While fraught with difficultites, Dom2 is a worthwhile, if unpretty, TBS mutliplayer game. Poor AI makes for poor SP.
I am writing this review because the other players have given Dom2 a rating of at least 9, which I think is misleading *according to GameSpot criteria*, which also include graphics and sound. The graphics of Dom2 are 15 years old and clumsy, at best, while the sound is the most abominable conglomeration of squeakings and peepings I have ever heard. Fortunately, one can turn the sound off (which I do) and listen to music.
Firstly, the gameplay in Dominions 2 requires a lot of getting used to, but once you have learned how to master it, it takes off. Lack of documentation is more than made up by an avid fan-base.
If you like fantasy multiplayer strategy, this is a great game. If you are looking for a challenging SP experience, look elsewhere, since Dominions 2 is simply too complex for its AI to handle.
If you do not mind spend hours on a turn micromanaging every item your commanders can carry, every smith forging these items, spellcasters slaving away at research and casting, and moving troops around, then this game will be just right for you. It requires a lot of thought, and is rewarding. Of course, not all of your thought will always go rewarded, since tactical battles are resolved by the AI, and you have no control over your individual units. This, however, is usually a good idea.
Secondly, however, Dominions 2 is plagued not only with poor AI, but with a clumsy, counter-intuitive interface that detracts a lot from gameplay. Even after getting used to it, it is unpretty and cumbersome.
While the fan community is avid, they overlook much of the developer's shortcomings, up to and including support. This is because Illwinter (the developers) is made up of 3 persons, all of which do not work in the gaming industry full time (they are schoolteachers, IIUC). This is all well and good, and sympathetic. It does not, however, justify the poor support for a game whose price is still running at over 50 dollars. While Illwinter has released 16 patches, most of the changes made are cosmetic.
All in all, Dominions 2 is a fine game, and one which no other hobby game developers could have duplicated with such skill -- but one which nevertheless suffers from lack of funding, professionality, and time.