This game is really innovative! And it keeps the good gameplay of the original Rise of Nations.
However, i need to clarify one thing: i didn't touch the campaign mode yet. Anyway, campaign is only a "mod", this is not the game itself. Starcraft wasn't known for it's outstanding campaign, of course not. The score should be based on the quality of the gameplay on a normal skirmish game and can be influenced a little the gameplay score.
Another strong point is the AI on a skirmish. I don't understand why Gamespot reviewer is talking badly about the AI. This AI is one of the best i've even seen. It even surprised me. BFME2 has a poor AI and they are talking about their good AI... ?? They only attack in force like berserkers would attack. No tactics, no strategy, of course no defense at all... that leaves you to defend your camp until you have enough survivors and counter-attack. On top of that, they attack the same spot, which is your weakest at the begginning. That makes your opponent so predictable for the rest of the game. That's not what I call a good AI. The AI in Rise of Legends is simply not predictable. Your opponent may attach you at the beginning, a bit later or just prepare a massive single attack. They also defend their city. If you play against 2 computers, they may also team up their attack and coordinate it to make one big hell of a rush on you... or they might split up their attack. One attacking and the other just backing up in case of a counter-attack. Also, the computers is very strong, even at moderate skill. If you don't take advantage of the map, they will, and this is not a good thing for you particularly in this game.
Another very strong point is the graphics. Animations are very good, and the maps are the best i've seen. The environment is amazing. It's hard to describe the immersive aspect of the map. Also, cities are great too. One of your city may be as big as your whole screen when played in 1600x1200 resolution. And the architecture is very original too.
There are only 3 races in the game, but that reminds me a bit Starcraft. Starcraft had 3 distinct races too. Each race may have a little similarity with races in Starcraft. Vinci are like human, Cuotl are like Protoss and Alin has the same "darkside" as the Zerg. Since the originality and the complexity of each race are important, this game doesn't need more races to be more original, just like Starcraft.
The addition of Hero unit makes you feel very powerful. Each hero may get to level 5, they all have unique powers, and some are just devastating.
I feel the sound effet are not but since most unit have a futuristic way to fight... it's hard to get an accurate sound of what you see. I think they did a pretty decent job on that point. Musics are great, but i've heard a little better in some games.
Finaly, the gameplay, graphics combined with the sound effect can make huge impressive wars with lots of action, since your army can be very very big.
You WILL be busy all the game long. So there's no way you'll get bored at playing this. No way.
Put your review in! This game deserve great score !