The logical next step.
But to the actual game;
I assume that most of you have tried, or at least know of, the previous games in the series. TW was trying to redefine the timetried turnbased 4x type strategy games by introducing RTS into the mix.. and what a wonder it was.
Ever since Shogun, this series have evolved with every new incarnation, from set pieces moving around like Risk, to actual armies marching around in a dynamic map. Empire takes the next logical step, by removing provinces and introducing regional capitals and larger areas, by adding actual value to enviroment around cities. Now it's important to meet the enemy as he invades your land, otherwise he will destroy your infrastructure, which will hurt you infinitely more than a short siege.
Adding growing towns, ports, workshops and commercial hotspots is probably the most interesting alteration of this series yet. Because it forces you to rethink strategies and helps keep the series fresh.
To make a long story short.. This game is the next level and it delivers! It's deeper and more complex, but ultimately also suffers from some of the safe mistakes that plauged it's predessecors.
For instance:
The AI is still not very intelligent, it will now use strategy and react to your strategies, which is very nice, but once it has made it it's mind it seems as if I does not like to change it again. It will abandon important equipment to attack your weak spot, ultimately cauing its own defeat. It's better, but still not very good.
Pathfinding is as bad as ever, your horses will gladly run into deathtraps in order to attack a foe or your infantry will face the wrong direction and seem reluctant to fire at times. And hunting down a routing unit will at times cause the cavalry to play cat and mouse with the poor fleeing soldiers, chasing them around, but never finishing the job.
I fully recommend this game, even for newcomers - it has it's flaws, but it's still a very polished and interesting game.
Mods will come in time, even though CA decided to make it hard for the dear modders, which will only lengten the joy.
8.5 from me - for a great game, that overcomes it's faults.