Gameplay and setting redeem the poor story and sound.
Rise of Legends has fantastic spirit. The races derive their unique look from very different sources of inspiration:
- The Vinci: Renaissance Italy; steam powers the often-bizarre sketches of Leonardo da Vinci
- The Alin: The classic tales of the Arabian Nights; genies, dragons, crystal, and sand
- The Cuotl: Mayan architecture powered by alien technology
As a Rise of Nations game, most of the innovations that made the original such a hit are back. The interface is small, simple, but effective. Commanding control groups, researching technologies, and creating armies is managed in the lower left of the screen, leaving plenty of room for viewing the battlefield.
The campaign incorporates both turn-based and real-time modes. During the world map turn-based mode, the player researches technology, moves an officer (sadly only one), and conflicts with the enemy. Losing a mission doesn't end the game for the player, making the game feel like a real back-and-forth war instead of a linear story.
The real-time portion of the game is better implemented. "Quick battle" modes are available for isolated, shorter rounds. The ability to change the difficulty setting during the campaign lends appreciated flexibility. The three factions drastically differ in appearance and play significantly different as well. This diversity provides many strategies and accommodates a variety of playing styles.
Rise of Legends uses the in-house Big Huge Engine. Models and their animations are clean and expressive though textures are bland. Shadows, fires, and explosions render quickly during some spectacular moments, especially between armies and enemy cities. The attention to detail, from the rumbling of Vinci steam pipes to the smoking Alin fire units, adds a nice touch.
A few minor glitches exist, though patching the game reportedly helps. In-game there are plenty of options (graphical and otherwise) from the basic to the advanced.
Unfortunately, the stale sound only detracts from the graphical wonderment. Musketeer rifles sound like muted crackles; epic battles are eerily quiet. The music is appropriately light-hearted and dynamically shifts to the bombastic when the occasion warrants.
Rise of Legends has flaws, the most obvious being the uneven sound quality and story telling. Beyond these woes lies a complex, creative, and thoroughly satisfying RTS game. A lengthy if dry campaign, skirmish mode, a scenario editor, and functional multiplayer promises hours of entertainment. Real-time strategy buffs will appreciate the game's creative setting and gameplay mechanics.