GameSpot has updated this evening with a preview of Age of Mythology, Ensemble Studios' follow-up to the Age of Empires titles. The author was able to see the game in motion at Ensemble Studios, and the preview contains a detailed look at the game's 3D engine, the powerful spells you can summon (yes, spells), how it differs from the Age of Empires games and lots more. Illustrating the preview are six new in-game screenshots and three concept art images. Here's an excerpt that describes how the 3D engine is used for subtle effects:

Because of the 3D graphics, the gameworld is incredibly detailed. When standing in the snow, units expel frosty breath. When standing idle, they rub their arms and shiver in the cold. Units in the hot desert wipe their brows. As farmers walk through cornfields, they push past the corn stalks, which wave back and forth as they walk through. When buildings are destroyed, their columns topple inward, and roofs collapse. When storms cause lightning to hit buildings or land, fires will spring up exactly where the lightning bolt hit. The detail even extends to representing each unit's upgrades onscreen. When you research upgraded iron shields, your units actually sport shining iron shields. When they get better swords, you see them wielding the same swords you just researched. Because the programmers can attach objects in real time to units, you'll see each upgrade appear on the units. Visually, you'll always be able to tell just how advanced your opponent's troops are--and vice versa.