Realism and Excitement
I cared about my forces whether I was Axis or Allies. I forgot I was playing a game and I dare not make a chess analogy with this game because it simply will not fit. There is much more to the planning within a simple battle than you would think and the effect that morale would have upon real humans. Would a real human be afraid of being shot at? Well, so do your troops in this game.
The graphics were alright but not spectacular. They did a good job researching the battlefields of the era and recreated small towns. The scenario designer tools are quite good and easy to learn while the random battle facet is tremendously fun and rewarding.
The built in PBEM (Play by Email) implemented a Turn based competition that was quite fun. I must have had ten human opponents at the same time.
It was truly a tremendous game and should be the example for those other WWII games that strive for accuracy. Remember, the subject matter is for the "Greatest Generation"