how is it?

Brad made a point of reiterating "choices, but meaningful ones," and the game has pursued this.  There are still plenty of bugs--it is beta, after all--but the design is solid, the AI is improving, and the game is fun to play.  I really recommend it.

I also recommend the game. There are bugs, but they are quickly being eliminated when they find them. I pre-ordered this in Beta 3 and haven't regretted it a bit. The game is highly random and there is quite of bit of customization and for me at least a lot of replayability. As the beta goes on and feedback is given to them the game gets better because of the community. The game will also be highly moddable when it is releases and so again replayability is big on this game.

I recommend the game and I don't think you would regret this game, if you purchased.

If you were there for the initial shitstorm in the sense that you bought the game before or near the release, you get this one for free. If you were just watching from the sidelines, it's 40 bucks. The game is really good in my opinion. If you want a little taste before buying, I give a pretty detailed description in some let's play videos. 

Its not a stupid question, its all right to ask, If I were you I would check out the threads created by either Das or Sean. They post these fantastic "Lets Play", where they upload a video of them playing the game, with comments about the game, which is a nice way to see the game without owning it.

Sincerely
~ Kongdej

Out of 10, the beta is

Playable: 7 - knocked off a couple points because too many people are reporting crash-bugs or graphic bugs, load inconsistencies, etc.  My experience has been rather bug/crash free since the .95 beta.

Fun: 8 - the game is really fun, but the UI gets in the way in many places and needs polish, and AI at the higher levels still doesn't know how to play which makes the game less of a challenge.  I don't mean to knock the AI, it's really good compared to what you'd get from other titles in this genre, the game is just very complex.

Interesting/Replay-ability: 10 - the random map generator is terrific, sovereign and race customization, 4x up the wazoo, successful immersion.  They've really nailed this aspect of the game.

Magic: 8 - in the magic classes where they've taken the time to flesh it out (Earth and Fire), the magic is wonderful, but most of the classes (Air, Water, Life, Death) didn't get that kind of love.  Also, the AI doesn't quite have the knack for using magic (though it's getting better), which makes your magic use all that much more OP.

We're still deep in the beta weeds here, there's a lot of progress and polish yet to come (In particular I think the AI and late game balance is going to need a lot of love before its released to the wild). 

good post my friend, it is reassuring to know that it is coming along well. anyone else want to chip in?

I love the game, it is everything I want it to be. But it's not done, there are bugs and frankly plenty of them.

I beg to differ on the magic score.  I am of a mind it still could use some work, but it is waay better than its predecesor.   This game will be the stuff when it's released.  I know it sounds like a fanboy rant.  Still needs lategame tweaks and balance changes (but hey thats what next beta is for ).  Factions are more unique. 

There's another thread about report card for the current game. Try looking at that and see what others have post about it.   

eh, maybe i'm a fool but what the hell. just be aware that i have acquired several effigies and voodoo frog dolls, and that if the game does not live up to my expectations, THEY WILL BE ABUSED MERCILESSLY