If you cottoned to the history-lite real-time strategy game Rise of Nations, chances are you'll dig the steampunky history-schmistory Rise of Legends too. Not exactly a sequel (it's science fantasy and uses a new 3D engine), it "borrows" elements from several hits to create an extension, but not a reinvention. Take Civilization's borders and attrition rates, mix in the Conquer the World campaign (think Total War only not as deep), then add city districts, a trim two-resource economy and tactically distinctive heroes. Wrap it all up in a tidy albeit deceptively complex interface with more minutia than a Victorian bathroom, and you've got a love letter to strategy gamers.
That's not to say Rise of Legends can't be enjoyed on multiple levels. If you're a casual RTS player, you'll comfortably enjoy all three solo campaigns on moderate difficulty settings using nothing save the mouse and a basic grasp of the game's three laudably distinct civilizations: the Italian Renaissance inspired Vinci (mechanical unit research and fast/cheap unit builders); the magical Middle Eastern Alin (hit and run magicians with an inter-territory build spell); and the alien/Mayan Cuotl (who wield floating cities capable of transporting entire armies around the map). And those abilities barely scratch the surface.
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Strut your ego online, however, and you'd best have octopus arms. Literally swarming with hotkeys, Rise of Legends has enough multistroke macros to make flight simulators quiver with envy. That's a compliment if you're hardcore, but a warning if you don't play competitively. The guy with the steel trap memory and piano fingers will smoke your mouse pokes every time.
