Rise of Nations

Rise of Nations is a real-time strategy game developed by Big Huge Games and published by Microsoft Game Studios, originally released in 2003. Blending classic RTS mechanics with turn-based grand strategy elements, the game spans eight historical ages from the Ancient Age to the Information Age. Players manage resources, research technologies, and command armies across randomly generated or scenario-based maps. The single-player 'Conquer the World' campaign resembles a board game similar to Risk, where strategic decisions on a global map influence real-time battles. Multiplayer supports up to eight players via online matchmaking. The game received critical acclaim for its innovative resource model, which features non-depleting resource fields and a market system, and its intelligent worker AI. Rise of Nations also introduced national borders and attrition damage, adding strategic depth. An expansion, Thrones and Patriots, was released in 2004.