I wouldnt recommend this now after I have played it for a bit. Outside of the fun of delving into a new game, it is not very fun. This is a game for those who enjoy minutiae (sp?), and long term goals. There are a lot of preparation that goes into preparing countries for economic health, and coupling that with expansion without pissing off the entire world. There are some good aspects, such as creating unique units, creating your own goals, and taking hundreds of years to realize goals, but the reality of it isnt very entertaining. I started to read while I managed my economy. That did it.