Strategy Informer  

Microsoft Game Studios has just announced that Robot Entertainment is developing Age of Empires Online, with beta signups now going live.

This was the project thought of as 'Spartan'. AOE Online gives us a "persistent online capitol city" that we can grow and nurture while conquering.

"Begin the journey with your own Greek civilisation, and watch as it progresses from a village to an empire. Embark on quests along the way, alone or with friends, and immerse yourself in epic tales, quirky characters, adventure, history and strategy," blurbs the press release. This reveal comes on the eve of Cologne, Germany's gamescom.

Here's the official feature list:
- A persistent online capitol city that lives and grows even when you’re offline
- Cooperative multiplayer quests, trading and a level-based system that lets you progress at your own pace
- Fun, approachable style and storylines
- Free-to-play experiences via Games for Windows – LIVE

The official website for Age of Empires Online reveals a lot about the game and also has a beta signup going. It releases exclusively on PC with Games for Windows – LIVE integrated in 2011. Currently the close beta "is up and running."

"Today, we’re bringing powerful, inventive gaming experiences to the Windows-based PC,” said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios.

“Over the years, our PC heritage captured the hearts and minds of millions of players. Reinventing these iconic franchises with social, shared experiences at their core marks the beginning of our return to PC gaming in bold new ways.”

Be warned videogamer because it's called Age of Empires Online for a reason, it has no offline play. It will have a Greek civilization and some others at launch but more will get added over time. It ditches the old visual style for a more 'cartoony' vibe.

"Age of Empires Online stays true to its roots with traditional RTS gameplay, a deep player-versus-player mode and detailed historical settings. From the creation of your capital city, to resource management and competitive matches, Age of Empires fans will feel right at home," reads the official FAQ. Hopefully we'll get to see more at gamescom.

Related games: Age of Empires (PC), Age of Empires II: Age of Kings (PC), Age of Empires II: Conquerors (PC), Age of Empires III (PC), Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs (PC), Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties (PC), Age of Empires: Rise of Rome (PC)