Microsoft and Ensemble Studios have just released a demo for the 3rd installment in their best-selling real-time strategy series. Age of Empires III picks up after Age of Empires II: Age of Kings, allowing you to take over the role of a European power vying for land and dominance in the New World. Apparently the big additions this time around are the breathtaking visuals and realistic physics; as a result the system requirements are somewhat steep (Win XP, 1.4 GHz, 256 MB RAM, 64 MB video card). The demo includes a skirmish mode and 2 single player missions, taking you back to the wild west. Download the 365 MB demo at the official site below. Age of Empires III will be released on October 18th.