If you can mind a few bugs and imbalances, your in for a game that can satisfy you for hours on in.
*Scroll to the very bottom if you just want a summary*
Now, like any game it has its flaws the combat system is a bit shaky... Okay, let's be honest the combat system is like being a kid with asthma walking through a forest of cottonwood trees. And there are a few bugs some of which are serious and some are minor.
In the game there are professions which in my honest opinion are completely unbalanced. The thief for example simply needs to leave their thieves training their stealth for a while then once their done you're getting about $700+ every turn and that's only at the first level of thieves guild. Where as the blacksmith is struggling along with his prices falling every 3-4 years until he becomes the guild leader for the smiths guild.
Politics plays a fairly major role in the game as well. Especially if you're one who likes to acquire goods from your competitors without asking. At first you'll have the most basic offices you can acquire (after you become a citizen of course) once you acquire an office you'll receive payment every turn for as long as you hold that office. After that you can work your way up the political tree and into some more lucrative positions such as Judge or Mayor. Those two political positions are also very helpful for thieves since you possess immunity from accusations of crime.
Sadly enough for those of you who like to have a bit of a sandbox mode with infinite money, there are no cheats in the game but I suppose that can also be a good thing too as while you're playing the game you'll see how much cash you have and be like wow, I've really gotta find something else to do...
(I.E. 1mil$)
Now the game also has several RPG elements, you have stats that you can build up so not only will your character be better at those things but also you workforce.
The Good
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- Unique mix of Sim, RTS, RPG, Tycoon, and Time Management
- Historically accurate. (If you click history ON on when you start a game)
- Highly addicting
- Lack of cheats. (Feeling of accomplishment)
- Variety of professions and Political positions.
- Can find the game very cheaply at your local bargain bin.
The Bad
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- Bugs can end the fun.
- Huge learning curve.
- Highly addicting :P
- Lack of cheats. (For those of use who wanna just build)
- Combat System
- Profession imbalance
I had allot of fun with this game and I hope you do too.