Microsoft Announces Age Of Empires Online, Flight For PC

Author: by Staff

Microsoft has confirmed new Games For Windows Live titles at Gamescom, including Robot Entertainment's free-to-play Age Of Empires Online, flight sim Microsoft Flight and Fable III for PC. The free-to-play Age of Empires Online, developed by the former Ensemble Studios developers at Texas' Robot Entertainment, "will invite players to create a living, growing online world, shared with friends and friendly rivals around the globe." Players can develop their own persistent online Greek civilization, which grows even when the player is offline and watch as it progresses from a village to an empire. They can embark on quests along the way, alone or with friends, and "immerse themselves in epic tales, quirky characters, adventure, history and strategy," using Games For Windows Live. Following Microsoft Game Studios' near-closure of Aces Studio in early 2009, the company is rebooting its flight sim franchise, announcing the internal development of Microsoft Flight, a new Windows exclusive. According to the company, Microsoft Flight "will bring a new perspective to the long-standing genre, welcoming everyone, including long-time fans, to experience the magic of flight." No further information other than a teaser trailer was announced. Finally, Microsoft confirmed the Windows PC version of Lionhead's Fable III, also appearing on Xbox 360. All three of the above titles are designed with Games for Windows – Live, so players can log on with a single identity to earn Achievements and up your Gamerscore across Games for Windows – Live and Xbox Live. You can see your friends online, send and receive voice messages, text messages and game invites, and use cross-platform communication. You can also receive automatic game updates and the ability to extend the experience. "Today, we're bringing powerful, inventive gaming experiences to the Windows-based PC," said Phil Spencer, corporate VP of Microsoft Game Studios. "Over the years, our PC heritage captured the hearts and minds of millions of players. Reinventing these iconic franchises with social, shared experiences at their core marks the beginning of our return to PC gaming in bold new ways."