Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots trial version available now
by Kit

Friday, April 23 2004

Trial version allows gamers to choose from four new nations.

Microsoft Game Studios today announced that the Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots trial version is now available from the game's official site at http://www.microsoft.com/games/thronesandpatriots/. The Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots expansion pack will hit North American stores on April 27, but gamers will be able to get their first taste of this spring's most anticipated strategy game by downloading the trial version today.

In the trial version, gamers can choose between four nations: the Persians from the expansion pack, and three others from the original game. Players will be able to play through the tutorial and then get a taste of the Alexander the Great campaign, one of four historical campaigns in the retail version. Gamers will also be able to try their hand on the battlefield on one of three different random map types. This stand-alone trial version does not require gamers to own the original retail version of Rise of Nations.

Developed by Brian Reynolds and Big Huge Games, Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots adds the Americans, Persians and four other new nations; as well as four new historical single player campaigns, including Napoleon and the Cold War. The expansion adds more than 20 new units, such as massive Persian war elephants and US Marines. Players will also be able to build new strategic wonders and create governments for their nation. After creating a government, any nation, old or new, can choose exactly how to be governed, which has far-reaching effects on how units perform in various situations. The all-new single player campaigns will allow gamers to control the course of history during historical events that changed the world. The estimated retail price of Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots is $29.95 (U.S.). For more information about Rise of Nations: Thrones & Patriots, please visit the official site at http://www.microsoft.com/games/thronesandpatriots/.

--- Kit