By Quinton Miles

Microsoft Game Studios announced today the development of [i]Age of Empires III[/i]. Highly regarded as the top real-time strategy game by fans and critics, the series has sold nearly 16 million copies worldwide and looks to continue the success with the new title. Development on the game will be handled by Ensemble Studios, makers of the first two games.

Picking up where the last game left off, gamers will be placed in the position of a European power that is aimed to explore, colonize, and conquer the New World. Looking to set a new standard in visuals, gamers can anticipate graphics previously unseen in strategy games as you experience numerous scenes, from towering European cathedrals to tribes of Native Americans.

[i]Age of Empires III[/i] is slated for release in the second half of this year. Check back with us for more updates.