New Age of Empires DS game out this autumn

THQ has announced a new Age of Empires game, heading to DS later this year. Age of Empires: Mythologies is inspired by the hit PC Age of Empires series, but developed from the ground up for DS. So the game will incorporate specially designed touch-screen controls as well as unique multi-player campaigns and modes.

Screenshots haven't yet emerged, but it's safe to say it's sounding like typical Age of Empires stuff. Three different playable civilisations are planned – the Egyptians, Greeks and the Norse – each with their own individual campaigns to play through, and you'll have the powers to command both armies and individual heroes and shape the destinies of your people. When it all gets a bit much, you can even call on the divine powers of the gods to help you out.

While the game's engine is the same as the one used in Age of Kings on DS, highlighted new features are all based around multi-player, which seems like it will be more comprehensive than ever. Unique maps and customisable rules will be available, as well as a new Skirmish mode and single-cart game sharing. Online you'll be able to go head-to-head in a big battle against players anywhere in the world.

Release date-wise, THQ says Mythologies will be ready for autumn. Its vice president of global brand management, Kevin Kraff also says it will be "one of the must-have tactical strategy games this year." Which surely shouldn't fail to get you clicking 'Track It!' if you consider yourself any sort of strategy fan at all.