Rise of nations fans demand 'age of empires'-style remaster
Twenty-three years after its release, Rise of Nations is experiencing a resurgence of interest, with fans clamoring for a definitive remaster akin to the recent Age of Empires titles. The demand highlights a curious shift in the strategy game landscape, where nostalgia is filling the void left by a decline in large-scale RTS development.
A plea for modernized glory
The game, a unique blend of Civilization-scale empire building and real-time battles, captivated players with its ability to seamlessly transition from ancient infantry to futuristic tanks and warships. While Rise of Nations Extended Edition has been available on Steam since 2014, the community's desire for a more comprehensive, modern iteration has been steadily building.
The sentiment echoes the successful revitalization of the Age of Empires franchise. Age of Empires I received a definitive edition in 2019, followed by Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition in the same year, and Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition in 2020. The pattern is clear: Microsoft has prioritized breathing new life into its historical strategy behemoth.
“A Rise of Nations Definitive Edition would be easy money,” the refrain goes on gaming forums. For many, a modern remaster at around €50 isn't an exorbitant price; it’s a heartfelt wish. However, the reality is that Rise of Nations never achieved the mainstream success of its Age of Empires counterpart. A significant commercial return remains uncertain, especially given Microsoft’s recent strategic focus.
The scarcity of new, high-budget real-time strategy games has amplified the call for remasters and spiritual successors. Empire Eternal, a historical RTS with all eras promised by MicroPose, remains tantalizingly delayed. Many believe a direct successor could appease the fanbase, but the underlying desire for a Rise of Nations revival persists. Given Microsoft's investment in Age of Empires, the fans feel their beloved game deserves the same treatment.
The discussion is more than just wishful thinking. It reflects a broader industry trend where established franchises are being meticulously revisited, prompting questions about the future of the RTS genre. Rise of Nations, despite its dedicated following, risks being relegated to a nostalgic footnote if not given a chance to shine once more.