Nations: Extended Edition is an essential play for strategy enthusiasts. It bridges the gap between different sub-genres perfectly, offering a level of depth that few games have matched. While it carries some technical baggage from its original release, the updated features and massive amount of content make it a fantastic value. It is a brilliant journey that still deserves a spot in your library.
Pros
- Huge variety with eighteen unique nations
- Seamless progression through eight historical ages
- Includes the excellent Thrones and Patriots expansion
- Updated visuals and full Steamworks integration
Cons
- Unit pathfinding can be occasionally clunky
