Microsoft Game Studios today announced that the award-winning real-time strategy (RTS) game for Windows, Rise of Nations®, is now available at local retailers for an estimated retail price of $29.95 (U.S.). Now is the perfect time for gamers to pick up a game at an unbeatable price that has won several major awards, including Game of the Year and Strategy Game of the Year. The price drop comes hot on the heels of the recent announcement that Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots is slated for a Spring '04 release, and will allow gamers who haven't yet picked up the original to practice and prepare for this expansion pack.