Fun, rewarding and beautiful to look at
After being dissappointed with a lot of recent games that I thought would grab me (Oblivion, Civ IV, D&D Online) I took yet another gamble in buying this game. Coming off the back of my 6 month WoW addiction, I needed something fresh, new and rewarding. Luckily, I found all of that in this game. Okay the voice acting leaves a lot to be desired, but the graphics are simply beautiful and are completely immersive when cranked up to 1280 x 960 on a 19" monitor.
Graphics aside, the gameplay is gripping and never monotonous, it can get tough at times and may seem impossible, but the developers have got the balance just right, constantly pulling you back for 'one more go'. I've only played for 5-6 hours so far but the depth of the game is pleasing, there is a good mixture of tactics, spells, melee and resources that add extra dimensions to the gameplay and keep you interested. I was worried that the Town management section of the game would bog you down in micro-management and detract from the action, but it's done simply and effectively making it integrate seamlessly into the gameplay.
All in all this is a fun, rewarding game may very well keep you from seeing daylight for several months...