Rise of Nations: Thrones & Patriots (2004)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Rise of Nations: Thrones & Patriots is the official expansion pack to the real-time strategy computer game Rise of Nations. The game was developed by Big Huge Games and published by Microsoft Windows in 2004. Thrones & Patriots expands on a variety of features in the original game, such as new monuments (called “Wonders”), nations, governments, and campaigns.

One of the most significant additions in Thrones & Patriots is the inclusion of six new nations: the Dutch, Portuguese, Swiss, Venetians, Indians, and Koreans. Each of these nations has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, as well as new units and technologies. For example, the Dutch have a strong economy and can build ships more quickly than other nations, while the Koreans have a powerful military and can research new technologies more quickly.

Thrones & Patriots also introduces four new conquer-the-world modes: “Conquest”, “Domination”, “Regicide”, and “Economic Victory”. In Conquest mode, players must conquer all of the territories on the map in order to win. In Domination mode, players must control a certain percentage of the map in order to win. In Regicide mode, players must kill the opposing leader’s unit in order to win. And in Economic Victory mode, players must have the highest score in terms of resources and technology in order to win.

Another new feature in Thrones & Patriots is the “Patriot” special general unit. Patriots are powerful units that can be used to turn the tide of battle. They can be recruited from the Senate building, which is a new building that allows players to research new technologies and train new units.

Thrones & Patriots also includes a number of new campaigns. These campaigns offer more turn-based strategy features than the original game, and they allow players to make decisions outside of combat. For example, in the “Rise of Rome” campaign, players must make decisions about how to allocate their resources and how to build their cities.

Up to eight players can play in multiplayer matches in Thrones & Patriots, with artificial intelligence being able to fill slots at the server host’s choice. Various features were added to the game in an attempt to balance gameplay, including the addition of armed caravans and merchants.

Gameplay

Gameplay in Rise of Nations: Thrones & Patriots is similar to the original game. Players manage and expand their nations at the macro and micro levels. They must gather resources, build cities, train units, and research new technologies. Players can also form alliances with other nations or declare war on them.

One of the unique features of Rise of Nations is its wide span of ages. Players can start in the Ancient Age and progress all the way to the Information Age. Each age has its own unique units, technologies, and buildings.

Thrones & Patriots adds a number of new features to the gameplay of Rise of Nations. One of the most significant changes is the addition of the Senate building. The Senate allows players to research new technologies and train new units. Players can also use the Senate to pass laws that can affect the game in a variety of ways.

Another new feature in Thrones & Patriots is the ability to make decisions outside of combat. For example, in the “Rise of Rome” campaign, players must make decisions about how to allocate their resources and how to build their cities.

Reception

Rise of Nations: Thrones & Patriots received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its new content and features, as well as its polished gameplay. However, some critics found the game to be too similar to the original Rise of Nations.

Thrones & Patriots was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game was nominated for several awards, including the Game of the Year award from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.

Legacy

Rise of Nations: Thrones & Patriots is considered to be one of the best real-time strategy games ever made. The game’s wide span of ages, diverse nations, and innovative gameplay mechanics have made it a favorite among fans of the genre. Thrones & Patriots has also been credited with helping to popularize the use of turn-based strategy features in real-time strategy games.

Conclusion

Rise of Nations: Thrones & Patriots is an excellent expansion pack that adds new content and features to the original game. With six new nations, 4 new conquer-the-world modes, and a new Senate building, there’s plenty of new content to keep you entertained. Whether you’re a fan of the original Rise of Nations or a newcomer to the series, Thrones & Patriots is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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