I've finally gotten around to starting Rome: Total War and I'm really into it so far. It's like combining the empire building in the early eras of Civilization with the combat of Age of Empires. I'm starting to chafe at some of the design decisions, though, and the empire management is so much more shallow than Civ2 or Civ3 that the restrictions on what I can do are really frustrating me. The user interface could really use some work, both at the strategic and tactical levels. And though I'm playing at only a medium difficulty, I'm finding the AI to be rather disappointing, especailly at the macro tactical level. Often an out-numbered enemy troop will prefer to sit stationary and get whittled away to nothing by my archers rather than rush forward and attack. Dealing with family members and retinue can get redious and a bit frustrating. But still, the fights are glorious and the game is fun so far.