GameSpot's Rise of Nations Preview takes a look at this upcoming real-time strategy game in the works at Big Huge Games, observing that it takes a "decidedly different approach" to the RTS genre. Describing the experience designer Brian Reynolds got working on Civilization II and Alpha Centauri influencing choices like the game's minimal micromanagement and differences from traditional RTS resource gathering, going on to describe how the game favors "aggressive, expansionist strategies," the advantages of a combat-oriented approach, different paths to power, the impact of technology, the eight eras the game will span, diplomacy, sea travel, and more. Included are six new screenshots.