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I'm an RTS fan, not the most skilled but a fan nonetheless. I wanted to highlight one of my favourite RTS's in my first Classic Game Display so if you're a fan like me, this game is definately worth trying.

In 2003, Microsoft published Rise of Legends which is the follow-up in their previously popular "Rise of Nations"-series which features classic RTS gameplay with some twists and spins.

Not only a game with extremely pretty and functional graphics for it's time but also a very potent gameplay factor as you choose one of three sides; Vinci (human technology), Alin (magic) or Cuotl (alien) to battle over the territory given.

What separates RoL from the classic RTS is the points you get by conquering territories on the Strategic Map which is where you manage your cities during your campaign. These points are used to purchase upgrades for your armies, heroes and new troops for your skirmishes, much like Civilization, only that the actual battles are full scale RTS. Yes, it was one of the first RTS to use the "Hero"-concept, which you can find in most other RTS's today.

The skirmishes are epic, nuff said. If you like massively huge armies, land and air with lots of upgrades and map points to capture this is the game for you. Unlike it's predecessors it doesn't completely suffer from stalemate battles but they can drag on for quite some time, cascading back and forth. There is just so much to play with; from small riflemen to huge tanks and hulking Clockwork Men to Siege Zeppelins.

Playing the campaign you're also treated to a nice story for each side with cutscenes between the important territorial battles. Just like mentioned about the graphics, these still look darn good for such an old game.

Rise of Legends received much acclaim when it released for it's innovative and immersive gameplay. The negatives were given for being very spec demanding and resource hogging. Ironically, it's still extremely playable due to that same fact; it's graphics-heavy environments and overall audiovisual experience. Most of all, it's just damn fun.

So if you're an RTS fan like me and you've missed this one I suggest you go and give it a whirl, I promise that you won't regret it. Rise of Legends is a milestone in gaming history in my book.






Lexion - Old School