I really, really want to enjoy this game, but I'm mystified by it. I don't know what I'm supposed to do, how I'm supposed to take advantage of various things on the field, how I'm supposed to understand the charts and stuff at the bottom of the screen, etc.

Any advice? Thank you.

Well, the general idea is to defeat the other factions (multiple options there). But since the scope of your questions encompasses the whole game, I suggest you read, or at least skim the manual that comes with the GOG install (I assume you bought that one).

The game's too complex by far to tell you what to do in a forum message. If you have more specific questions I'll be happy to answer them.

For now, build some militairy units and go explore so you can see what happens :) and read the manual while you're at it.

The game comes with three basic tutorials. From the first menu that you see when starting the game, select Scenario, Play Scenario. Load either 1Explore, 2Build or 3Conquer.

Okay, I was wondering if I should read the manual. (Its near-250-page length does scare me.) And I thought that the scenarios were going to be like advanced mission-type things rather than tutorial-like levels. Thanks for the advice.

My advice: watch some let's plays with a nice commentary. I've briefly checked this one and it seems to be solid enough. The author admits he's not an expert but I think it might be beneficial - he tries to explain a lot what's doing while an expert might just assume it's obvious. Of course you can find something else to watch :)

Geez, how could I forget?!

Hop over to apyloton.net for everything about any game civ-related.... which AC is considered to be :)

I learned how things work and what to do in this game by doing what the manual said which is pretty much "Don't bother reading this manual, just start clicking around in the game and you'll start figuring stuff out. Come back when you need more help". Much to my surprise, it worked.

Your mission objective is in it's simplest form "EXPAND EXPAND EXPAND". Claim more land than your opponents, have enough of a military force to defend your empire, have the resources and leverage to keep the others down (and possibly force them to downsize if they hinder your expansion). This last part is the more open part of the game where you can use both military, financial and political means to force your opponents' hands.

To begin with, just learn how to build lots of bases and enough military units to protect those bases. You will soon learn how to win combat and now you're on the path of learning how to cut your opponents' empires down to size. Eventually you will learn how to use your economy and political influence to achieve similar goals with more finesse.