I like Cossacks better than AOE, because of the online ranking system and that you can create thousands of troops, not 100 (in AOE 2). We will see how much one can make in AOE3.
Well this game combines elements of Role-Playing and Strategy, its actually pretty good. You build a home town (in the demo you can be either Spanish or English civilizations), then you start a colony, explore, gain XP by making alliances, growing your economy, and destroying your enemies. Right now I have a level 4 Home City. Oh and you can have your home city ship out supplies and stuff, real fun .