Charcter development, most plot elements, and decisions are very linear. That said it had me addicted for hours at a time. It was also somewhat short being completed in about 8 hours of play.
As good as I remeber it for plot, but the pre D20 rules and the clunky interface make it a tough play for all but diehards.
the game has the resource building just one more turn Civ aspect and interesting plots and outcomes. The graphics are interesting and the resource building is done fairly well. That said it is linear, the language is occasionally awkward and it is about an 8 hour play through with no replay.
After decades of playing this game I still find myself coming back after playing other games to have a go at a exploration/exploitation at least once a season
