A lot to appreciate here
Hard to describe what the game is. Initially my friends would say: "Wow I lost again. Why? Its impossible to win."
Later when I have taught them about the multiple resource collection, civilian management, research. And we have played a couple of games, things get really interesting. We end up talking for hours of different strategies we can use, to beat the AI on hardest against a couple of them or analysing why they kept losing and how to improve. Its one of these games that we keep reinstalling to play together.
Graphics are good enough for the job. Things can look great on max. Smooth multiplayer is more important hehe.
Its a strategy game in its core like Age of Empires. However there is a lot more to learn here. But its not impossible. But there are in game tools to help you. For example a mini map screen which can be used such as to select a free worker and build a farm. While on the main you are looking how your army is destroying an opponent. There is also a loop button so you can select a barracks to build some particular unit and it will build it nonstop until you deactivate the loop (or don't have access to it as you have moved to the next epoh). There is also a civilian manager tool to oversee your workers. How many people are collecting what. Plus can put free to do specific resource collection/ built farms/oil derelicts and so on....
There is also research plus research power crowns, additional specific power, faction specific units and perks (eg Towns cost 25% less ). It all goes to make one hell of a game. A lot of depth which should lead to a lot of strategy.
Something that is missing these days.
I would definitely recommend it to players who are looking to get together and enjoy something together / against each other. I hope you appreciate this classic for what it is a great game to play with some friends.