This is the first 3D AOE but not the best, sure it beats the originals silly graphically but I still prefer to play AOM.
Ensemble Studios is trying to produce a new game in the series and reap the rewards, but without really catering to the gamers needs. There are some cool new graphical effects that involve physics e.g. cannon ball, building destruction and it is quite enjoyable watching your cannons knock people off their trusty steeds.
The extremely annoying thing about this game is its bugs, just little things but a lot of little things e.g. boat moving is clunky and looks terrible, artillery type weapons such as cannons have very fast animation movement and then really slow movement and quite a few more.
This is still a game worth playing but I don't think it is worth buying.