Microsoft Rise of Nations PC Game Instruction Manual

Introduction to Rise of Nations

Rise of Nations is a real-time strategy game that combines the fast-paced action of RTS with the epic scope and depth of turn-based strategy games. Players guide one of 18 civilizations through 6,000 years of history, from the Ancient Age to the Information Age. Success is achieved through military might, economic dominance, diplomatic prowess, and technological advancement.

Setup and Installation

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP (or later compatible versions)
• Processor: 500 MHz Intel Pentium III or equivalent
• Memory: 128 MB RAM
• Hard Drive Space: 800 MB available
• Graphics: 16 MB video card with hardware transform and lighting
• Sound: Sound card with speakers or headphones
• Other: CD-ROM drive, Keyboard, Mouse

Installation Steps

1. Insert the Rise of Nations game disc into your computer's CD-ROM drive.
2. The installation program should start automatically. If it does not, navigate to 'My Computer', right-click on your CD-ROM drive, and select 'Open'. Then, double-click on 'Setup.exe'.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. You will be asked to accept the End User License Agreement and choose an installation directory.
4. Once installation is complete, you may be prompted to restart your computer. It is recommended to do so.
5. After restarting, you can launch Rise of Nations from the Start Menu or the desktop shortcut.

Operating the Game (Gameplay)

Basic Controls

• Left-Click: Select units, buildings, or issue commands.
• Right-Click: Move units, attack enemies, gather resources, or construct buildings.
• Scroll Wheel: Zoom in and out of the map.
• WASD or Arrow Keys: Pan the camera across the map.
• Spacebar: Center camera on selected unit or last event.

Game Modes

Rise of Nations offers several ways to play:

• Single Player Campaign: Engage in historical campaigns, guiding your chosen nation through specific scenarios.
• Conquer the World: A turn-based strategic map where you conquer territories, then play real-time battles to resolve conflicts.
• Custom Game: Set up skirmishes against AI opponents with customizable rules, maps, and starting conditions.
• Multiplayer: Compete or cooperate with other players online or via a local area network (LAN).

Building Your Nation

Central to gameplay is the expansion of your nation. This involves:

• City Creation: Establish new cities to expand your borders and resource collection.
• Resource Management: Gather resources like food, timber, metal, oil, and knowledge to fuel your economy and research.
• Infrastructure Development: Construct buildings such as farms, lumber mills, mines, universities, and wonders to boost your economy, research, and military capabilities.

Military and Conquest

Military units are essential for defense and expansion. The game features a wide array of units across different ages:

• Infantry: From slingers and archers to riflemen and commandos.
• Cavalry/Armor: Horsemen, chariots, tanks, and armored vehicles.
• Siege Weapons: Catapults, cannons, artillery, and missile launchers.
• Air Units: Biplanes, bombers, fighters, and stealth aircraft.
• Naval Units: Galleys, frigates, battleships, and aircraft carriers.

Engage in tactical battles, utilizing unit strengths and terrain to outmaneuver and defeat enemy forces. Conquer enemy cities to expand your territory and gain control of vital resources.

Diplomacy and Trade

Beyond warfare, diplomacy and trade play crucial roles:

• Alliances: Form alliances with other nations to gain military support or trade benefits.
• Trade Routes: Establish trade routes between your cities and those of allies to generate wealth.
• Espionage: Use spies to gather intelligence, sabotage enemy operations, or steal technology.

Advancing Through Ages

As you research new technologies and build wonders, your nation will progress through eight distinct ages:

1. Ancient Age
2. Classical Age
3. Medieval Age
4. Gunpowder Age
5. Enlightenment Age
6. Industrial Age
7. Modern Age
8. Information Age

Each age unlocks new units, buildings, and research options, allowing for increasingly complex strategies.

Maintenance

To ensure optimal performance and stability of Rise of Nations, consider the following maintenance practices:

• Keep Drivers Updated: Ensure your graphics card and sound card drivers are up-to-date. Visit the manufacturer's website for the latest versions.
• Operating System Updates: Keep your Windows operating system updated with the latest service packs and security patches.
• Disk Space: Ensure you have sufficient free hard drive space. The game requires a minimum of 800 MB, but additional space is beneficial for system performance.
• Game Patches: Check the official Microsoft or Big Huge Games website for any available game patches or updates that may improve performance or fix bugs.
• Antivirus Software: Keep your antivirus software updated and perform regular scans to prevent malware interference.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

• Game Crashes or Freezes:
  • Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements.
  • Update your graphics drivers.
  • Close other demanding applications running in the background.
  • Try running the game in compatibility mode for an older Windows version (e.g., Windows XP SP3).
• Installation Errors:
  • Clean the game disc for smudges or scratches.
  • Ensure your CD-ROM drive is functioning correctly.
  • Temporarily disable antivirus software during installation (re-enable immediately after).
• Poor Performance (Low FPS):
  • Lower in-game graphics settings (resolution, texture quality, unit detail).
  • Ensure your graphics drivers are updated.
  • Defragment your hard drive.
• No Sound:
  • Check your system's volume and in-game sound settings.
  • Ensure your sound card drivers are installed and updated.
  • Verify speakers or headphones are properly connected.

Technical Support

For further assistance, please refer to the official Microsoft support website or the game's dedicated support forums. You may find community-driven solutions or official patches there.

Specifications

Warranty Information

Software products typically do not come with a traditional hardware warranty. Your use of Rise of Nations is governed by the End User License Agreement (EULA) presented during installation. This agreement outlines the terms of use, limitations of liability, and any guarantees provided by the software publisher. Please refer to the EULA included with your game for specific details regarding software performance and support.

Support

For technical support, game updates, or community forums, please visit the official Microsoft support website or the Big Huge Games website (if still active). Many common issues can be resolved by consulting online resources or community discussions.

Microsoft Support: https://support.microsoft.com/