Microsoft Games has released a Rise of Nations: Thrones & Patriots demo, allowing you to try out this strategy game expansion pack before it shows up in stores April 27. Here's what the 238mb download has to offer

In the trial version, gamers can choose between four nations: the Persians from the expansion pack, and three others from the original game. Players will be able to play through the tutorial and then get a taste of the Alexander the Great campaign, one of four historical campaigns in the retail version. Gamers will also be able to try their hand on the battlefield on one of three different random map types. This stand-alone trial version does not require gamers to own the original retail version of Rise of Nations.