Is Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome a standalone game?

No, The Rise of Rome is an expansion pack and requires the original Age of Empires to play.

Can I play Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome on modern operating systems?

While designed for older systems, it can often be made to run on modern operating systems with compatibility modes or community patches. The Age of Empires: Definitive Edition includes this expansion.

What new civilizations are introduced in The Rise of Rome?

The expansion introduces four new civilizations: the Romans, Palmyrans, Macedonians, and Carthaginians, each with unique units and technologies.

Does the game have a multiplayer mode?

Yes, Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome features a robust multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other over local networks or the internet (though official services may no longer be active, community options exist).

Are there cheats available for Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome?

Yes, like many games of its era, The Rise of Rome has various cheat codes that can be entered during gameplay for fun or to overcome difficult situations. These are easily found online.

Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome

In short: Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome is a strategy game released in 1997 by Ensemble Studios, available on PC. Our score: 9.0/10 (highly recommended).

Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome is a classic real-time strategy game focused on building empires and commanding armies through historical ages. Players manage resources, construct cities, and wage war against AI or human opponents to achieve dominance.

Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome is an iconic real-time strategy (RTS) game that revolutionized the genre upon its release in 1997. Developed by Ensemble Studios, this expansion pack for the original Age of Empires deepened the gameplay experience by introducing new civilizations, units, technologies, and a captivating campaign centered around the rise of the Roman Empire. Players embark on a historical journey, starting from humble beginnings in the Stone Age and progressing through the Tool, Bronze, and Iron Ages, each offering distinctive technological advancements and strategic opportunities. The core of the game revolves around resource management, base building, and military conquest. Players must gather food, wood, gold, and stone to construct buildings, train units, and research upgrades. The economic aspect is crucial for sustaining a thriving civilization and funding a powerful army. Different civilizations possess unique bonuses and units, encouraging diverse playstyles and strategic approaches. Whether focusing on aggressive early rushes, defensive fortifications, or late-game technological superiority, careful planning and adaptation are key to victory. What truly sets The Rise of Rome apart is its immersive historical setting and intricate unit interactions. From phalanxes and archers to siege weapons and mighty warships, each unit plays a specific role in combat, demanding tactical positioning and wise engagements. The game's campaign mode offers a challenging…

Game details

Developer: Ensemble Studios
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Release year: 1997
Platforms: PC
Category: strategy

Our review

Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome is an essential expansion that solidified the Age of Empires legacy. It builds upon an already strong foundation with new civilizations, units, and campaigns, offering an even richer strategic experience. The resource management and real-time combat are incredibly engaging, providing a satisfying sense of progression from primitive villages to powerful empires. While the graphics show their age, the timeless gameplay and historical immersion more than make up for it. This expansion is a must-have for any RTS enthusiast, offering countless hours of strategic depth and replayability. Its impact on the genre is undeniable, and it remains a benchmark for classic real-time strategy.

Pros

Deep and engaging real-time strategy gameplay
Excellent historical immersion with diverse civilizations
Expansive content with new units, technologies, and campaigns
High replayability through various modes and custom scenarios
Strong multiplayer support

Cons

Outdated graphics by modern standards
Steep learning curve for newcomers
Pathfinding can occasionally be problematic

FAQ

Is Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome a standalone game?: No, The Rise of Rome is an expansion pack and requires the original Age of Empires to play.
Can I play Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome on modern operating systems?: While designed for older systems, it can often be made to run on modern operating systems with compatibility modes or community patches. The Age of Empires: Definitive Edition includes this expansion.
What new civilizations are introduced in The Rise of Rome?: The expansion introduces four new civilizations: the Romans, Palmyrans, Macedonians, and Carthaginians, each with unique units and technologies.
Does the game have a multiplayer mode?: Yes, Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome features a robust multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other over local networks or the internet (though official services may no longer be active, community options exist).
Are there cheats available for Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome?: Yes, like many games of its era, The Rise of Rome has various cheat codes that can be entered during gameplay for fun or to overcome difficult situations. These are easily found online.

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Last updated: 04/04/2026