Rise of Nations

 PC
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 396 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 335 out of 396
  2. Mixed: 53 out of 396
  3. Negative: 8 out of 396
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  1. Budget_Security
    Apr 18, 2012
    5
    Bland and generic feeling. Too arcade. The civs are not unique enough, and south american civs are not supposed to have gunpowder troops in the middle ages! I came from having played AgeofEmpires2, cossacks & American Conquest. This is not a bad game, but I felt mildly disappointed.
  2. WarwickA.
    Jun 3, 2003
    6
    This game should be called Age of Empires 2.1. It is so much like the age games it is almost impossible to tell them apart(until you get tanks). Claiming this game was Civ gone RTS is an exaggeration at best, and nigh on false advertising at worse. The strategy map is straight from Dune and gives the game the illusion of some RTS elements. Overall, this game is at best a slight This game should be called Age of Empires 2.1. It is so much like the age games it is almost impossible to tell them apart(until you get tanks). Claiming this game was Civ gone RTS is an exaggeration at best, and nigh on false advertising at worse. The strategy map is straight from Dune and gives the game the illusion of some RTS elements. Overall, this game is at best a slight improvement on your standard RTS and should be avoided by all but the most zelous clickfest gamers.… Expand
  3. Izoeros
    Jun 28, 2022
    6
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  4. Babutto
    Apr 2, 2023
    7
    For old pals.

    Pros.:
    - Mix of Civilization and Age of Empires.
    - Can play multiplayer.
    - No bugs.
    - Some lags if played multiplayer but still fine.
    - Dynamic.
    - Easy to learn.

    Cons.:
    - Super outdated.
    - Need particular vibe to play it.
  5. Vanco
    Jun 4, 2019
    5
    RTS that allows you to follow your civilization from the stone age to the future. Relies on territorial mechanics, unlike many other RTS of the period. Never had as much fun with it compared to Empire Earth though.
  6. HydrophobikFish
    Jun 9, 2023
    7
    A strong RTS entry in the vein of AoE or AoM, but with a niche of modern day development. It does a great job introducing increasingly modern units and having them feel like distinct improvements. Unique wonders and tech levels also add to the equation. A lot of fun and worth your time, but not much faction diversity to speak of.

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best PC Game of 2003
23
#23 Most Discussed PC Game of 2003
15
#15 Most Shared PC Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. FiringSquad
    88
    There is a lot to be said for the city-centric game design, the intricate unit balancing, the smart AI, and the catchy, quickie action, although there isn’t anything here to make the jaded sit up and shout.
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  2. GMR Magazine
    80
    Playing Rise of Nations won't make your jaw drop in amazement, but you'll probably still have lots of fun as long as you like RTS games. [Aug 2003, p.74]
  3. Armchair Empire
    90
    The second, more significant disappoint that RON inflicts upon the gamer is the mind numbing singularity of the conquest battles. As much as I love toasting the opposition into roasted marshmallow oblivion, doing so 22 times in a row gets a little old.
    Read full review
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