The Rise of Legends Index - An Encyclopedia of Info and Links

Contents
1 Official Game Specs, System Requirements, Releases, and Links
2 Expansion, Mods and Future Re-releases
3 Video Trailers, Teasers, Clips, Gameplay, Playthroughs, Cutscenes, etc
4 Screenshots
5 Previews, Reviews and Articles
6 Various Internet Links
7 Discussion Forums, Messageboards and Fansites
8 Discussion Threads and Posts on other Forums and Blogs
9 Tech Support and Patch Instructions
10 Nations, Units, Buildings, Spells, Techs, Stats, Maps, Cheats and Strategy Info and Guides
11 Hotkeys/Keyboard Shortcuts, Game Guides, Campaign Walkthroughs, Let's Play and Playthrough Videos
12 Developer Interviews, Developer Diaries, Credits and Questions and Answers
13 Concept Art, Game Artists and Art Exhibits Info
14 Game Backstory, Lore, and History
15 Fan Fiction, Fan Art and Fan Ideas for an Expansion, Mods and Re-release
16 Modding, Scenario Design, Map Editing, and Scripting Info
17 Music, Soundtrack, Audio and Voice Acting
18 Multiplayer Online and Lan Info
19 Funny Stuff
20 Other Stuff


1 Official Game Specs, System Requirements, Releases, and Links

Game Specs
Game Name: Rise of Legends (or Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends)
Developer: Big Huge Games
Publisher: Microsoft Games
Release Year: 2006
Platform: PC
Operating Systems: Windows XP / Windows Vista / Windows 7 / Windows 8 / Windows 10

Game Style Genre: Strategy, RTS (real time strategy) with some RPG/hero and turn based elements
Game Theme Genre: Fantasy (steampunk, arabian nights, ancient mesoamerican astronauts)
Number of Players: Single player campaign, skirmish mode and scenario editor, Multiplayer skirmish mode by LAN and online
Map, Scenario Editing and Creation: Yes
Modding: Yes

Game Engine: AGEIA PhysX 3D engine
Perspective: 3rd Person
Supported Resolutions @ Widescreen Gaming Forum
Supported Resolutions: 1280x720, 1280x768, 1280x800, 1440x900, 1920x1080, 1920x1200 and 2560x1600

System Requirements
System Requirements @ Microsoft
System Requirements Tester @ System Requirements Lab

Minimal System Requirements
Microsoft Windows XP
A 1.4 gigahertz (GHz) processor
256 megabytes (MB) of system RAM
A hard disk that has at least 3.3 gigabytes (GB) of available space
A 32x speed CD drive
A 64 MB video card that supports Hardware Transform and Lighting
An audio card and speakers or headphones
A Microsoft mouse or a compatible pointing device
A 56.6 kilobytes per second (KBps) or faster Internet connection for online play
DirectX 9.0c

Recommended System Requirements
Windows 7+
2.5+ GHz
4+ GB RAM
Recent 2010+ Graphics Card

*Note: Rise of Legends runs on multiple Windows OS versions and while it doesn't run on Mac or Linux you can still play the game with a copy of Windows on a Mac or Linux PC using special software or a separate partition.

*Note: Windows 10 compatability info coming soon

Game Versions - Usa/Canada - English

Rise of Legends (2006) - 4xCD, printed Instruction Manual and Quick Reference civilization info card, will need to be manually patched (Usa version)
Rise of Legends (2010?) - DVD re-release in dvd style case, comes with patches, nothing additional (Usa version)
Rise of Legends (2010?) - DVD re-release in cd style case, comes with patches, nothing additional (Usa version)

These are the Usa English versions above only, there are many other country/language versions also as you can see below.

Buy the Usa version of the game for $5-$10 here:
Amazon
Ebay
There is also a possibility for the game to be released on Gog.com and Steam.com as digital downloads in the future.

Game Versions - International

There are international versions of the game featuring voice acting in the native language or a xml subtitle file that can be edited and added with any subtitles. The xml subtitle files are located at: Rise of Legends\loc.

UK (United Kingdom) - English
Czech (Česká Republika) - Česko
German (Deutschland) - Deutsch
Spain (España) - Castilian
France (France) - Français
Italy (Italia) - Italian
Japan (日本 ) - 日本の
Poland (Polska) - Polski
Russia (Россия ) - Pусский
Hungary (Magyarország) - Magyar
Turkey (Türkiye) - Türkçe

The 2 game manuals are also available on the disc located at: Rise of Legends\manuals. The manuals are in the following languages:

English - UK, Usa, Canada, etc
Dansk (Danish) - Denmark
Hangungmal (한국말 Korean) - Korea
Hangugeo (한국어 Korean) - Korea
Gugeo (국어 Korean) - Korea
Chosŏnmal (조선말 Korean) - Korea
Chosŏnŏ (조선어 Korean) - Korea
Goryeomal (고려말 Korean) - Korea
Norsk (Norwegian) - Norway
Suomi (Finnish) - Finland
Svenska (Swedish) - Sweden

Game Versions - Collector's Editions

Rise of Legends (2006) - 4xCD with bonus disc, posters, roll up map of Aio and booklets all in a box (Polish version)
Rise of Legends Collector's Edition Polish version unboxing video by Adrian adzan
Rise of Legends Collector's Edition Polish version unboxing video by Kolekcjonerzy

*Note: It seems that a Collector's Edition of the game was made only for Poland and not for any English speaking countries

Magazines
Rise of Legends - Prima Official Strategy Guide (2006) - 157 pages of game basics, nation info and illustrated campaign walkthrough
Rise of Legends - PC Zone magazine #168 (June 2006) - review with demo and poster of a Vinci clockwork man

Links
Rise of Legends official website (archived)
Rise of Legends @ Big Huge Games (archived)
Rise of Legends @ Microsoft
Big Huge Games official website (archived)
Big Huge Games @ Twitter
Big Huge Games - brief summary of company history
Big Huge Games news @ The Baltimore Sun

Demo Downloads
Rise of Legends - Official demo version 1 (aka unfinished buggy pre-release) 620 mb demo download
Download @ Moddb, Fileplanet, Gamefront, Download.com, Megagames, Game Watcher

Rise of Legends - Official demo version 2 (aka fixed second release) 720mb demo download
Download @ Moddb, Microsoft, Nvidia GeForce, Fileplanet, Gamefront, Download Source, Game Watcher

*Note: Download the "Official demo version 2" for the demo that works best

Beta Version
A beta version of ROL was released and a limited amount of copies were made. Here is a bit of info on the beta. The beta was different than the final game as can be seen in sample screenshots here and here - the Vinci campaign world map is arranged differently and the original Vinci tanks looked different.

*Note: I'm looking for a copy of the Rise of Legends Beta version so if anyone has or finds a copy they are willing to give or sell I'd like to get in touch. Another option would be for any beta owners to make some screenshots and posts on a blog or forum or a video on youtube showcasing the beta's unique features. I'm interested in learning the differences in the beta and final versions of the game.


2 Expansion, Mods, User Patch Project and Future Re-releases

Expansion
Rise of Legends was shipped unfinished and the expansion was cancelled. There are however many unused units, buildings, spells and content in the game which can be seen in the scenario editor or edited from files by modding.

Some information exists about what the expansion may have featured, such as 2 or 3 more nations - the Kahan, Skald and possibly Kragar or others; as well as more continents added in to be explored and conquered.

There are some Kahan units and neutral site buildings already in the official game such as Yontash the Spiritchief (A "Cuotl" hero), berserkers, berserker riders, spiritchiefs and cave bats. Some skirmish maps with snow landscapes also feature ruined Asiatic architecture which may be Kahan lands.

Skald concept art
Kahan concept art
Kahan icons in the scenario editor 1
Kahan icons in the scenario editor 2

Fan made expansion
In 2010 Motter released Otter's Expansion. The expansion is for the campaign and adds many unused units, buildings, heroes, spells and techs to the game. Some of the campaign missions are also edited with new features. You can read a detailed review of the expansion and its features here.

*Note: Since Rise of Legends needs more mods, if anyone has the skills and interest in helping out join the Heavengames forum and Mod Database sites.

Mods
From 2006 to 2008 there were a handful of mods by various players which can be found here.

In 2013 Motter released an All Heroes from the Campaign in Skirmish mod. This mod adds all the heroes and heroines from the campaign into regular skirmish mode play, as well as some unused units, spells, techs, and buildings for each nation. You can read a detailed review of the mod and its features here.

In 2013 Motter also released a New Nations mod for skirmish play on 5 select maps. This mod adds 13 new nations and sub nations, as well as some unused units, spells, techs, and buildings for each nation. You can read a detailed review of the mod and its features here.

In 2014 Alincarpetman released a map fix and tutorial for Motter's New Nations mod. The fix adds the 5 New Nations maps enabled with as many nations as possible and a screenshot tutorial on how to add new nations to a map. You can post comments, questions and reviews here.

In 2014 Alincarpetman compiled a All Modding, Scenario, Map and Script Editing Guides Pack for old and new players interested in modding the game using all the available documentation at the moment. This file contains as many modding, scenario and map guides, tutorials, documentations, info lists, etc as could be collected for modding. You can post comments, questions and reviews here.

In 2016 Ryder released the ROL BIG Archiver which expands modding in the game by extracting the .BIG files. There files can now be extracted, the contents (graphics, skins, models, etc) can be modded and repacked into the game for any modding project.

*Note: If anyone has modding skills or interest, join the Heavengames forum and Mod Database sites to share your work.

User Patch Project
Rise of Legends needs a User Patch project, please read about the user patches for AOE1 and AOE2 to get an idea about this type of project.

If you are a programmer and/or modder interested in working on a ROL User Patch project, please read more and post in the Modding Forum here.

Future Re-releases
Big Huge Games copyright info
Rise of Legends on Gog.com wishlist - vote for consideration for a Gog re-release
Rise of Legends on Steam - a petition for a possible Steam re-release
RON/ROL on Steam - a discussion group on Steam for Rise of Nations and Rise of Legends
Kickstarter, Indiegogo, etc - There is also a possibility of any ex-BHG workers to do a crowdfund to "finish" Rise of Legends either with at least proper modding capability, an expansion, sequel or all
What would you like to see in a Rise of Legends re-release? - a discussion thread for any ideas and suggestions for a future re-release of Rise of Legends
ROL request and project thread - a discussion thread for any mod projects requests and ideas as well as questions about what can or can't be done with modding and scenario editing in the game

As reported here the rights to Rise of Legends and Rise of Nations were sold at an auction in December 2013. Skybox Labs and Steam acquired the games and in 2014 Rise of Nations: Extended Edition was released on Steam here.

Some games in recent times have been re-released or remade as HD versions, Extended Editions, Expanded, Complete, remakes, etc. Examples are in 2013 and onwards Age of Empires 2 HD, Age of Empires 2: The Forgotten, Age of Mythology Extended Edition and Rise of Nations Extended Edition. It's possible that Rise of Legends may get an expanded or extended edition in the future as well.

In 2015 a new expansion for Age of Empires 2 HD was released: The African Kingdoms. A new expansion for Age of Mythology EE followed: Tale of the Dragon. In 2016 another expansion was released for Age of Empires 2 HD: The Rise of the Rajas.
It's possible Rise of Nations and Rise of Legends can both get similar treatments with new expansions. There have been many mods for Rise of Nations similar to AOE2 The Forgotten that add civilizations not featured in the original game.
Rise of Legends had 2-3 more planned nations that didn't make it to the final game so it's possible the game also can be expanded and finished.

Some Rise of Nations fans didn't like Rise of Legends and wanted a Rise of Nations 2 game which was cancelled due to lower sales of ROL and other factors. If Rise of Legends sold better than maybe better modding capability would have eventually been added, allowing Ron fans to create a Rise of Nations 2 "total conversion" mod. This possibility still exists for the re-release of Rise of Legends so fans of both games including Rise of Nations may want to support and buy both games when they are re-released.

In 2015 it was reported that a new rts game by new Microsoft studio Decisive Games was being produced. Microsoft states that the new game will be the "next installment in a beloved strategy game franchise to the next generation of gamers" - might this be another "Age of" or "Rise of" game?

Meanwhile in 2015 Big Huge Games focused on DomiNations.

*Note: If you'd like to see a Rise of Legends re-release and expansion, fans can send their feedback and support to Skybox Labs here and Forgotten Empires here as well as post in the Steam forums here and Reddit here.


3 Video Trailers, Teasers, Clips, Gameplay, Cutscenes, etc

Various Trailers, Teasers, Clips and Gameplay Vids
Videos @ Youtube
Videos @ Twitch.tv
Videos @ Game Trailers
Videos @ Game Faqs
Misc Videos @ Heavengames
Official Teaser @ Youtube
Various gameplay vids @ Youtube
Vinci gameplay @ Youtube
Alin gameplay @ Youtube

In-game cinematic cutscenes
Intro, VC1, VC2, VC3, VC4, AC1, AC2, CC1, CC2
Watch all on Youtube
Watch all on Youtube

4 Screenshots and Visual Info

Screenshots
Screenshots @ Giant Bomb
Screenshots @ Rts Guru
Screenshots @ About.com
Screenshots @ Gamespy
Screenshots @ Ign
Screenshots @ Geforce
Screenshots @ Gamespot
Screenshots @ Gamefaqs
Screenshots @ Strategy Informer
Screenshots @ Listal

Visual Info
World of Aio map @ Heavengames
Widescreen Gaming Forum Info
Widescreen Gaming Forum Discussion


5 Previews, Reviews and Articles

Previews
Previews @ Heavengames
Previews @ Gamespy
Preview @ 1up
Preview @ Gamespot
Preview @ Action Trip
Preview @ The Next Level
Preview @ War Gamer
Preview @ Computer and Video Games
Preview @ Snake Byte Studios
Preview @ Worth Playing

Reviews

Video Reviews
Review @ Game Trailers
Reviews @ Youtube

Text Reviews
5 Reasons To Play Rise of Legends
Reviews @ Heavengames
Reviews @ Cnet
Reviews @ Amazon
Reviews @ Ebay
Reviews @ New Egg
Reviews @ Game Rankings
Review @ Computer and Video Games
Review @ Crispy Gamer
Review @ Crispy Gamer
Review @ Tales of a Scorched Earth
Review @ Game Chronicles
Review @ Euro Gamer
Review @ Gamespot
Review @ Gamasutra (archived)
Review @ Gamasutra
Review @ Game Wisdom
Review @ Flash of Steel
Review @ Ign
Review @ Metacritic
Review @ Gamespy
Review @ 1 Up
Review @ Games Radar
Review @ Strategy Informer
Review @ Games Like Finder
Review @ Common Sense Media
Review @ Game Revolution
Review @ Game Zone
Review @ Game Faqs
Review @ Escapist Magazine
Review @ Gaming Nexus
Review @ Tech Spot
Review @ Worth Playing
Review @ Gaming Trend
Review @ New Zealand Gamer
Review @ Out of Eight
Review @ Atomic Gamer
Review @ Tweak Town
Review @ Gaming Excellence
Review @ War Gamer
Review @ Video Game Talk
Review @ PC Advisor
Review @ Trusted Reviews
Review @ PC Gamer
Review @ IGN
Review @ Bovine Conspiracy
Review @ Action Trip
Review @ Just Press Play
Review @ Game Planet

Articles
Articles @ Ign
Articles @ Gamespot


6 Various Internet Links

Various Websites
Rise of Legends @ Wikipedia
Rise of Legends @ ROL Wikia
Rise of Legends @ RON Wikia
Rise of Legends @ Neoseeker
Rise of Legends @ Game Watcher
Rise of Legends @ Euro Gamer
Rise of Legends @ Steampunk Wikia
Rise of Legends @ Multiversal Omnipedia
Rise of Legends @ GeForce
Rise of Legends @ IMDB
Rise of Legends @ Facebook
Rise of Legends @ Facebook

Videogame Databases
Rise of Legends @ Mod Database
Rise of Legends @ Mobygames
Rise of Legends @ Video Game Collect
Rise of Legends @ All Game
Rise of Legends @ Game Faqs
Rise of Legends @ Open Game Database
Rise of Legends @ Giant Bomb
Rise of Legends @ Ultimate Videogame List
Rise of Legends @ Video Game Geek
Rise of Legends @ Spong
Rise of Legends @ Video Game Chartz


7 Discussion Forums, Messageboards and Fansites

Forums
Forum @ Heavengames
Forum @ Reddit
Forum @ Game Replays
Forum @ Game Faqs
Forum @ Neoseeker
Forum @ Masters League
Discussion @ Mod Database
Discussion @ various internet forums and Youtube videos

Fansites
Fansite @ Heavengames - forum, comments and downloads (active)
Fansite @ Mod Database - downloads and comments (active)
Fansite @ Game Replays - forum and content (active)
Fansite @ Game Faqs - forum and content (active)
Fansite @ Filefront (archived)
Fansite @ RON Oracle (archived)
Fansite @ Rise of Zion (archived)
Fansite @ ROL World (archived)
Fansite @ Tales of Legend (archived)
Fansite @ TS Central (archived)
Fansite @ ROL Library (archived)


8 Discussion Threads and Posts On Other Forums and Blogs

Demo discussion @ Ars Technica
Demo discussion @ Quarter To Three
Demo discussion @ Quarter To Three
Demo discussion @ Hard Forum
Demo discussion @ Atomic PC
Demo discussion @ Relic News
Demo discussion @ Civ Fanatics
Demo discussion @ PC Power Play
Demo discussion @ Valve Time
Demo discussion @ Blues News
Demo discussion @ Gaming Trend
Discussion @ Obsidian
Discussion @ Apolyton
Discussion @ Gamers With Jobs
Discussion @ Penny Arcade
Discussion @ Fri Host
Discussion @ Evil Avatar
Discussion @ El Capitan
Discussion @ Something Awful
Discussion @ AP Forums
Discussion @ DVD Talk
Discussion @ Hard Forum
Discussion @ Match Stick Eyes
Discussion @ RPG Codex
Discussion @ RPG Codex
Discussion @ Quarter To Three
Discussion @ Quarter To Three
Discussion @ Quarter To Three
Discussion @ FZero Central
Discussion @ Rock Paper Shotgun
Discussion @ Rock Paper Shotgun
Discussion @ Anand Tech
Discussion @ Metafilter
Discussion @ Team Xbox
Discussion @ Escapist Magazine
Discussion @ Gog.com
Discussion @ Gog.com
Discussion @ The Digital Fix
Discussion @ Octopus Overlords
Discussion @ Game Replays
Various discussions @ Steam.com's Rise of Nations Community Hub
Various discussions @ Reddit
"Rise of Legends" keyword search past 24 hours @ Google


9 Tech Support and Patch Instructions

Tech Support
Tech Support Forum @ Heavengames forum
Tech Support @ Microsoft
Tech Support @ Microsoft Tech Net
Tech Support @ Tom's Hardware
Tech Support @ KB Alertz
Troubleshooting guide @ Heavengames
Demo version 1 (first pre-release demo) info @ Worth Playing
Rise of Legends video problems @ Wine HQ
Known graphics issues in Rise of Legends @ Microsoft Support
Various technical support issues @ Microsoft Support

Patches
When Rise of Legends was released in 2006 there was an option to auto-patch the game through an internet connection. After a few years the patch servers went offline and the 4xcd version needs to be manually patched by downloading the patches. However the 1xdvd Usa version released in 2010 contains all the patches and does not need to be updated.

To check if your copy is fully patched, load up the game and check on the main menu to see what version number you have. If the number is 0.0704.1001.0000 or 0.0704.1001.0000.13.0 then your game is updated.

*Note: To save trouble with manual patching, buying the 2010 DVD re-release of the game for $5-$10 may be a better option as it includes all the patches and has the game on one DVDrom disc. There are 2 versions of the Usa dvd re-release in English, maybe other countries have also produced a single dvd in other languages, or, if you understand English you can buy the Usa dvd re-release.

Download Usa and European Patches
Download Usa patches @ Mod Database
Download European patches @ Mod Database
Download patches @ Heavengames
Download patches @ The Patches Scrolls

Patch Installation, Info and Support
Updating Rise of Legends Manually video @ Youtube
Updating Rise of Legends Manually - Updated Video @ Youtube
Usa and European Patches - Manually Patching Instructions @ Heavengames
Rise of Legends 2.5 Patch auto-install exe @ Game Pressure

Patch History Notes @ Heavengames
Patch 1 changes list and discussion @ Heavengames
Patch 2.5 changes list @ DLH Forum
More patch changes info @ Quick Jump
More patch changes info @ Game Replays
More patch changes info @ Game Replays

ROL patches & Windows XP SP2 @ Heavengames
I can't update Rise Of Legends: Can't access the update server @ Microsoft
Rise of Legends - Auto Update issues drove me mad today @ Gog.com
Microsoft Rise of Legends - "Invalid Patch" problems @ Ars Technica
Rise of Legends - update issues @ PC Review
Rise of Legends - Patch Issues @ Gamers With Jobs
Rise Of Legends - No Patch Server! - v2.5 patch @ Real Free Market
Windows 8 64bit problem fixed @ Heavengames


10 Nations, Units, Buildings, Spells, Techs, Stats, Maps, Cheats and Strategy Info and Guides

Nation Info
Nation guide @ Heavengames
Vinci nation info @ official website archive (archived)
Vinci nation info @ Game Replays
Alin nation info @ official website archive (archived)
Cuotl nation info @ Game Replays
Cuotl nation info @ official website archive (archived)

Units, Buildings, Spells, Techs, Stats

Vinci
Vinci unit guide @ Heavengames
Vinci unit guide @ Heavengames
Vinci unit guide @ Heavengames
Vinci unit guide @ Game Replays
Vinci prototype unit guide @ Game Replays
Vinci unit guide @ official website archive (archived)
Vinci unit buildings @ official website archive (archived)
Vinci unit heroes @ official website archive (archived)
Vinci unit, hero, prototype, tech, building and district pdf guides @ Game Replays

Alin
Alin unit guide @ Heavengames
Alin unit guide @ Heavengames
Alin unit guide @ Game Replays
Alin unit guide @ official website archive (archived)
Alin building guide @ official website archive (archived)
Alin Building and Tech guide @ Heavengames
Alin upgrade guide @ Game Replays
Alin heroes guide @ official website archive (archived)

Cuotl
Cuotl unit guide @Heavengames
Cuotl unit info @ Heavengames
Cuotl unit info @ Heavengames
Cuotl unit stats @ Heavengames
Cuotl unit guide @ official website archive (archived)
Cuotl building guide @ official website archive (archived)
Cuotl heroes guide @ official website archive (archived)
Cuotl unit, hero, tech and district pdf guides @ Game Replays

General
All hero stats @ VS Battles Wiki
All heroes, buildings, units and spells list @ Heavengames
Unit info @ ROL Library (archived)
Unit info @ The Nuclear Option (archived)
Counter unit guide @ Game Replays
Economy guide @ Game Replays

Map Info
Map Descriptions @ Heavengames

Cheats
Cheats @ Ign
Cheats @ Neoseeker
Cheats @ Gamespot
Cheats @ Gaming Wikia
Cheats @ Heavengames

Strategy Guides
Tips and Tricks @ Heavengames
Combat explanation @ Heavengames
Strategy guides @ Heavengames
Strategy guides @ Game Replays
Vinci strategy guide @ Game Replays
Alin build orders @ Game Replays
Rise of Legends - Prima Official Strategy Guide - 157 pages of game basics, nation info and illustrated campaign walkthrough
Rise of Legends Strategies, Tactics and Tips @ Game Replays


11 Hotkeys/Keyboard Shortcuts, Game Guides, Campaign Walkthroughs and Let's Play and Playthrough Videos

Hotkeys/Keyboard Shortcuts
Hotkeys/Keyboard Shortcuts Guide @ Game Replays
Hotkeys/Keyboard Shortcuts Guide @ All Game
More Hotkeys Please @ Heavengames
Improving the Hotkeys - Some Selection Hotkeys @ Heavengames
Question about Cheat Hotkeys @ Heavengames

Game Guides, Campaign Walkthroughs
General campaign strategy @ Ign
Rise of Legends Tips and Walkthrough @ Game Monx
Rise of Legends Strategy Guide and Walkthrough by Krzysztof Gonciarz @ Game Pressure
Rise Of Legends Mission Guide by Mark Davies @ Game Faqs
Rise of Legends - Prima Official Strategy Guide - 157 pages of game basics, nation info and illustrated campaign walkthrough

Let's Play, Playthrough Videos and Forum Threads

English
Let's Play - Rise of Legends by DarkyErinyes @ Youtube (complete)
Let's Play - Rise of Legends by TheGameCatcher @ Youtube (complete)
Let's Play Rise of Legends by Ryan Applegong @ Youtube (complete)
Let's Play Ron: Rise of Legends Complete by 4KbShort @ Youtube (complete)
Rise of Legends Playthrough by Random Product @ Youtube (complete)
Rise of Legends Playthrough by Tardivex @ Youtube (complete)

Rise of Legends Playthrough by @ The Beau and Logan Show Youtube (unfinished)
Rise of Legends Playthrough by Game Tv @ Youtube (unfinished)
Let's Play Rise of Legends by Monocause RPG Codex (unfinished)
Rise of Legends Playthrough @ Something Awful (unfinished)

Russian
Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends by AlexPlayGame @ Youtube (complete)
Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends(В моем сердце by ANDREY Mak @ Youtube (unfinished)

Polish
Zagrajmy w Rise of Nations Rise of Legends @ Youtube (complete)
Rise of Legends - Let's play by DelToro95 @ Youtube (unfinished)

German
Lets play Rise of Legends (blind) by BensGameArea @ Youtube (complete)
Let's Play Rise of Legends by Magalter @ Youtube (unfinished)
Rise Of Legends Kampagne by LetsEinfallslos002 @ Youtube (unfinished)

Spanish
Guía Rise Of Nations: Rise Of Legends Español by Elfallout @ Youtube (unfinished)


12 Developer Interviews, Developer Diaries, Credits, Questions and Answers, Faqs

Interviews @ Heavengames
Interview @ Firing Squad (archived)
Interview @ Crispy Gamer
Interview @ Game Replays
Interview @ Gamers With Jobs

Credits @ Mobygames
Credits @ All Game

Questions for BHG @ Heavengames
Q&A with Rise of Legends Executive Producer Tim Train @ official website archive (archived)
Q&A with Rise of Legends Project Leader and Lead Designer Brian Reynolds @ official website archive (archived)
Interview with Joe Pishgar (aka Greypawn) @ Game Replays
Interview podcast with Brian Reynolds @ VGM Daily

Game Faq @ Heavengames
Game Faq @ Game Replays
Game Faq @ Game Faqs


13 Concept Art, Game Artists and Art Exhibits Info

Concept Art
Big Huge Games concept art gallery blog
Concept art @ Heavengames
Game renders @ Heavengames
Concept art gallery and discussion @ Concept Art.org
Concept art discussion @ Game Replays
Concept art gallery @ Giant Bomb
Rise of Legends flash page @ If Then
Rise of Legends flash page art info @ If Then
Rise of Legends font discussion @ Heavengames

Game Artists

Ted Terranova
Official website
Concept art blog
CG Society gallery
Gallery archive (archived)

John Fitzgerald
CG Society page
Official website (archived)

Louis Ferina
Official website

Jason Gillen
Official website

Mondul Kao
Official website

Hunter Schulz
Tumblr page

Sang Han
Official website
Cg Society forum thread

Melissa Bertrand
Coroflot page

Jessica Campbell
Official website

Blake Seow
Official blog

Dylan Cole
Official website
Rise of Legends matte paintings for Blur Studios @ Matte Painting.org

Asorson/Allied Studios
Official website (archived)

*Note: I have unsuccessfully tried to find any of this studio's work to upload on fansites. If any of the artists who worked for this studio would like to get in touch and share their concept, render and game art then feel free to contact Alincarpetman - just want to give you credit and share, thanks!

Blur Studios
Official website
CG Society forum thread
Concept art feature @ CG Society

Art Exhibits Info
There were 2 Big Huge Games Rise of Legends art exhibits in 2006 and 2007:

"Big Huge Games: From Concept to Game" at the Rosenberg Gallery at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland, Usa from September 14th - October 8th, 2006.
Art exhibit info

"Sketch to Screen - The Art of Game Creation" at the Gudelsky Gallery at the School of Art and Design at Montgomery College in Silver Spring, Maryland, Usa from February 19th - March 18th, 2007.
Art exhibit info (archived)
Art exhibit flyer

*Note: There were also rumors of a Rise of Legends "limited edition art book" made or not made - if anyone has any info please share it if you can.


14 Game Backstory, Lore, and History

World of Aio map @ Heavengames
World Map discussion @ Heavengames
The story of Aio @ Heavengames
The Tales of Rise of Legends @ official website archive (archived)
Giacomo’s Journal (Part 1) @ official website archive (archived)
Giacomo’s Journal (Part 2) @ official website archive (archived)
Giacomo’s Journal (Part 3) @ official website archive (archived)
Giacomo’s Journal (Part 4) @ official website archive (archived)
Rise of the Dark Alin (Part 1) @ official website archive (archived)
Rise of the Dark Alin (Part 2) @ official website archive (archived)
The official Encyclopedia of Aio by the Aio Society @ Statemaster
Tropes found in Rise of Legends @ TV Tropes
Cuotl gods discussion @ Heavengames


15 Fan Fiction, Fan Art and Fan Ideas for an Expansion, Mods and Re-release

Fan Fiction
Fan Fiction @ Heavengames
Fan timeline and game lore by Jave Harron @ Heavengames
The Kahan Chronicles by Ilord @ Heavengames
Fall of An Empire by Storm Legion @ Heavengames
The Siege of Miana by Storm Legio @ Heavengames
Research notes of Chief Engineer Quintizio: Sun Jaguar by Grunt @ Heavengames
A Tale In the Desert by Grunt @ Heavengames
Sand and Fire by Taufiq Khan @ Heavengames
War of Aio: A Rise of Legends Roleplay @ Heavengames
RP Rise of Legends: War of Aio @ Terraria Online
Les Mort Dansant Chapter 21: The Secret of The Observers by RuneKerianDrake @ Deviant Art
Les Mort Dansant Chapter 24: Perfection in Metal by RuneKerianDrake @ Deviant Art
Rekjavik by The 17th Colossus @ Alternate History
Rise of Legends/Drowtales Crossover Fanfic Idea by razer666L @ forums.drowtales.com


Fan Art
Fan Art @ Heavengames
Fan Creations @ Heavengames
Fan Toons @ Heavengames
Fan Art @ ROL Deviant Art group
Fan Art @ Deviant Art

Expansion, Mod and Re-release Ideas
A new unique faction by Taufiq Khan @ Heavengames
ILord and Taufiq Khan's ideas for an expansion @ Heavengames
Rise of Legends 2 Plot/Storyline Making by razer666L @ Space Battles
Motter's comments on modding Rise of Legends @ Heavengames
Alincarpetman's ideas for a re-release @ Heavengames
Alincarpetman's ideas for game possibilities @ Heavengames
What would you like to see in a Rise of Legends re-release? discussion thread @ Heavengames
Rise of Legends mod request and project thread @ Heavengames


16 Modding, Scenario Design, Map Editing, and Scripting Info

Modding
List of All Game Files and Their Types, Locations, Uses and Programs For Modding @ Heavengames
Latest Modding info, downloads & updates @ Heavengames
Rise of Legends - All Modding, Scenario, Map and Script Editing Guides Pack @ Heavengames
Rise of Legends - All Modding, Scenario, Map and Script Editing Guides Pack @ Moddb
A list of designer and modder topics @ Heavengames
BHG Custom Tribe Kit @ Heavengames
ROL Typename Generator @ Heavengames
Game Modification Documentation @ Heavengames
My Modding Tutorial @ Heavengames
Modding Support? @ Heavengames
Modding FAQ and Question and Answer Thread @ Heavengames
Have a question? Post it here @ Heavengames

Scenario Design and Map Editing
BHG Mapmaker Handbook @ Heavengames
BHG Multiplayer Mapmaker Guide @ Heavengames
BHG Cut Scene Guide @ Heavengames
Scenario Editor Hotkeys/Keyboard Shortcuts @ Heavengames
Scenario Design Tips @ Heavengames
Scenario Design Tips Examples @ Heavengames
How To Change the Ground On Maps - Scenario Modding Tutorial Part 1 @ Heavengames
Guards, Descriptions and Good Stuff - Scenario Modding Tutorial Part 2 @ Heavengames
Scenario Design Resources @ Heavengames

Scripting
BHG Scripting Kit @ Heavengames
Become A Scripting Legend Or At Least A Decent Beginner @ Heavengames

Modding Discussions
The modding history for interested programmers and modders @ Heavengames
Motter's comments on modding Rise of Legends @ Heavengames
What's happening on the designing front? @ Heavengames
The Campaign for More Rise of Legends Modding Capability @ Heavengames
Help with modding rise of legends @ Game Faqs

Mod Ideas
Ideas for mods in these topics here and here @ Heavengames
DotA Mod? (Defense of the Ancients style mod) @ Heavengames
DoTA style map for RoL @ Heavengames

ROL Mods In Other Games
Zolden's Rise of Legends mod in StarCraft 2 @ SC2 Mapster
Zolden's Rise of Legends mod in StarCraft 2 @ Reddit
Zolden's Rise of Legends mod in StarCraft 2 @ Hive Workshop
Zolden's Rise of Legends mod in StarCraft 2 @ Youtube
Zolden's Rise of Legends mod in StarCraft 2 @ Team Liguid
Zolden's Rise of Legends mod in StarCraft 2 @ Heavengames


In 2010 and 2013 Motter released an unofficial expansion, all campaign heros in skirmish mod and a new nations mod which can all be downloaded here.

*Note: Due to the lack of in-depth modding guides for Rise of Legends, we may need some new guides written (or old guides finished) by someone who can figure out as much as they can and is willing to write up what is possible with the game.


17 Music, Soundtrack, Audio and Voice Acting

Music
The Rise of Legends soundtrack was composed by Duane Decker who also worked on the Rise of Nations soundtrack. Duane Decker played keyboards and percussion and Northwest Sinfonia Orchestra played the orchestral pieces.

While there was an audio dvd soundtrack released for Rise of Nations, Rise of Legends never got an official release but can be found in your installed game directory "...\Rise of Legends\audio\music\"

Duane Decker
Official website
Official blog
Official Youtube channel
Facebook page
Videogame Music Database profile
Videogame Music Preservation Foundation Wiki profile
Music demos
The demo tracks Mezekesh, Silean Winter and Suspended were original demos for Rise of Legends which got put aside as a new style was composed which was the final in game soundtrack that can be heard.
Rise of Legends full soundtrack @ Youtube
Rise of Nations Overture
The Rise of Nations Overture is a medley of various songs from Rise of Legends and Rise of Nations composed by Duane Decker for an orchestral arrangement and performance.
Rise of Nations overture @ Youtube
Northwest Sinfonia Orchestra

Audio and Sound Design
Rise of Legends trailer sound re-design @ Youtube
Omni Interactive Audio

Voice Acting
Voice Casting and Production by Blindlight

Giacomo, Distruzio, Petruzzo, Marwan/Acerbus the Mystic, Doge Guard 2, Informant, Innkeeper, Magistrate 2, Merchant, Scientist, Sentinel - Andrew Bowen
Carlini, Bataglion, Pulitore, Condotierri Dragoon, Condotierri, Doge Guard 1, High Priest, Merchant, Solider, Taunts - Rick Pasqualone
Lenora, Belisari - Kate Connor
Sawu, Yontash, Cuotl, Magistrate 1, Condotierri Soldier - Dan Barton
Doge, Sultan (Alin King), Kakoolah, Runner, Alin Soldier - Steven Barr
Arri, Damanhur, Spy, Desert Walker - Nika Futterman
Imperial Musketeer, Magistrate 3, Pilot - Dave Thomas


18 Multiplayer Online and Lan Info

Multiplayer Clients and Utilities
Game Ranger - online gaming client
Evolve - online gaming client
Tunngle - vpn program for lan gaming online
Hamachi - vpn program for online gaming
Fraps - video capture and fps viewer

Are you searching for Games & Players?
Look and post in this thread for people wanting to play online multiplayer games

Multiplayer Info
Multiplayer LAN & Online Info - post and find player and game client info here
Multiplayer Tech Support - post technical questions and find solutions here

Check the 7 Discussion Forum section and 9 Tech Support section above for places to chat and get tech support.

Multiplayer game videos @ Youtube
Multiplayer game replay videos @ Game Replays
Multiplayer interface screens @ Game Replays
A Guide To Rise of Legends Over Internet Via VPN @ Heavengames
Compiled LAN troubleshooting thread @ Heavengames
Multiplayer Problem playing Rise of Legends @ Tom's Hardware
Multiplayer Lan fix solution for Windows 8 @ Amazon


19 Funny Stuff

Funny spam at a Rol forum
Funny spam image at an old Rol fansite
BHG supporting religious games
Weird threads in Zeke's Corner
The origins of Sawu comic
Voice actor who voiced Giacomo did Keanu Reeves impressions


20 Other Stuff

Interesting Info
Videogames may do the aging brain good
Study: Real Time Strategy Gaming Benefits from Size of Brain Regions
Study shows gaming by 60+ seniors increases cognitive skills
Some of the BHG concept artwork for Ascendant is reminiscent of the Alin in Rise of Legends, maybe some of ROL carried over to Kingdoms of Amalur...

Similar Games
There have been many fantasy rts games like Rise of Legends in similar style, setting, features, etc over the years that were either overlooked and faded into obscurity or have regained interest in recent times. Here are a few titles:

Total Annihilation: Kingdoms (1999)
Total Annihilation: Kingdoms - The Iron Plague (2000) - the expansion adds the Creon, a steampunk nation
TAK Universe
Forum
TAK Downloads - full game download
Demo
Mod Database
Game Faqs
Gog
Steam
Facebook

ParaWorld (2006)
No expansion but there are mods and download packs on the front page here.
Para-Welt
Forum
Demo
Mod Database
Game Faqs
Gog
Facebook

WorldShift (2008)
No expansion but the game is greenlit to be released on Steam here.
World Shift (archived)
Playlogic Games
Demo
Forum
Mod Database
Game Faqs
Steam
Facebook

Divinity: Dragon Commander (2013)
New game released recently.
Divinity Dragon Commander
Forum
Mod Database
Game Faqs
Steam
Facebook

Check this list here also for more fantasy and sci-fi rts games.

Legends will rise!

[This message has been edited by alincarpetman (edited 11-19-2017 @ 06:46 PM).]

That's quite a list. Nice job. I remember you had sent me some concept art about the Katan but I only briefly glanced at it before as I was sorta burnt out on the game, but looking at it now, man, really makes me wish we had gotten those other races.

I'm glad you posted the info about Duane Decker the man who composed all the music for this game and RON, he truly is an overlooked talent. He is also real nice about talking with fans. I'm sure it was a big dissapointment for him when ROL didn't do well, he did such an amazing job on the soundtrack.

Hopefully we can drum up some more interest, did you ever get any leads on finding some of the games original programmers? That would be a world of help if I could talk to some of them.

Hey Motter - yeah there's more unseen concept and render art somewhere out there, eventually I'd like to upload as much of it as possible to the download pages on both HG and MDB.

The music is awesome I agree, and Duane was the first who managed to get back to me when I tried getting in touch with the game creators, he's a nice guy.

I tried to find contact info for the programmers - check the credits pages linked to above for the full list. Here's some partial links though and you might be able to find some kind of social network page or contact email if you do some searching:

Programming Lead - Jason S. Coleman

Graphics Programming Lead - Jason Bestimt

Game Programming Lead - Pranas Pauliukonis

Programmers - Stuart Jeff, Michael LeGrand, Zackery Smith, David Clyde, Jason Jurecka, Christopher Nemcosky, Brian Lhota, Timothy Ford, Joshua Petrie, Richard Jose, Scott Lewis.

Programming Contractors - Ilya Kreymer, Jhon Restrepo

Programming Interns - Jay Stocker, Daniel Volpe, Robert Allen, Brian Lococo, Jonah Williams, Andrew Maurer, Todd Lewis, Manley Peterson, Timothy Smith, Jeffrey Houston.

I only managed to get a reply from Tim Train at their new website here, but there wasn't much said besides my positive feedback on the game and links to what we're up to here, as they don't own the rights anymore and either can't say anything or don't know in general. I would say give another try though to Tim and any of the people above if you can find an email, it's worth a try to send a polite email linking to your mod and exp so they can see what you've done.

The other thing is whoever buys the game rights will also be the one to get in touch with if they plan to do anything with the game. That's all I've got after many tries, but if you get any info I'd be curious to know.

[This message has been edited by alincarpetman (edited 12-17-2015 @ 11:32 PM).]

(deleted spam)

[This message has been edited by alincarpetman (edited 02-02-2017 @ 04:38 PM).]