You read all of the faction descriptions and the Byzantines are one of the easier factions to play. Who wants that? I normally play the Spanish, Aragonites or Danes with an occassional Muslim thrown in. Well, I played the Byz this weekend and really enjoyed it. A few of the things I noted:

No excommunications like a Catholic faction and no loyalty problems like the Muslims. Great


The graphics on the construction pop-ups was completely new and unexpected. Actually sat back and studied a few they were so nice.

The Royal Familly was unbelievable. Princes coming of age with 6 stars and 6 feathers just blew me away. Later these guys made great Kings and Governors.

The Byzantine Infantry, so tough and durable and to get them so early. The Varagan Guards (sp?)are another bunch of mean guys that you can get fairly early. And the horses they breed for war, they're expensive but worth every florin. It was a whole new crew to work with.

Antioch, Tripoli and Constantinople are the favorite targets for Crusades. Might as well own all 3 and just stop the Crusades at your borders.

Most of the game I had 4-6 enemies so trading in the Med was tough and the northern seas are a long ways off. A serious economics challenge.