The name Age of Empires has always been associated with Microsoft and its Ensemble studio. And, while the latest title for the PC, Age of Empires III might have been a bit of disappointment, mainly because it continued to push for the same classic style of real time strategy while games like Warhammer and Company of Heroes were revolutionizing the genre, the franchise still has a dedicated following amongst RTS junkies.

It's a surprise then that not Microsoft, but THQ is bringing an Age of Empires strategy title to the Nintendo DS, with a game called Age of Empires: Mythologies, that promises to deliver the same "epic strategy" feeling of the PC game, with "fast paced combat" and "unique cultures."

THQ says the game will feature three distinct cultures, the Greeks, the Egyptians and the Norse, that can be played either in a single player campaign or in multiplayer. Each race will have its gods and divine powers, and also its unique strategy based on its units.

There's already an Age of Empires title available for the DS, called Age of Empires: The Age of Kings. It was published by Majesco and developed by Backbone, and took most of the features of the PC game and adapted them for a turn based system on the Nintendo DS.

According to the press release from THQ, the multiplayer component will feature "unique maps, customizable rules, a new skirmish mode and single-cart game sharing."

Brand management VP Kevin Kraff said: "Age of Empires: Mythologies will combine one of the most successful Windows PC franchises of all time with the innovative style and controls of Nintendo DS, bringing a totally unique experience to handheld gamers. With three playable civilizations, a fast-paced combat system and extensive multi-player options, Age of Empires: Mythologies will be one of the must-have tactical strategy games this year."