Yes, the graphics, diplomacy, and the battle navigation are all much better in RTW. However, just like Knight Templar, I prefer MTW. There's a number of issues with RTW, but RTR fixes most of them and makes it a really good game. Even with RTR the AI still feels too predictable (no carthaginians in England and other crazy things) and it doesn't handle strategy well at all. Also, I just prefer MTW's time setting, which I'm sure is a big reason for a lot of people.