Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Rise of Nations: Thrones & Patriots builds upon the solid foundation of the original Rise of Nations by introducing new strategic layers that keep longtime fans engaged and invite newcomers to experiment. The addition of six new civilisations—including the Iroquois, Lakota, Americans, Dutch, Persians, and Indians—means players must adapt to a wider variety of playstyles. Each nation’s unique strengths and weaknesses encourage experimentation: the Lakota’s guerrilla tactics contrast sharply with the economic prowess of the Dutch, for example.

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The government mechanic is perhaps the expansion’s most significant gameplay innovation. At key points, you choose between militaristic or economic reforms, each granting distinct bonuses to production, research, or combat. This decision tree forces you to plan ahead and tailor your approach not just to your civilization’s innate traits, but also to shifting circumstances on the battlefield and in your economy.

Finally, the new Conquer the World campaigns—covering Alexander the Great, Napoleon, The New World, and The Cold War—add over 130 scenarios that blend turn-based strategy with real-time battles. These scenarios vary in objectives and scope, from imperial expansion across continents to tense Cold War standoffs. The branching campaign paths provide a sense of progression and replayability, as your choices on the strategic map influence which battles you face next.

Graphics

Graphically, Thrones & Patriots doesn’t revolutionize the visual style of the base game, but it refines and expands it in meaningful ways. The new wonder buildings—such as the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower—stand out as spectacular landmarks that not only provide gameplay bonuses but also enhance the visual variety of your cities. The level of detail in these structures lends a sense of grandeur to your empire’s skyline.

Unit design for the 20 new units maintains the crisp, colorful aesthetic of Rise of Nations while introducing unique silhouettes that make it easy to distinguish, say, a Lakota Dog Soldier from a standard infantryman. Animations remain fluid, and the isometric battlefield scale ensures that armies feel massive without sacrificing clarity. Terrain textures have also been subtly improved, with richer foliage, more pronounced elevation changes, and refined water effects.

Performance remains smooth even in large-scale fights, thanks to a well-optimized engine. On modest hardware, frame rates hold steady, making the expansion accessible to a broad audience. Weather effects and day-night transitions further add to the immersion, though they remain primarily decorative rather than affecting gameplay.

Story

While Rise of Nations has never been a story-driven RTS in the traditional sense, its “Conquer the World” campaigns deliver a compelling historical narrative that blends real-world events with flexible strategy. In the Alexander the Great campaign, you relive the forging of one of history’s greatest empires, making strategic decisions about which cities to siege and which alliances to forge. Each choice alters the geopolitical landscape and sets up different tactical challenges.

The Napoleon campaign captures the spirit of European conflict in the early 19th century, balancing grand battles with the ever-present threat of coalition warfare. You’ll find yourself weighing the benefits of rapid conquest against the logistical strain of maintaining supply lines across hostile territory. These dynamics create a sense of tension and urgency that drives the narrative forward.

Meanwhile, The New World and The Cold War campaigns broaden the scope beyond classical or Napoleonic warfare. The New World offers a colonization simulator where you juggle native diplomacy, resource exploitation, and European rivalries. The Cold War scenario is especially unique: it trades traditional real-time combat for a looming nuclear standoff, where brinksmanship and intelligence-gathering missions shape the outcome. Though it uses familiar RTS mechanics, the Cold War arc leaves you with a palpable sense of high-stakes drama.

Overall Experience

Thrones & Patriots is a sterling example of how to do an expansion right. It significantly extends the lifespan of Rise of Nations by introducing new civilizations, units, buildings, and deeply engaging campaigns—all without overhauling the core gameplay that made the original a classic. The expansion strikes a fine balance between familiar mechanics and fresh content, ensuring veterans have new challenges while newcomers can dive in without feeling overwhelmed.

The replayability is immense. With six new nations each requiring different strategic approaches, plus numerous government reforms and the branching campaign paths, no two playthroughs feel exactly alike. Multiplayer matches also benefit from the expanded roster of civilizations and units, adding variety to competitive skirmishes and team games alike.

Ultimately, Thrones & Patriots offers a rich, cohesive package that respects its predecessor while carving out its own identity. Whether you’re drawn to historical campaigns, enjoy tinkering with government reforms, or simply love large-scale RTS battles, this expansion delivers. For anyone on the fence about revisiting Rise of Nations or looking for a robust, strategy-packed title, Thrones & Patriots is a must-have addition.

Retro Replay Score

8.1/10