I think most of the people left on the forums will agree with you actually.  I'm like you, I think this is a good game now, with a definite need for AI which is in the works.  The game thoroughly hooked me from the start even with its problems.

On a side note, you mention you know only a little.  I suggest you take a look at Gyb's FAQ on GameFAQs.  It's still a work in progress I'm pretty sure but last I looked at it it was still very useful and covered most of the basics.

I just saw the game today in a store, and it looked interesting. I enjoy RPG and Strategy--the Spellforce franchise was magic!

But, before emptying $50 out of my wallet I decided to check the reviewers. To summarize they say:

• Good game.
• Released before it was ready.
• Lacks polish.
• Lacks continuity and storyline, and
• is VERY buggy.

But--they all liked it!

So, I suspect that the reviews were written about an early build. I think there have been several updates. I would appreciate some feedback from people who agree with what the reviewers said, but can tell me what improvements they see in the updates.

I agree!

I'd say it's deeply flawed yet fairly playable now, and will actually be pretty good after 1.1 early next month. The thing is, for this particular game that's very disappointing.  But because of the words - and actions - from Brad / Frogboy, and because it's Stardock, I still have faith that in 4-6 months it will be a great game, and after a year or so could well be one of my top ten games ever - and I've been playing games for a looooong time

I purchased it now too and I am quite surprised, it is pretty playable and quite fun too. I like the way that it is so customisable at the start.

The AI just needs a good overhaul.

Well I played Elemental (friend has it), agreed a great game from what I seen but I could not buy right away because of Civ V. Remember, Stardock publishes their own games so that means you basically get the best support possible. Oh and how can you possibly be bored with Civ V?? Its the best Civ game in the series and I am hooked on it!

I agree with everyone, I'd say it's a good game at this point, and it's at the standard now it should really have been at release. Better late than never though. What I want to see now is for it to become a great game, and it needs a good amount of improvement to get to that point. But I think they are about to hit us with that now, so I'm pretty excited.

I could answer that too seeing as I am in the same boat. I liked some of Civ 5 but I just don't like the combat. You don't have to do anything or think about much. In games like Elemental, it's just more fun and there is more depth to it. The combat becomes almost like a squad based RPG, where you have tanks and healers and DPS, and range DPS, and crowd control and support etc. It's pretty fun. The Age of Wonders and Heroes of M+M games I liked especially, and I think Elemental could end up being as good as those, or better, soon.