Age of Empires: Castle Siege gets a soft launch for iOS in Canada with Xbox achievements

Age of Empires: Castle Siege, the free-to-play action-strategy game that Microsoft released for Windows Phone and Windows 8.1 in September, is coming to the iPhone and iPad. Microsoft is in the middle of a "soft launch" for the game on those devices. it is currently available for Canadian residents to download and play.

The game was first launched as a Windows Phone and Windows 8.1 exclusive in September 2014 and is based loosely on the classic Age of Empires PC real-time strategy game series. This new game is more like Clash of Clans than the original Age of Empires, as players build up their fortress to defend it against attackers. Here's a brief description:

"Choose from one of several civilizations, including the Britons, Teutons, and Kievan Rus. Upgrade your keep, fortify your walls, and garrison defensive troops to protect yourself from marauders. Then, train an army to raid other cities, and command them in battle to dismantle your opponents' defenses. Over the ages, you'll research technology, live through famous battles, and recruit a variety of heroes to your side, including Saladin, Richard the Lionheart, and Joan of Arc. Outsmart your attackers and outplay your victims to earn achievements and climb to the top of the leaderboards. Take command, and make your mark on history!"

According to the site WindowsPhoneApps.es, the game also features the ability for users to login to their Xbox account and presumably earn achievements too.

Since this is a soft launch, it may take a few weeks or months for the iPhone and iPad version of the game to be released to the rest of the world. Microsoft previously launched two of its Halo mobile games, Spartan Strike and Spartan Assault, for iOS in April

Free on iOS App Store (Canada only)

Source: WindowsPhoneApps.es; Thanks to Israel Hormazaba for the tip!

John Callaham