The multiplayer community is no longer supported by MSN Zone or IGZones. To celebrate its release, several tournaments were held at Age of Empires Heaven, inviting players from around the world to test their skills in this new game. Review website GameWorldNetwork gave the game a score of 93%, and commented that it seemed to be a whole new game. The most praised features were The Rise of Rome's unit queue feature, and the improved all around gameplay and balance. The expansion was criticized by some fans as the new features were minimal, but on the whole it was well accepted. Tower Shield - decrease damage received from missiles.Medicine - increase priest healing rate.Martyrdom - sacrifice priests to instantly convert units.Logistics - reduces the population count by half for all units created at the barracks.Slinger - a new infantry unit which is effective against archers.Fire Galley - a new ship unit which applies fire to enemy units.
Scythe Chariot - an upgrade of the Chariot which damages adjacent units.Camel Rider - a new unit which is effective against cavalry.Armored Elephant - an upgrade of the War Elephant with trample damage effect.Roman - bonuses in infantry and construction.Palmyrans - bonuses in economy and trade.Macedonia - bonuses in siege units and missile resistance.