The Anticipation is over. Strategy First Inc. and Microids announced today that Empire of the Ants has shipped to retail stores across North America and will be available in stores nationwide in days to come.

Empire of the Ants brings a refreshing twist to the strategy genre, immersing players into the microscopic world of the Ant Kingdom. Combining the need to build up huge colonies, lead armies into battle, hunt down food and breed to improve their numbers, the game puts players into the role of an up-and-coming ant commander who has been given the task of overseeing the welfare and expansion of a colony of russet ants.

Superior AI replicates the instincts of each insect and faithfully reproduces more than 60 different species of insect and animal to exploit and engage in battle. Watch in amazement as the beautiful, microscopic world of the ants is brought to life in 3D graphics, with real-time 3D multiple camera angles and in-and-out zooms. For each mission, players are given specific objectives at the start of each level, which can vary from the collection of food units to killing the enemy. Multiplayer mode allows for up to 8 players over LAN or Internet.

Empire of the Ants will be distributed throughout North America by Infogrames for a suggested retail price of $39.99 US.