Much better than meets the eye.
When i am out of game, and bored to death from other ones.. i have given this one another chance. I was surprised! Very impressive game balance and engine is hidden beneath this monster!
Now, let me start by saying, this game is ran by claims. You need to have a claim on some land before you grab it, and claims require prestige which you earn in a variety of ways.
You have to keep your vassals loyal, often rewarding with some title (Which means to give land) you have to maintain a good courtier list. An d assign them for the prosperity of your kingdom as well as spy operations.
This is a very different dimension when you let the game possess you. You completely understand claims on land, titles, prestige and to be a king.
The flaws of the game are: (IMO)
- Battles are general and you have little influence on combats as there is no tactics implemented. You send the army and the larger the army, the better the chance to win.
- you have no option to build siege engines and such stuff.
- Bride finding is pain in the rear, (which is important as it is the only way to inherit land) Would have been great if your courtiers would offer you a suitable bride and save you from a whole tons of search.
- Graphics are too cartoonish
- Sometimes the in game text is not explanatory.
- Muslim countries are not playable.
- Tech investments are complicated and hard to follow.
The rest is, perfect.