Discover Age of Nations Episode 102: "Differences of Opinion"

[DanQ]

Continuing the (re-)discovery of the machinima and live-action blended series Age of Nations (AoN) from last week, this week's focus is on Episode 102: "Differences of Opinion". It is the first to feature voice actors to carry main characters as the series progresses further. In addition to being able to download the episode in Windows Media (WMV) format from the course website, you can also stream it off of YouTube. Set in the Rise of Nations universe as the first Real-Time Strategy (RTS) machinima series and first for the game, AoN ran for one season of 14 episodes and ending with a featurette released in July 2007.

As described for the series' second episode:

A sense of fear is spreading amongst the populace in the wake of recent events. Exploration and ego dominate the leaders' time and energies.

Civilian and military interests clash as decisions are ultimately made -- but at what cost?

Afterwards, you can also stream the commentary on the episode or download directly if you prefer; first released in January 2006, it has been absent from public distribution for more than three years to today. Similarly you can once again find the pilot's commentary for download or streaming as well. From the now defunct game developer Big Huge Games co-founded by Civilization II and Alpha Centauri Lead Designer Brian Reynolds, RoN worked to incorporate Turn-Based Strategy (TBS) elements into an RTS environment.