Age of Empires - The Rise Of Rome

Released in 1998 as the official expansion pack to Age of Empires, The Rise of Rome brought new life to Ensemble Studios’ groundbreaking RTS. While the base game explored the dawn of civilization through multiple ancient cultures, this expansion placed a strong emphasis on the Roman Empire and its rivals.

The expansion introduced four new civilizations – Romans, Palmyrans, Macedonians, and Carthaginians – each with unique bonuses and unit availability. The Romans, of course, became the centerpiece with access to powerful infantry legions and unique architectural style.

New units and technologies added more depth to the gameplay. The inclusion of the Scythe Chariot, Camel Rider, and Fire Galley expanded the tactical variety both on land and sea. Several balance adjustments were made to existing units, which improved the competitive aspect of multiplayer.

Perhaps the biggest gameplay improvement was the pathfinding and interface enhancements. Units in the original Age of Empires often got stuck or wandered aimlessly. The Rise of Rome introduced the “idle villager” button and smoother group movement, which made managing large armies and economies much easier.

The expansion also added new campaigns centered on historical events such as the rise of Rome and its wars against Carthage and other Mediterranean powers. These missions blended history with engaging scenarios, offering both challenge and educational value.

Visually, the game retained its 2D isometric style, but the Roman architecture and art assets gave it a distinct look. The soundtrack was updated with new tracks that complemented the epic Roman theme.

While it didn’t reinvent the game, The Rise of Rome significantly refined the Age of Empires experience. It extended the life of the original title until the release of Age of Empires II in 1999, and to this day it remains a beloved expansion among RTS fans.

Verdict:
A must-have expansion that polished the original Age of Empires, adding Rome’s grandeur to the RTS formula. It solidified Ensemble Studios’ reputation and laid the groundwork for future classics.