Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings is the sequel to the award-winning, best-selling real-time strategy game Age of Empires. Age of Empires II spans a thousand years, from the fall of Rome through the Middle Ages in which players control the destiny of humankind. The game keeps the epic scope of Age of Empires' game play while evolving the combat and economic features.

Starting with minimal resources, players are challenged to build their nations into great civilizations. Gamers can choose from several ways to win, including conquering enemy, accumulating wealth by extensive trading and diplomacy, building and defending wonders of the world. Age of Empires II, being developed by Ensemble Studios, features the expertise of Bruce Shelley, co-designer of Age of Empires and the hit strategy game Civilization.