Indeed, what is the alternative. Civ 3? Galactic Civilizations? Warcraft? Please...

The fact that there are 3 TV shows around the world who use the TW engine to provide entertainment to their audiences should say enough: Rome Total War is a beautiful game.

Sure, it's pacing is not like MTW. Sure the AI has a hard time.

But newbies like my friends dont even notice this, and rate it as a top game. Besides the occasional 'lets all go for the river' order, of course...