PP2, since I'm too lazy to do research on my own, could you give me a rundown of how this game is different, or more importantly, better, than the Civilization series? (other than your opinion on the graphics) I'm torn between buying the new space-age Civilization and this game.
I think you misunderstood my criticism of Civilization. My problem isn't with the graphics, but with the setting and civilizations themselves. The fact that they're just real civilizations from throughout history lead by seemingly randomly chosen iconic figures from that era/nation (I find it particularly funny that Gandhi leads the Indians) is really boring and seems lazy. Also, all of the civilizations play very similarly. They are all fundamentally the same, with the meager unique features tacked onto that foundation. In EL there are fewer races, but they are fundamentally different. For example, the Roving Clans build their cities atop giant scarabs, so they can relocate them at will. They're skilled merchants, so they're likely to try and dominate the market to achieve an economic victory. The Cultists, on the other hand, can not found new cities. Their entire empire is run from their capital where their queen resides. They expand by building upon their monolithic capital city and converting the populations of minor factions, which are similar to Civ V's city states.
Combat in EL is actually an interactive process. When two armies engage, the individual units spread out across a delineated portion of the overworld. You determine the placement of your units on your side of the field, and once the battle begins you can order your units around individually. Things like topography and city infrastructure matter during battle, because you get bonuses when fighting from high ground or from within city walls. Impassable cliffs can also shape the battlefield in important ways. Of course, you can also just automate the battle if the outcome is obvious and not deal with any of that.
I really haven't played much of any Civilization game, so I can't give a very detailed comparison. As I said, I dislike turn based games, so one has to be very good to hold my interest.