This was really my introduction into the strategy genre, and I loved it. Regardless to say, I really don't think the expansion pack (Rise of Rome) is all that spectacular. The expansion pack, I felt, featured some useless  units (Camel, Scythe Chariots, Armored Elephant) nothing that could really,  significantly boost gameplay. The new techs didn't help either, and their  wasn't a fix to computers or anything like that; but don't let this  discourage you.  Age of Empires really was what not only got me into  strategy games but into Ancient History as a whole. The guys at ES  (Ensemble Studios) did a great job with the history throughout gameplay.  Age of Empires has some great features including, (1) Chariot Archers,  which are probably the most overused unit (although that's not a bad  thing). (2) It also has the internet gameplay feature which is really what  sold this game for me. (3) Lastly, not only does it have good graphics (for  the picky, I can say at least for 1997) but it has the excellent ability to  play the DMs (deatmatches) and to make your own scenarios.