Rise of Nations Gold - PC Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

Rise of Nations Gold Edition is a real-time strategy (RTS) game developed by Big Huge Games and published by Microsoft. This edition combines the award-winning original Rise of Nations with its critically acclaimed expansion pack, Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots. It offers players an expansive historical strategy experience, allowing them to guide a nation through 6,000 years of history, from the ancient age to the information age.

The game integrates the fast-paced action of real-time strategy with the strategic depth typically found in turn-based games, encompassing city building, trade, diplomacy, and warfare across various historical epochs.

This image displays the cover art for Rise of Nations Gold Edition, featuring various historical units and a world map background, indicating the game's broad historical scope.

2. Setup and Installation

2.1 System Requirements

To ensure optimal performance, your computer should meet or exceed the following general requirements for PC games of this era:

• Operating System: Microsoft Windows (compatible versions from the game's release era, e.g., Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7).
• Processor: A compatible processor with sufficient clock speed.
• Memory (RAM): Adequate RAM for game operation.
• Graphics Card: A DirectX-compatible graphics card with sufficient video memory.
• Sound Card: DirectX-compatible sound card.
• Storage: Sufficient free hard disk space for installation.
• Optical Drive: DVD-ROM drive.

2.2 Installation Procedure

1. Insert DVD: Insert the Rise of Nations Gold Edition DVD into your computer's DVD-ROM drive.
2. Launch Installer: The installation wizard should launch automatically. If it does not, navigate to your DVD drive (e.g., 'D:') in 'My Computer' or 'This PC' and double-click on the 'setup.exe' file.
3. Follow Prompts: Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the installation wizard. This will guide you through accepting the license agreement, choosing an installation directory, and selecting components.
4. Complete Installation: Once the installation is complete, you may be prompted to restart your computer. It is recommended to do so to ensure all changes take effect.
5. Launch Game: After restarting (if necessary), you can launch the game from the desktop shortcut or the 'Start Menu' entry created during installation.

3. Operating the Game

3.1 Starting a Game

Upon launching Rise of Nations Gold Edition, you will be presented with the main menu. From here, you can select various game modes:

• Single Player: Engage in historical campaigns, custom scenarios, or skirmish matches against AI opponents.
• Multiplayer: Connect with other players for competitive or cooperative matches. Note: This version does not support online play. Local network (LAN) play may be available depending on your setup.
• Tutorial: Recommended for new players to learn basic controls and gameplay mechanics.

3.2 Basic Gameplay

Rise of Nations is an RTS game where you manage resources, build cities, research technologies, and command armies. Your goal is to lead your chosen nation to victory through military conquest, economic dominance, or cultural influence.

• Resource Management: Gather resources such as food, timber, metal, oil, and knowledge to fuel your nation's growth and military.
• City Building: Expand your territory by building new cities and upgrading existing ones. Cities are central to resource production and unit training.
• Technological Advancement: Progress through eight historical ages by researching new technologies, unlocking advanced units, buildings, and national powers.
• Military Command: Train and deploy a wide array of units, from infantry and cavalry to siege weapons and aircraft. Utilize strategic formations and tactics to overcome enemies.

3.3 Controls

The game primarily uses a mouse and keyboard interface:

• Mouse: Used for selecting units, issuing commands, navigating the map, and interacting with the user interface.
• Keyboard: Provides shortcuts for various actions, such as unit hotkeys, camera movement, and menu access. Refer to the in-game options or manual for a detailed list of hotkeys.

4. Game Features

Rise of Nations Gold Edition offers a rich and diverse gameplay experience with numerous features:

• 24 Diverse Nations: Choose from 24 unique nations, each possessing distinct national powers, special units, and strategic advantages.
• Extensive Campaigns & Scenarios: Engage in five non-linear single-player campaigns, including historical narratives like Alexander the Great, Napoleon, the New World, Cold War, and the ultimate challenge: the Entire World. Over 130 individual scenarios provide varied tactical challenges.
• Over 240 Unique Units: Command a vast array of units across land, sea, and air. From ancient slingers and musketeers to modern tanks, aircraft carriers, and nuclear missiles, a wide range of military options is available.
• In-Depth Strategic Gameplay: Utilize advanced strategic elements such as national borders, flank attacks, espionage with spies, and the leadership of generals.
• Government Types: As your nation advances through the ages, select from six different government types (Socialism, Capitalism, Despotism, Republic, Monarchy, Democracy), each granting unique powers and a special Patriot unit to deploy on the battlefield.
• Cross-Genre Experience: The game blends the fast pace of real-time strategy with the grand scope and depth of turn-based strategy games, allowing for both quick matches and extensive campaigns.
• Multiple Victory Conditions: Achieve victory through various means, including military conquest, technological superiority, economic dominance, cultural influence, or through non-military strategies like espionage and political maneuvering.

5. Specifications

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while installing or playing Rise of Nations Gold Edition, consider the following solutions:

6.1 Installation Issues

• Disc Not Reading: Ensure the game DVD is clean and free from scratches. Try cleaning the disc with a soft, lint-free cloth. Verify your DVD-ROM drive is functioning correctly.
• Installer Not Launching: Manually navigate to the DVD drive in 'My Computer' or 'This PC' and double-click 'setup.exe'. If issues persist, try running 'setup.exe' as an administrator.
• Installation Errors: Ensure you have sufficient free disk space on the target drive. Temporarily disable antivirus software during installation (remember to re-enable it afterward).

6.2 Game Launch and Performance Issues

• Game Not Launching:
  • Verify your system meets the minimum requirements.
  • Update your graphics card drivers to the latest version.
  • Ensure DirectX is up to date on your system.
  • Try running the game executable as an administrator.
  • For newer operating systems, try running the game in compatibility mode for an older Windows version (e.g., Windows XP Service Pack 3 or Windows 7).
• Poor Performance/Lag:
  • Reduce in-game graphics settings (e.g., resolution, texture quality, unit detail).
  • Close other applications running in the background to free up system resources.
  • Ensure your system drivers (graphics, sound, chipset) are current.
• Crashes to Desktop: This can often be related to outdated drivers, system instability, or conflicts with other software. Ensure all drivers are updated and try running the game in compatibility mode.

7. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Rise of Nations Gold Edition game, consider the following maintenance tips:

• Keep Drivers Updated: Regularly check for and install the latest drivers for your graphics card, sound card, and chipset. This can significantly improve game stability and performance.
• Game Patches: While this is an older title, occasionally official patches or community-made fixes might be available. Check official Microsoft or Big Huge Games archives for any relevant updates.
• Disc Care: Keep the game DVD clean and stored in its case to prevent scratches and damage, which can lead to read errors.
• System Optimization: Periodically defragment your hard drive (if using an HDD) and ensure your operating system is well-maintained to provide a stable environment for gaming.

8. Warranty and Support

For technical assistance, warranty information, or further support regarding Rise of Nations Gold Edition, please refer to the following:

• Included Documentation: Consult any physical documentation or digital manuals included with your game purchase for specific warranty terms and support contacts.
• Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support website for PC gaming titles. Search for 'Rise of Nations' to find relevant articles, FAQs, and contact options.
• Community Forums: Online gaming communities and forums dedicated to Rise of Nations can be valuable resources for troubleshooting and gameplay tips.

Specific warranty terms may vary based on your region and the date of purchase. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.