Microsoft sends along word that the Rise of Nations sequel Rise of Legends has gone gold. The game will be in North American stores May 9. You can find a singleplayer demo at FileShack.

The RTS gameplay of "Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends" has been improved for a more rewarding experience – gamers have the choice of drawing out battles for multiple hours for the classic RTS feel or focusing on shorter, 20-minute, campaigns. As the second installment of the "Rise of Nations" franchise, "Rise of Legends" also extends the gaming experience using a 3-D engine with dynamic lighting, deformable terrain, destructible buildings, ground-rattling earthquakes and massive armies locked in enormous strategic battles. "Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends" combines cutting-edge, industry-leading technology with awe-inspiring art design to create environments unlike anything ever seen.