"Age of Empires" was generally well received, despite some highly negative reviews. GameSpot criticized a confused design, while "Computer and Video Games" praised the game as strong in single and multiplayer. The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences named "Age of Empires" the 1998 "Computer Strategy Game of the Year." For several years, the game remained high on the sales charts, with over three million units sold by 2000. "The Rise of Rome" sold one million units in 2000 and attained 80% as an aggregate score from GameRankings.