I bought the Special Forces Edition in the shops on the day of release. Like RTW before it, I value it higher than my entire collection of 'other pc games'. CA!

Was SFE worth the extra? Probably not. The map was a bit disappointing after the splendid large full colour RTW version, but then the M2TW map was also a crummy little b/w. Better than 0 though, I still like to look at a map to plot my future conquests and evaluate my position: it makes me feel more like a real general.

Of the extra units the only one that has made a significant impact on any of my campaigns has been the Ghoorkas. As the Marathas it can be a bit of a stroll against the Mughals, but when a very large bunch of khukri wielding terminators is running towards your line you know real fear -unless they act like they are being commanded by Bonnie Prince Charlie and stand still for ages getting shot up.

Yes I've had more CTD's than I care to mention and all manner of gripes, moans and Pontingesque whinges. But ...

If someone offered me a transfer to a parallel universe where SEGA had not released ETW yet because it was still being play-tested and debugged, and I could have an extra £40 to spend on booze, junk food or a couple of CD's, I'll be staying right here and finishing my gripping Spain campaign thanks.