Conquer the World empire mode.
Conquer the World (CTW) is the single-player campaign mode of Rise of Nations. It features a Risk-like turn-based global strategy mode, where nations may conduct diplomacy, redeploy armies and try to expand their empires by conquering new territories. Conflicts are then resolved using the real-time game engine.
Gameplay
The loading screen, showing what units you have and also tells you a small story of what is going on. Some campaigns have "More Info" which has historical/fantasy text.
In Conquer the World, you not only command in battles, but you also command an entire empire. You start in your nation's capital which depends on where your capital is located (for example, Romans start in Italy) or if set at random, you can begin at any place of the world (e.g. the Germans can begin in Japan).
During your turn, you may forge alliances, make peace treaties and declare war. You can also spend tribute to upgrade your territory and make the area far stronger (more cities and defenses), or to purchase Bonus Cards. You can also play red bonus cards, move armies within your territory, and perform overruns. Finally, you can attack, starting a real-time battle and ending your turn.
Attacking barbarians always begins a Scenario. Attacking a capital, a strength 5+ territory, or with allies always begins a Conquest battle. Otherwise, the battle can be either a conquest or scenario. Attacking with a different number of supporting armies can change whether it is a scenario or conquest, while attacking with a different army can change one scenario for another.
If you choose to end your turn without attacking, you gain tribute (Maximum of 100). The first time you press "Next Turn", you gain only 25 tribute. Then, you gain 50 tribute, then 75 and finally 100.
Interface
The bottom part of the screen lists your rare resources and Wonders. Rare resources contribute their income and effect to each Conquest battle, but Wonders are only activated once you research 
Civic Level 4 at the Library.
On the eastern part of your conquest panel, displays your tribute and your total income from rare resources. It also displays the name of your nation, the world's current age, and the number of turns left until an age advance (usually one in the beginning round, and three for the rest of the game).
On the western part of your conquest panel are four buttons. The Options button opens up the interface to change settings or leave the conquer the world game. The Rules button display the rules of the CTW game, including the effects of territory strengths during Conquest battles. The World Events display captures, diplomacy and many other interesting things that go on with your nation or other nations. The World Status displays which nations are the most powerful from top to bottom, and their allies.
Thrones & Patriots
CTW campaigns in Thrones & Patriots. Note that you can only get Custom Map if you have a custom CTW in your conquest folder.
In Thrones & Patriots, there is now not just the Entire World, but four new campaigns which includes Alexander the Great, Napoleon, The New World and The Cold War. In addition, the Conquer the World button moves to the main menu for quicker access.
New Maps
Thrones & Patriots features four new single-player campaigns:
- Alexander the Great - Follow the footsteps of Alexander the Great to conquer the known world of 336BC! (336BC-323BC (You continue beyond this date)). Uses Alexander as a unique general unit. Also introduces a unique unit for the Macedonians (Greeks), the Greek Mercenaries.
- Napoleon - Follow the footsteps of Napoleon to conquer the known world of 1796! (1796-1815 (or further if Waterloo is won)). Uses Napoleon as a unique general unit. Also introduces a unique unit for the French, the Imperial Guard.
- The New World - Expand your territory in the Americas until your nation is in clear dominance in these fertile lands. (1492). The Portuguese (Nubians) has two unique units, the Bandeirantes and Elite Bandeirantes, the Americans have the Ironclad, and the Spanish has two new unique units, the Conquistador and Elite Conquistador.
- The Cold War - A clash of the great superpowers from the end of World War II until the dawn of the Information Age. (1947-1991 (Unless the Soviets or Americans declare war, otherwise, today.)). The Soviets (Russians) and the Americans have unique units. The Soviets have the Nuclear Missile Sub and the Americans have the Humvee.
Custom Maps
In addition, players can now make their own Conquer the World campaigns by using an image file along with a RENDER map, both ending with _01.png. A "Custom Map" option will appear showing all the campaigns along with the entire world campaign.
Gameplay Changes
The diplomacy interface is no longer simple, offering between making an alliance or making peace. It is now much larger and you can exchange tribute, cards and territory. There is also, exclusive to Napoleon and Cold War, the option of Vassal and Client State. There are also new bonus cards that are available for use in the game.
Colonies
In Napoleon (or if you custom implement it in the CTW game), you can gain colonies for your nation. Colonies can be displayed in World Status. They cannot be captured unless your entire nation is captured first, and will provide you income, rare resource bonuses, and even Wonders. Unlike regular territories, you can gain more than one rare resource benefit from them and even a supply depot. You can also trade them for territories.