This is a one of a kind game, which has had a lot of imagination, love and craftsmanship go into it. The hand-drawn artwork gives it real character, and the interactions with your advisors have a lively and engaging tone to them. It can be a tricky game to work out, as most of the 'workings' or mechanics are not visible, so you make a lot of decisions unaware of exactly what the consequences will be, but this adds to the fun and challenge, and I have respect for the writers of the scripts, stories and plotlines, as it always feels like the results of your decisions are fair and plausible, even if they seem harsh at times. You control a clan of settlers in a semi-explored land, people by other clans who share culture and mythology with you, and also by various fantastic beasts who can be harmless or aggressive, depending on chance and how you interact with them. Everything feels mystical, and decisions are made not just based on the material benefits - such as how many cows you can gain in a trade, a raid or a farming decision - but also based on how the Gods and spirits might react. Your survival always feels perilous, and things often start to go wrong, so it's a real challenge, but a satisfying one.
This is a fantastic game, from an era when game makers really originated. It is deep and challenging, and models economics in an interesting way. Development does feel like a race, as you scramble to open up and develop your resources, establish influence and grab territory, before others do it first. I always enjoy playing the Ottomans because they really are the 'sick man of Europe', and it's a great challenge trying to get their economy up and running in time to resist the inevitable British invasions.
