Hello jonny and welcome to the .org.

A quick answer to your question on Multi Player......

Yes it is real time.
You get to link up with players from all parts of the world.

You control your army and need to take into consideration and counter what the opposition do.
You make your adjustments as you play.
You also need to watch and help your allies and they you.

The games are normaly 1v1..2v2..3v3..4v4.