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    Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends

    Game » consists of 2 releases. Released May 09, 2006

    The latest in Big Huge Games' well-received Rise of Nations series, Rise of Legends introduces a new 3D engine, some gameplay innovations, and three unique factions: the steam-powered Vinci, the desert Alin, and the mysterious Mayan-like Cuotl. The game combines elements from both traditional RTS and turn-based strategy games.

    mercanis's Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends (PC) review

    Avatar image for mercanis

    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.

    Other reviews for Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends (PC)

      This game is more than meets the eye 0

      One of the most underrated strategy games made, it suffered from the exceeding amount of hype surrounding its release. While this game plays very similer to its spiritual predecessor Rise of Nations, there are some core differences in the game that make it stand appart, which will be out liined later.Rise of Legends is an RTS, or real-time-strategy, hosting the typical three factions, build a base, then attack your enemy. It also includes a single player campaign, and a access to multiplayer ove...

      1 out of 1 found this review helpful.

      Worth Playing 0

       Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends is an RTS game from the creative minds of Big Huge Games under the head designer Brian Reynolds. Interested from the moment I heard about the title, I viewed the E3 2006 Gamespot video on the game demonstration personally joined by Bryan. Then I remembered that Alpha Centauri, a 4X type game under Sid Meier moniker, was also largely his creative 'spin' on the genre. And the sterling resume of having developed many a game of the year candidate or proud wi...

      0 out of 0 found this review helpful.

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