I really liked AoE, after playing the demo i remember i rushed the store to get the full version.. was really a brilliant game with an amazing graphic for those times.. now they are going to repropose the core game with a cartoonish graphic, completely online and free to play..

Age of Empires Online is the next evolution in the best-selling real-time strategy (RTS) franchise Age of Empires. Developed by Robot Entertainment and Microsoft Game Studios for the Games for Windows – LIVE platform, Age of Empires Online invites players to create a living, growing online world, shared with friends and friendly rivals around the world. Marrying fresh features with classic RTS gameplay, Age of Empires Online pays tribute to the original game while incorporating a new look, feel, and approach that appeals to long-time fans, newcomers, and everyone in between.

Age of Empires Online will release exclusively on Games for Windows – LIVE in 2011. Closed Beta is up and running.

Features:

* Classic Age of Empires Gameplay: Experience the familiar gameplay that made the franchise successful, with an updated art style and uplifting tone. Revisit the classic game elements of empire creation and resource management in a vibrant historical setting.
* New Social Experiences: Discover new social experiences within the game, including live chat, gifting and trading of content, and cooperative multiplayer quests.
* A Constantly Growing Online Empire: Dive into a continually evolving online world where new content, civilizations, and quests are introduced.
* Games for Windows – LIVE Integration.