Microsoft today announced that the Age of Empires II Gold Edition has started to appear on store shelves. There have been several reports of its availability at locations throughout the U.S., and wide availability is expected by next week. Age of Empires II Gold Edition contains the exciting game play of both Microsoft Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings and Age of Empires II: The Conquerors Expansion, plus over a dozen additional random maps. Gamers new to the series can also learn the secrets of the masters by watching the recorded games of expert players.
Age of Empires is one of the most successful strategy game franchises in history, having sold over eight million units worldwide. The series, developed by Ensemble Studios, has received numerous awards including AIAS Strategy Game of the Year awards for Age of Empires, Age of Empires II: Age of Kings, and The Conquerors Expansion; as well as the prestigious AIAS PC Game of the Year for Age of Empires II: Age of Kings.
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings spans 1,000 years, from the fall of Rome through the Middle Ages, in which players control the destiny of one of thirteen civilizations. Age of Empires II: The Conquerors Expansion challenges veterans and novices to wage war on an epic scale with all-new civilizations, unique units and technologies, and campaigns based on infamous conquerors such as Attila the Hun, El Cid and Montezuma.
Age of Empires II Gold Edition is available in stores now, or by calling Microsoft at (888) 218-5617, or on the Internet at http://shop.microsoft.com/ for an estimated retail price of $54.95 (U.S.).
More information about the Age of Empires II and The Conquerors Expansion is available on the game's official site at http://www.microsoft.com/games/age2/, or on the Ensemble Studios site at http://www.ensemblestudios.com/.
