Traditionally Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games have not faired well for consoles, be they portable ones or not. But with the introduction of Nintendo's DS platform that comes with a touch screen, gamers have enjoyed a paradigm shift in this area. Granted, you won't be able to have the flexibility of a PC setup, but at the very least the stylus helps greatly when commanding your armies. Age of Empires: The Age of Kings (AoE: AoK) shares the same title with one of the more popular RTS titles on the PC platform, but it takes on a turn-based format rather than the tried-and-true method of clicking frantically while building up your army.
The setting in The Age of Kings brings us back to the medieval ages, where the terms dirty bombs and nuclear warfare had yet to be invented. Back then, people lived and died by the sword ala Braveheart. Hardcore gamers might be disappointed to know that there are only five factions to choose from as the PC version affords you the luxury of many more options. Nevertheless, for a portable game, having the Franks, the Japanese, the Mongols, the Saracens, and the Britons are already more than a handful as you will find out later below.