Awkward, overly simplistic, clunky and generally not interesting.
- Clunky graphics
- The strategy component in skirmishes is weak and in world domination almost non-existent (again very simplistic)
- Unit movement is terrible and seems quite buggy even with the patch (specifically army control)
- Can't zoom out far enough to effectively control large battle areas - Bugs (like a builder getting "stuck" in the building he has completed - No way to suicide a unit that is either stuck or simply not wanted
In the end, battles seem long and tedious with development of your civilization being quite linear and boring. There is no excitement interest or challenge to this release. I honestly think if they had stuck with the EEII model, upgraded it and added a more interesting World Domination mode this game would have been incredible. It almost seems like this is a strategy game for the 12 and under market.
If this is the kind of game you are looking for, unfortunately EEII or AOE III (or even galactic civ II: Dreadlords if you can get into the space thing) are far better. I am very disappointed, as I was very excited about this release.