The Buzz on Rise of Nations

G4techTV 5/5 - "Thrones and Patriots marks a newfound maturity for the genre of real-time strategy. The battles in Rise of Nations still take center stage. They are fabulous. But it’s the added complexity and context garnered from these new campaigns that keeps us coming back for more."

GameSpot 9.0/10  Editor's Choice - "In the end, Thrones and Patriots is a definite must-have for fans of Rise of Nations; the new nations offer up interesting variety and gameplay styles, while the new campaigns introduce the narrative drive and focus that the original campaign lacked."

GameSpy 4/5 - "Thrones & Patriots proves once again why Big Huge Games is in the process of building an almost flawless reputation previously held by RTS stalwarts Blizzard and Ensemble. It's an extraordinary addition to an already extraordinary game -- one that fits so seamlessly into the original title that once you've played it's almost impossible to imagine a complete Rise of Nations experience without it."

Computer and Video Games.com 89% - "What makes the campaigns such a joy are the masses of scenarios they contain - some 130 in all. Practically every individual territory now has its own associated mission, giving each game a unique flavour."

Fragland 90.7% - "The new campaigns are by far the best surprises that will keep you clustered to your screen for hours and hours. The whole has become even more than before one hell of a game and a must for every RTS lover!"

Armchair Empire 9.0/10 - "In a true stroke of genius, there are also spy missions in this campaign. In them you receive a bunch of spies with specific targets to destroy. Successfully completing these missions will grant your side special bonuses."

Daytrum 5/5 - "As expansion packs go, Microsoft's Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots is a first rate addition that makes Rise of Nations, a fantastic strategy game, even better."

GameOver 88% - "But what happens when you decide to release an expansion for a game that’s relatively flawless? Turns out you get...a solid foundation of accessible gameplay with a number of new features that helps to invigorate the entire gaming experience."

NetJak 9.5 - "Thrones and Patriots manages to double the immense amount of replay in the original Rise of Nations...."

EntDepot 8.5/Excellent - "Now, Thrones & Patriots takes the [RoN] formula, and while not fixing all the previous flaws, brings some much-needed diversity, as well as introducing some truly enjoyable campaigns."

IGN 8.9 - "The new campaigns and the new government system actually change (or at least reorient) the gameplay in some interesting ways, allowing gamers to shift the focus of their society and take on meaningful challenges that offer a stronger sense of direction."

GG Mania 80% - "There's no doubt the Thrones and Patriots will likely please fans of the original game with its boatload of new content and the 'government' gameplay feature."

GameZone 9.1 Editor's Choice - "Even after a year I still recommend that you purchase the original game, and really have to stress that if you want to get the full experience that you have to purchase this game, Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots. You will not regret this purchase, because it is one of the best RTS experiences you can find!"

Wham! 8.5 - "Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots is a great addition to one of the best RTS style games currently out there, and if you never got into the original, now would be the time to pick it up with the expansion – you won’t be disappointed."

Telefragged 92% - "I'm happy to say that this expansion pack elevates a challenging, engaging strategy game to a near-perfect level."

CGW 4/5 Stars - "The review of Thrones & Patriots that originally appeared in Computer Gaming World's July print edition is now available online. "There's almost enough gameplay packed in here for a full-fledged sequel, so it's definitely worth the price of an expansion pack."

UGO A- - "The new content that Big Huge Games has added in this expansion pack subtly adjusts how the game is played, and it works very well."

Web Wombat 80% - "All in all, a nicely put together expansion pack from the cyborg assembler drones at Microsoft Games which gives all you strategy fans several good reasons to continue playing Rise of Nations..."