I am a big fan of the RTS/Turn Based Strategy genre, especially when the two are combined (most notably, the Total War series and the classic Lords of the Realm 2). So for me this game has a comfortable feel right from the outset. The campaign map is rich and artistically flavorful and the battle sequences, from the sound of the cannons crackling or the bells on your Ship of the Line ringing as you turn sharply to open up a broadside or the very diverse colors of all your different infantry, cavalry, etc. units on the battlefield, will tickle that little Napoleonic War itch that you may have in. Just order about four or five units of howitzers to fire on a marching enemy infantry and enjoy the bright-booming-bloody explosions and you'll see what i mean. That being said, it is evident to you by now that I am pro-IG. But before I bought this game I read quite a few reviews--running the spectrum from 'broken game' to 'unbelievably gorgeous game'. So I didn't know what to make of it until I played it. The playability is much like TW. I rate the RTS battle sequences about the same as it's counterpart from 2005--Rome TW. But I would rate this game higher for a couple attributes IG has that TW lacks. That being firstly, the diplomacy in IG is much deeper and more complex. This game give you the ability to 'Peacefully Annex" countries as well as "Militarily Annex" them. Giving you a wider scope in which to formulate your strategy for global domination. Next, NAVAL BATTLES: This is surprisingly one of my favorite features of this game. Intense and tough are the battles but also rewarding as you are able to not just sink enemy vessels but also capture them and salvage them for use or resources. ***I heard some reviewers complain about having to control two or more vessels at a time, claiming that it is too difficult, and yeah it can be tough if you don't take advantage of your capabilities such as the 'Follow Ship' command or just directing any excess vessels off the battle map to free up time and space and then use them the next turn.*** To add an additional note, the game is not balanced perfectly (but far far from broken as once claimed) as far as unit stats and the cost of building upgrades and resource production. To get the most satisfaction out of the game I HIGHLY recommend downloading the battlemodv12 to even out a few things. And although it took me several days (I'm embarrassed to say) to figure out how to install the mod correctly, I'm sure someone with a reasonable inclination towards computers will find it much easier to basically cut and paste the files to make the corrections.
