Rise Of Nations RTS: Any Good?

[Iron_Chef]

Is the RTS PC game Rise Of Nations and its expansion pack, Thrones And Patriots, any good? It seems like a more complicated version of Age of Empires in both gameplay and interface, but the graphics aren't quite as sharp. I loved Age (esp. Age of Mythology/The Titans) but am leery of shelling out cash for something either too similar (so as not to be "new" enough), or too different (so as to be different, but not as easy to interface with or understand quickly).

Opinions? Only vote if you've played either the full game or the demo.

 

[Iron_Chef]

Is the RTS PC game Rise Of Nations and its expansion pack, Thrones And Patriots, any good? It seems like a more complicated version of Age of Empires in both gameplay and interface, but the graphics aren't quite as sharp. I loved Age (esp. Age of Mythology/The Titans) but am leery of shelling out cash for something either too similar (so as not to be "new" enough), or too different (so as to be different, but not as easy to interface with or understand quickly).

Opinions? Only vote if you've played either the full game or the demo.

I've played the demo (learning scenario and Alexander The Great campaign) and while I like it, it seems like the heart and soul of what makes Age of Mythology so great is missing from Rise of Nations. By that, I mean, the emotional involvement you have with the various hero characters. Rise of Nations is more versatile in supporting a wider array of time periods, but the advancement in the quick battles is so fast as to be somewhat silly. One minute you're in the Dark Ages, the next you're driving tanks... An interesting game that could probably have turned out to be fantastic in the more capable hands of the Age of Mythology design team. I'd say it was decent, but would like to hear what other players think.

 

[Envel]

when i first played the full game i was like whoa, Age of Empires III.

the interface is really easy to understand, everything is simple. With the exception of grouping (you can, for example, have 1st army, and then within that have second artillery, maybe even first artillery, etc. i don't understand it yet.)

I highly recommend it.

btw, when does Thrones and Patriots come out, has it already?

 

[Iron_Chef]

btw, when does Thrones and Patriots come out, has it already?

The demo for Thrones & Patriots is out. Get it at http://download.com

 

[Envel]

The demo for Thrones & Patriots is out. Get it at http://download.com

thanks.

the screenshots and trailer look awesomethe microsoft site

 

[evildmguy]

With the limited choices, I thought I should explain my vote of Great, Go Buy It!

I don't like micro managed RTS games. I also don't like it when I have to somehow be perfect in managing RTS games or I have lost. The computer never messes up, I rarely play against someone, and I need to be near perfect myself or all is lost.

RoN isn't that type of game. There is some micro management with the armies but most other units can operate on "auto pilot" and figure out what to do next. (There is an alert to say when workers are idle.) The levels are tough but not impossible to do and mistakes can be made without having to sacrifice the game and start over.

RoN is also a quick game and I think it is *intended* to play that way. I can play a game in about an hour and go from stone age to max tech levels in that game. I personally like that style of play.

Something else I never understand was differences in units. While I understand it, I never see the units make that much of a difference. For example, infantry type A being good against vehicle type C. Infantry can be run over, so the vehicle is still slightly better but they might kill one or two. In any type of RTS game, I never saw the realized advantage of this because of game play.

I am a big fan of grouping and I do that. However, having no control over specifics, my big complain for any RTS is that I wish it would automatically have units do what they are good at without me. When I have to set things up at that level, I never am efficient at it. That's me.

Having said all of that, I love the ability to make four huge type groups and send them into the enemy. At this level of strategy, flanking and grouping matters and some tactics will work. (Again, I am not good at that level of strategy, so it is probably me.) And it is a lot of FUN! (I have the same fun doing the same thing in Star Trek Armada series of games.)

I haven't played the expansions. I did see a difference in what people you played because of the production and resource benefits. (Again, I don't see unit differences but that is me.)

I certainly enjoyed this game. I would say it does a good job of combining the elements of the orginal Civilization game, which I enjoyed a lot, with a good RTS as well.

I hope this helps! Have a good one! Take care!

edg

 

[Goodsport]

btw, when does Thrones and Patriots come out, has it already?

It hits stores this coming Wednesday (4/28/04).


-G

 

[Envel]

It hits stores this coming Wednesday (4/28/04).


-G

nice!

seeing as today is wednesday i will buy it tomorrow!

hoorah! i can't wait

 

[Pyrex]

You should definately give RoN a try. The 'Conquer the World' scenario mode is just too much fun.

Oh, and China is broken.

 

[Goodsport]

RoN is an absolute blast, and the Thrones & Patriots expansion pack adds much to it, including more civilizations, scenarios and options (including types of government).

If you already have RoN, definitely get T&P! If you're planning on getting RoN, make sure to get T&P as well!


-G