+graphics +story +combat -no AA or vysnc -interface for main menu looks like crap
Other than a few little niggling things like the main menu looking like no effort, and no aa or v-sync, and needing better camera controls, everything else is got so much polish and care in it. From the tooltips to the descriptions to the story to the customization of your heros and military fodder, it's a gorgeous game deserving of your money. I'd go so far as to say its 2009-2010 GOTY.
Give the demo a try at least, you wont be dissappointed if you like:
1. RTS games
2. Total War games
3. RPGs
4. Good games
There are story elements in the game that will influence your main character. The decisions you pick ultimately add up to how people see your character. Are you a tyrant? Are you a Christian? Do you worship the old, druidic gods or are you a more priestly character.
How about how you like to battle? Would you prefer your character was a magic weilding Knight, or a tank, or even a god of destruction? How about huge armies throwing themselves at each other, while you take over control points that gives your army special abilities against it's foes?