Microsoft Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings is the sequel to the award-winning, best-selling real-time strategy game Age of Empires. Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings spans a thousand years, from the fall of Rome through the Middle Ages in which players lead one of 13 civilizations into greatness. You can command the Franks, Japanese, Byzantines, Vikings, Mongols and Celts civilizations, each having its own unique attributes, buildings and technologies as well as a unique combat unit based on its historical counterpart.This game keeps the epic scope of Age of Empires' game play while evolving the combat and economic features. Players can now use garrisoning and military formations that add interesting tactical combat choices. Players can also improve the economy of their civilization through trade and diplomacy creating new options for players to buy, sell, and speculate on resources. For those new to Age of Empires, the trial version provides the William Wallace Learning Campaign, in which players take command of the highlanders and learn the basic concepts of the game, such as how to build an economy, how to train their soldiers, and how to fight and defeat their enemy. The Age of Empires II trial version also features a sample Random Map game, where gamers start in the Dark Ages with only a Town Center, three villagers and a scout and must then build their mighty empire and eliminate the two computer-player opponents. There is also a multiplayer feature which allows players to join their friends and do battle with their enemies on the MSN Gaming Zone.