Settlers talking back to you in foreign tongues? Beaucoup! Today, Ensemble Studios released the long-awaited demo of Age of Empires III.

The first mission's objective is to build trading posts along a route and stamp out the resistance on the path. Muskets, bayonets, horses and cannons, the mission feels very John Ford/Stagecoach to me (the Ringo Kid not included). Making an alliance with the Native American faction in the area is strongly encouraged. My only gripe is that my hero units don't feel very heroic yet. I'm sure it's user error.

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