Computer Games - There have been a number of recent historical RTS games released that are set in this same location and time period. What gameplay features will make Rise and Fall stand out from this pack?

Rick Goodman - We've established a strong reputation for crafting fully-fledged RTS games where you manage every aspect of your empire's growth. You construct all of your soldiers, build every building and wall, and all of the exploration and battles happen in real time, with you fully in control of the action. Rise & Fall will contain all of those elements.

In addition, we're doing some things that have never appeared in an RTS game. The biggest new feature we've added to our proven gameplay formula is Hero Command. Rise & Fall is the first real-time strategy game that places you directly in the heart of combat as a general fighting side-by-side with your troops. From that vantage point, you'll get a never-before-seen view of history's most epic and explosive battles. In ancient times, great generals like Achilles and Alexander the Great personally led their troops onto the field of battle, and in keeping with that history, you'll need to take to the battlefield in person if you want to be successful in Rise & Fall.

Entering Hero Command is extremely simple--with a single keystroke, you're down on the field of battle, controlling your Hero. The controls are uncomplicated and familiar; in fact, if you've ever played a FPS, you know how to control your Hero. Use WASD to move around, and the mouse to attack with your sword or bow.

The time you spend in Hero Command will be limited, and it's very precious. But during that time, you'll experience the carnage of ancient combat first hand. You'll slaughter hundreds of units with your sword, storm enemy ships, or use your bow and arrow to clear a path for your troops.

When you're in Hero Command, you're personally controlling the game's ultimate super weapon. And because each Hero has a unique set of weapons, like the Medusa Bow, which fires multiple arrows, and the Hercules Bow, which is so powerful it can kill several enemy soldiers with one shot, you'll have a wonderful time unleashing that super weapon on your enemies.

Hero Command is a revolutionary addition to the genre that will change the way people think of RTS games. For the first time ever, you're not a passive viewer of the battles your forces are waging, you're down on the ground with them, fighting by their side, tasting their sweat and blood. You don't just watch the battles, you live them.

I'm also extremely excited about our naval combat, which takes place on a scale never seen in an RTS game. And naturally, all of the features that our millions of fans have come to expect from a Stainless Steel Studios game, such as an unparalleled multiplayer experience, an epic and engaging single-player campaign, and massive, earth-shattering battles, will of course be included as well. Rise & Fall will have something for everyone.