Ensemble Studios has announced that The Asian Dynasties , the second expansion to Ensemble's blockbuster Age of Empires III, will be developed by Big Huge Games, creators of Rise of Nations and Catan.
In addition to the introduction of playable Asian civilizations, the expansion pack will provide new content and several new gameplay elements 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." The introduction of these features will coincide with the basic core gameplay of "Age of Empires III" that gamers have come to know and love. "Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties" will also ship as a Games for Windows title with easier installation, improved reliability and support for key Windows Vista features, including the Games Explorer and Parental Controls.
"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", said Big Huge Games CEO Brian Reynolds.
The Asian Dynasties is due for PC release this fall.
