Rise & Fall: Civilizations At War

Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War is a real-time strategy game developed by Stainless Steel Studios and Midway Games, released for PC in June 2006. Set in the first millennium BC, the game allows players to command one of four ancient civilizations—Greece, Rome, Egypt, or Persia—each featuring unique units and structures. A standout feature is the "Hero Command" system, enabling players to temporarily control legendary leaders like Alexander the Great or Cleopatra in third-person action mode, adding a dynamic layer to traditional RTS gameplay. Players manage resources such as gold, wood, and glory points to build armies, conduct research, and hire advisors. The game offers both single-player campaigns and multiplayer modes, supporting up to eight players across 24 maps. While praised for its innovative mechanics, Rise & Fall received mixed reviews, with critiques focusing on its execution and polish.