This game will suck your time away if you take an hour or so to learn its intricacies. It is, at heart, a civ clone... but so much more! If civ had a fantasy branch, this would be it. The addition of complex and interesting magic, a multi-level world and compelling and diverse starting characters makes this game worth every bit of the little cost here. This game ranks with the original Railroad Tycoon in addictiveness and fun for me. Turn based strategy gamers? Don't miss it!