Yes get a Joystick if you want to enjoy this great game. I´ve been trying to play it with a mouse but It´s no fun. I know this game will show all its potential once I get a joystick.
Regarding the game... It´s just great for its price, the graphics are really good for the present times.
You can play it on a laptop without problems, I'm playing it on my 2005 laptop and it runs pretty well.
REMEMBER, GET A JOYSTICK.