Apart from the active city that the player is building there is a second 'Home' city that can be upgraded, is persistent across missions and garners several benefits. Players will have to make a decision as to whether to spend their resources on upgrades or on more lower cost units in their current age. Each 'upgrade' from one age to the next has a set resource cost associated with it and will allow the player access to that age's new units and buildings. Players will build buildings, gather numerous resources and train up an army, but the way to gain access to more buildings and units is to advance tot he next age. The units and buildings are all historically accurate and are generally represented correctly within the game.ДЄge of Empires III doesn't hold many surprises for any player familiar with the RTS genre, but it does have a few interesting unique mechanics. Spanish elite units, for example have the Espada Rodelero, Garrochista Lancer, and Tercio Pikeman which no other Nation has access to. Each nation has specialties and unique units / buildings. Players gather resources, building buildings and raise up armies to oppose their enemies on the map. Players choose one of eight playable nations and progress through building a colony city and raising it up through time from the Discovery Age up to the Imperial age. Third edition from Microsoft's Ensemble Studios brings well crafted RTSДЄge of Empires is a long standing RTS with a great pedigree and the third edition is no different.

Age of empire 3 full version