Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs Strikes Gold is the press release announcing the Native American-themed expansion for Ensemble's RTS sequel is now complete, and due in stores on October 20:

UK – Tuesday 19th September 2006 - “Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs,”* the expansion pack to the best-selling “Age of Empires III,” has gone gold, introducing three playable Native American civilizations in a struggle for control of the Americas. The next installment of the “Age of Empires” franchise for Windows from Microsoft Game Studios and Ensemble Studios will hit store shelves on 20th October.

The new expansion pack will build off of the exciting real-time-strategy (RTS) gameplay of “Age of Empires III,” providing players with the ability to lead one of three proud Native American civilizations including the Iroquois Confederation, the Sioux Nation and the Aztec Empire. “Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs” will include enhanced gameplay features with the addition of the WarChief unit, Tribal Council and Fire Pit.

Players will also enjoy new ways to play and win with the introduction of new gameplay elements and content including new civilizations, a new gripping single player campaign, Home City enhancements and additional maps and units. Additional content will be added to all existing European civilizations along with extended gameplay elements with new gaming strategies such as Trade Monopoly and Revolution.

“Age of Empires III,” which launched in November 2005, quickly became the fastest selling title in the franchise’s history, placing gamers in the position of a European power struggling to explore, colonise and conquer North and South America, roughly during the time period of 1500 to 1850. The game has garnered numerous awards, including GameStar’s (Germany) gold award for “graphical grandeur” in Germany. It has sold more than one and a half million copies to date and is currently among the top selling games for Windows titles.

For images, videos and more information about “Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs,” please visit www.ageofempires3.com and www.agecommunity.com.