Most reviewers were positive about the extent of simulated real history present in the game but were critical of how timid the AI is which hampered the playing experience.

Philip Veale has said that the designers wanted to avoid the game becoming a click race but conceded that though deployment did affect the outcome of battles this was often not apparent to players.

The player controls a faction picked from a massive selection, which may be Greek (such as Athens or Thessaly), tribal (such as Thracian Asti), or some Eastern (such as the Lydians or Mysians).

All factions have a different number of cities to conquer and specific victory conditions to win each with their own special unique buildings and units.

[8] The release of the expansion was delayed when a postal carrier delivering the master disc from a duplication plant was assaulted and his bags taken.