I have always been intrigued by war strategy games but never really enjoyed the ridiculous amount of micro managing involved.  I also used to think that the games were too long and that after pouring 30 hours of your  life into building a civilization you can get wiped out kinda sucked(OK,  nothing compared to 1000s of years but...).  This game is nothing like the  ones I don't like.  AOE2 is FANTASTIC.  Games are generally no more than 3  hours, there is a little micromanagement but it's worth it.  The graphics  are wonderful and the sound and animation are amazing.  If you are a die  hard strategy fan, this may not do it for you, but as a person with a life,  I love this game!