Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War is the latest real-time strategy game from Stainless Steel Studios, the company that brought us Empire Earth. But whereas Empire Earth focused on letting you control a nation from the dawn of time to the future, Rise & Fall has a much more focused setting. This next-generation RTS game will place you in command of one of four of the ancient world's most powerful civilizations--the Greeks, the Persians, the Egyptians, or the Romans.

　　From the vantage point as the head of one of those mighty empires, you'll direct massive armies, engage in death-defying naval combat to seize command of the seas, and personally leap onto the battlefield, where you'll become the game's ultimate superweapon by slaughtering hundreds of enemy soldiers. In the first of our profile previews for Rise & Fall, we're happy to bring you details on the Egyptians.

The Egyptians

Heroes

　　Cleopatra. She's not just the queen of denial anymore.

　　Cleopatra (70 BC to 30 BC): Relying on her beauty and stealth, Cleopatra wields a razor-sharp kopesh sword to cut down her foes. Extremely fast and agile, Cleopatra moves in, strikes the fatal blow, and then moves on to her next victim. When sniping with her bow, Cleopatra's extremely sharp vision makes her the best archer in any given battle.

　　Cleopatra's secret weapon is "betrayal of loyalty," a form of espionage that makes all nearby enemies betray their own civilization and submit to Cleopatra. As she levels up, Cleopatra has an even more powerful effect on enemies. She's also the only hero to use a bow when in normal RTS mode.

　　Weakness: Cleopatra's low hit points limit her ability to take on several formations at once.

　　FYI: Ramses II was known better as Ramses the Great.

　　Ramses the Great (1314 BC to 1224 BC): Ramses II unleashes the battle axe of Ra, a melee weapon of tremendous power that cleaves enemies in half with a single blow. Ramses II is capable of hitting for more damage than any other hero, making him a one-man wrecking ball against infantry formations.

　　During the heat of battle, Ramses II can invoke "Imhotep's blessing." This supremely potent power restores all nearby soldiers to full strength. With each higher level he attains, Ramses II's blessing becomes even more powerful, increasing the number of soldiers he can heal.

　　Weakness: Because of the weight of the battle axe of Ra, Ramses II moves slower than other heroes. Also, he is less proficient with his bow and arrow.

Superweapons

　　You don't want to be on the business end of one of these.

　　War Elephant: The Egyptians brought elephants back from the depths of Africa and turned them into powerful weapons. The war elephant can absorb hundreds of arrows and sword strikes, making it the ultimate tank of the ancient world.

　　Healer: Long interested in the art of healing, the Egyptians were eager to employ potions and healing salves on the battlefield. The healer makes that desire a reality by automatically healing all injured allied troops.

Advisers

　　This dynamic is featured in Rise & Fall through the unique and innovative adviser system. Instead of simply upgrading or unlocking new technologies by purchasing upgrades, you instead hire advisers that are experts in their given fields. Here are some of the most important Egyptian advisers.

　　The charioteer can make the most out of your fast-striking units.

　　Charioteer: The ancient Egyptians were known for their prowess with the bow and arrow, but the weapon that really struck fear into the hearts of their enemies was the chariot. Because of its speed and agility on the battlefield, a chariot was a multipurpose weapon that could engage in both ranged and melee combat.

　　Benefit: The charioteer upgrades the chariot archer, who can shoot flaming arrows that set targets ablaze. This upgrade makes an already deadly weapon into something truly terrifying.

　　Need glory? Get an architect, and have him build you something.

　　Architect: Every Egyptian pharaoh wanted to be known as the greatest leader Egypt had ever known, which is why most of them built massive, elaborate pyramids and monuments dedicated to themselves. A good architect was key in organizing the massive labor force and also in securing necessary raw materials.

　　Benefit: The moment you hire the architect, you gain three times the normal glory for constructing new buildings and upgrading existing ones.

　　The priestess can increase your population cap.

　　Priestess: Religion played an extremely important role in the everyday lives of Egyptians. This gave rise to a powerful class of priests and priestesses, whose members acted as direct liaisons between the people of Egypt and their gods. In fact, they often possessed power that rivaled that of the pharaoh.

　　Benefit: Because of the high regard people have for her, the priestess increases the population cap of your civilization.

　　Brewers brew beer. Yay, brewers!

　　Brewer: With their easy access to an abundant supply of wheat and hops, the Egyptians became quick lovers of beer. In fact, beer was drunk by adults and children alike, and some wages were actually paid in beer. Interestingly, the workers that built the Pyramids were given beer to drink several times a day.

　　Benefit: After a few beers, everyone is itching to fight. Hire the brewer and you'll be able to take those irate citizens and turn them into infantry.

Units

　　Camels aren't called 'ships of the desert' for nothing.

　　Cavalry: The Egyptian cavalry is extremely fast and very adept at launching raids against enemy positions. It's also an extremely important counter against siege weapons.

　　Swordsmen: The essential cog of any army, swordsmen are great all-around soldiers that can board enemy ships and scale walls. Additionally, they're extremely deadly when grouped into formations.

　　They may only be spearmen, but they're killer against cavalry.

　　Spearmen: Deadly against enemy cavalry, Egyptian spearmen form an impenetrable wall when grouped into formations. They're the backbone of any good, balanced army.

　　As you can see, the Egyptians are more than capable of holding their own against their bitter enemies. You'll be able to lead the Egyptians to victory when Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War ships later this year.