Actually, this game isn't too bad (if you count out the insanely annoying interface). It's basically an enhanced version of MidWinter & MidWinter 2. Incidentally, the guy who designed those games did Ashes of Empire too.
Ashes of Empire held my attention for at most 2 hours, after which the interface finally got on my nerves. As for starter players, i recommend starting out in the province of West Suja , really evil n00b area
k: .
But, you have to appreciate what the designer was trying to give you...too bad the interface and the clunky controls with a poor 3D world exist.