Age of Empires III gets second expansion

Ensemble Studios' RTS sequel Age of Empires III is getting a new expansion in the shape of The Asian Dynasties, which is due out this autumn. In development at Rise of Nations dev Big Huge Games, as opposed to Ensemble, the expansion introduces Asian civilizations and players will get to command and conquer and expand empires in the Eastern world.

New content includes "several new gameplay elements," Microsoft has told us, that include new ways of winning and trading, random map styles that feature remixes of classic Age of Empires game styles, and 15 new Asian "Wonders."

Brian Reynolds, CEO and creative director at Big Huge Games, has said the studio is honored to have the opportunity to develop Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties with Ensemble Studios and is confident "that the innovation of both teams will deliver an exciting experience for fans of this franchise."

He continued, "We feel that the in-depth experience of Big Huge Games in the real-time strategy genre, combined with the solid reputation of the Age of Empires franchise, will result in something fresh and unique for gamers."

May 21, 2007