A step back from EU3, the hyped EU Rome is dissapointing to say the least.
* Graphics are ok
* Characters add depth and variation
* Music is great
* The Roman era is perfect for this type of strategy games
Cons:
* The game is simplistic when compared to its more complex predecessors
* Character system is chaotic and it is hard to get "attached" to the characters
* A hostile army must be beaten often 3 - 4 times before it has been neutralized as a threat - what ever happened to desertion and army disintegration? (How many times did Caesar have to win at Pharsalus? ) Unrealistic.
* Not possible to alter budgets anymore. Actually, it is not possible to influence much in this game. If you like to influence budgets, research, government etc, rather buy Civilization 4.
* Combat has not changed/evolved significantly since EU 1, and feels simplistic (still)
In sum, a big disappointment to this big EU-fan. I had definitively expected more from Paradox, and cannot (sadly) recommend this game. Especially for fans of the old EU-games, this game will be disappointing.