It's more complex than Risk. It's sorta' like Risk, Monopoly, Life, Connect 4, Battleship, etc all rolled into one. I just like extremely long turn based games because I don't always have the time to zerg rush a base in real time. Unlike the other Civs this one actually teaches you how to play. I've probably clocked in over 20 hours this weekend. Great game with different modes (historically accurate, downloadable mods, multiplayer, expansion packs galore, etc). A crap load of micromanaging economy, trade, religion, arts, culture, military, etc. I'm waiting to get a little better so a buddy and I can loot and plunder Asian style.