You might try Dominions 3. It is not available digitally but you can try the demo at Shrapnel games.com. The demo has a 17 page instruction set that you should foloow. I have been playing it for a few weeks now and am very much a rookie at it. It was hard to get into at first but I am having fun now. It is VERY micro intensive. - J
Here are some of my thoughts/opinions on the game. The balance between offense and defense is good. I generally like to play a defensive game but have been forced into a more aggresive stance to start making my opponents react to my moves instead of just reacting to theirs. I like the fact that you have to research carefully or you will lose. The PJ could be slightly improved in the amount of time it delays an attacking fleet but anything more will cause the game to become stagnant on