Microsoft releases Extended Edition of Rise of Nations

Microsoft plans to release an Extended Edition for Rise of Nations, a real-time strategy game released in 2003. The game features the original gameplay with improved graphics and is released via Steam.

The Rise of Nations Extended Edition appeared on Steam and is due out next month. Users who pre-order the game, including the expansion packs Thrones and Patriots, will receive a 20 percent discount on the original purchase amount of 20 euros. The game, in which players must build a base and wage war with others, came out in 2003. The Extended Edition emphasizes improved graphics, while the gameplay remains more or less the same.

Microsoft has built-in support for several Steam features in the Extended Edition, which is made by SkyBox Labs, allowing users to earn achievements and play with others online. Steam Trading Cards are also present and there is integration with the live video streaming service Twitch.tv.

According to Polygon, Microsoft has bought the rights to Rise of Nations from 38 Studios, which filed for bankruptcy some time ago. The game studio was already developing an Extended Edition at the time. The auction, which sold 38 Studios’ properties, took place in December.

Previously, Microsoft already released remakes of Age of Empires II and Age of Mythology, also games by age and of the RTS genre, on Steam. Incidentally, the Redmond-based company announced earlier this month that it would re-release an ‘old strategy series’, but did not yet announce that it would be Rise of Nations.