Ha! We’ve been waiting forever to say that. But seriously, Microsoft’s latest teaming with Ensemble Studios is the great Age of Kings, a sort of extension of Age of Empires more than a sequel. Why extension? AoK uses the same engine and graphic base as its predecessor, but moves its action to the medieval times.

As with the original, the player starts with the mere basics — some villagers and a town hall — and must gather resources, research improvements, raise armies, trade supplies and, when the time is right, jump to the next level of civilization (called Ages). Each Age allows for more improvements, research, better weapons, etc., until the player has taken out all opposing civilizations or reached the ultimate Age for that game.

There are three modes of play: Random, as described above; Regicide, where the player must protect the king or queen while bumping off the opponent’s monarch; and Campaign. The campaigns are based on history, each containing plenty of levels with interesting storylines. The trainer puts the player into William Wallace’s place, raising an army of Scots against England. There’s also the story of Joan of Arc; a counterpoint to the Crusades with the player as the Saracens; Genghis Khan battling against more advanced Chinese; and Frederick’s war to reunite the Holy Roman Empire.

Random and Regicide modes let the player choose from one of several new medieval civilizations; most have unique units and graphics.

So, what makes Age of Kings more than just an expensive expansion pack? The graphics are still just as incredible, with plenty of background animation. Castles, huts and knights all look suitably medieval, if a little more idealized (and less crude) as the real thing.

Strategy lovers and fans of the first game will want to add this to the collection. Casual gamers who didn’t find the first Age of Empires appealing might want to give it a pass; after all, there’s not enough new here to really make it unique unto itself.