The greatest turn based strategy game to ever
The game was slow and it wasn't particularly pretty (then again looking back at AoE,it wasn't either). I got past these things which really would have put off a lesser gamer, can i say that it took about 3 hours and boy was I hooked.
It basically brigs out the Dictator (or chief, or President) in you. It actually becomes fun the more you play. Think it is easy to create an empire that has happy citizens, is productive (both food, raw materials and wealth), has an effective military both home and abroad and can advance their knowledge? Damn It's not.
Yes there is a lot of micromanagement for you to have an effective civilization but it is fun every single time, and as you advance you have more problems to deal with such as Global warming and of course nuclear warfare.
The diplomacy is fairly rudimentary but things have not evolved much since this was first brought in. Basically all you do is ask for help create a treaty, trade goods and Declare war while it is a bit basic it fulfills all needs of the game.
The game is not graphically stunning, even for it's time but the game itself is so in depth so engrossing that you probably won't notice too much.
Everyone no matter what stage of their life should pick up this game. You will not be disappointed.