Don't buy this... in fact, don't buy any such game... you waste your money on a linear one shot deal. What does this mean? It means that when you finish the game, there is no point in playing it another time because it will be the same thing over and over again with not even the slightest variation.
Once you get the hang of the game and know what to use and not to use, the game is way too easy. The idea is good though... too close to Heroes of Might and Magic III to my taste... so I'll play Heroes of MM III instead, it's much much better, even better than the crap Ubisoft came out with.
This game is a tough one to beat. There are plenty of stuff to think about, but fortunately, you can ask the computer to take over part or most of the functions of your country. It's a good game design well produced even though I prefer other civilization games than this one.
It's a really good story and funny too, but once you went through it, there is no point in playing it, the game is the same... at least to me it seems to be. Puzzles, combat and several other things including humour and side jokes will keep you busy. This game would be nice to be rented, but not to buy.