McCain-Feingold strikes again. Michael, you'll have to return that soft money now. Sorry. ;-)

Since I've gotten a few emails about this, I've deleted the offending remarks. And I'd have to agree with some readers here...keep politics out of previews and reviews.

I came here to make the same point as Alex. Apparently, I'm not the only one who thought this "joke" in poor taste. And I'm definitely no fan of GWB, but making fun of how someone speaks is also pretty low.

All in all, this would have been a better preview if the author hadn't distracted me with his oh-so-humorous political asides.

Keep the politics out of it. Saying something like "French cowards" just angers people and shows a stupid personal bias.

Don't be bitter, sir. We're just kids, trying to have fun.

... anything less from the fine "folks" @ IMG.

On the lighter side, the author does poke fun at both major US parties. You just have to carry one to its logical conclusion. Personally, his presentation is not to incite, but to have a little fun.

I've had a chance to play this game. It is very good. Its got that same appeal as the Civ series in many ways, not complex like the Paradox titles (VP ports). One can sit down and play pretty quickly, especially those w/ AoE2 experience. The tutorial is effective even.

The national borders are pretty important, pushing your border forward is key because it restricts the opponents' access to resources. Unlike AoE2, you can't collect wood, etc. near the enemy. Your buildings slowly burn to the ground when inside another civ's territory.

One aspect I do like is that RoN is not a "cherry picker." Once you build a farm, you never have to worry about replanting. As long as the worker is busy tending it, food keeps on coming. Advance techs wil increase crop yields.

Looking forward to the mac release.

F 9/11 Was a French coward's film full of factless speculation.

okay, now I've actually read the whole thing. Well written. Good preview.

maybe if people start putting politics in video game reviews, our fine nation will get interested and start voting...

Someone must have just watched F 9/11.... :)

Quote: "Besides, the only other way to lead a great nation to war is to rig an election in Florida."

Please, no politics in a game preview.

lovely conclusion ;-)