Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties gold

Everyone was overjoyed last year during the Barcelona X06 event, when word was out that Microsoft planned a real time strategy game based on the Halo franchise. Halo Wars was to be developed at Ensemble Studios, which implied toning down of current projects, mainly Age of Empires related work. The first expansion was released one month later introducing Age of Empires III: The War Chiefs, but it wasn’t until May this year that Microsoft said they will not discontinue work on the beloved fantasy franchise. Just days ago Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties went gold, meaning the game is finished and the product ready to be sent to the presses.

Maybe that would explain why Ensemble Studios would acknowledge and require third party involvement, namely Rise of Legends and Rise of Nations developer Big Huge Games. You can expect some interlacing within the next title as I’m confident it was a unique experience working within another developer's universe.

The Asian Dynasties expands the Age of Empires III world into the East, featuring the introduction of three playable Asian civilizations: the Chinese, Japanese, and Indians. The New winning conditions add to game depth and raise its replay value. Extra trade options will grant faster access to the much needed resources and encourage you to set up economical relations with far away kingdoms. The game went back to its roots, through random map styles, along with a rework of several Asia-based maps from previous Age of Empires games.

The developers remembered one of your favorite gameplay element from Age of Empires II, thus you can witness the return of Wonders. Each civilization has five wonder type buildings, representative of your empire’s glory, providing essential combat boosts along with trading and healing improvements. Unlike previous attempts, your trade routes won't have to be built. Instead you'll have to conquer the Silk Road yourself, by taking over outposts placed all over the map and controlled by raiders.

Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties is ready for the October 23rd release. You still need the original title to play the expansion, rated Teen and retailed for $29.99.

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