Much like Stainless Steel Studios' first game, Empire Earth, Empires: Dawn of the Modern World is a 3D strategy title in which players must lead a civilization to global domination. The game takes place from 950 AD to 1950 AD, which includes the Middle Ages, Gunpowder Age, Imperial Age, World War I, and World War II. Nations available for play include the French, Germans, United States, Koreans, Chinese, British, and Russians. <br><br>Each nation has its own strengths and weaknesses; the Germans have significant air power while the Chinese make excellent use of gunpowder. Historically accurate units are available in each age, from plague-carrying cow carcasses thrown by catapult to the German V2 rocket. The number and variety of units increases as each game progresses, allowing nations to do battle on land, at sea, and in the air.<br><br>Single-player games offer random maps against up to seven computer opponents and a campaign mode. There are three campaigns, each featuring one of the greatest military leaders in history: General Patton, Richard the Lionheart, and Admiral Yi. Empires' multiplayer component allows for up to eight players to fight together or against one another online.