Unique in it's own Style.
Game play: Rise of Nations, other settings however like units and Buildings are unique, for Starters you've got 3 races. The Vinci which are Industrial like old machine prototype Human Faction. Which is fun and nicely implemented. The Alin: Mages and Dragons with Varied units and Upgrades. Finally the Cuotl, The Aztec like Advanced people who use Reactors and Shields. The Campaign and Story could have used much more storytelling and uniqueness. There's a Multitude of heroes with different and unique abilities, but I mostly end the game before I have the chance to summon them. Expanding is good as there are a lot of 'Neutral' buildings to take. Graphics:
The artistic design of Units and Building deserve an Applause, its good looking and unique design makes a sight and can actually glue you to it
And the game runs reasonably well. Sound:
I thought it's time to implement 'Voices' this time, but they didn't, same problem with rise of Nations. One of the things that make a Gamer get into the game is the Voices they hear, sadly though this doesn't happen in Rise of legends; they speak only in Cut scenes which isn't enough.
Performance:
The game works well after the patches, I have a 2.4 with 512 Ram and it runs perfectly.
Value:
Its Unique setting needs unique players, Find them and play with or against them, Maximum fun!
Bottom line:
Well if you're into rise of nations and would like to try something new, or if you're into Strategy games and need a Break, go for Rise of legends.