I love games that make me think but don't require me to do a lot of little steps and remember a lot of details; I'll take an other college class for that.  This game is constantly changing and you can plan out the big things yet still need to make adjustments so it doesn't get dull.  That alliance you once had has been broken, not what do you do and still get to your next tech advance?  I've decide I prefer to be the Spartans even if the Gaians are more in line with my own political views -- the goal is to win afterall.