Hmm, I never played this game but it always looked like a fantasy version of Civilization 1. Reading about it, though, it sounds a little more involved than that.
Maybe this and MoO2 will be bundled together....very much a must buy in that case.

It's really Civilization 1 meets Magic the Gathering. No "cards" but the spell schools and the actual spells bear more than a passing resemblance.
And if you've played the Age of Wonders series, it was at least partly inspired by MoM.

I've already threatened to bomb their country if they don't release it already. Everyone should do the same.

Master of Magic is indeed a classic. Nothing like getting to the point where it is possible to make flying invisible warships and then crushing all opposition.

Flying invisible hasted warships if you've got the skill & mana!
I still prefer the overpowered hero approach though :)

* Takes strategy notes *

Pretty much the method I always used. I would get the Artificer ability (I think that was the name) and make tons of enchanted items for the heroes, then just march them around and make sure they got all the kill shots to level them up.
There may have been another skill/ability besides Artificer that I got too, to make it easier. Maybe it was the one that allowed gold to mana conversion (and vice versa) with no penalty? It has been too long since I played...

This is a blast also. I do the exact same thing sometimes. The game is great because it lends itself to many many interesting ways to play. It is tremendous fun to have a super kick ass hero. That golden guy can be leveled up to a real powerhouse, especially given the right equipment.
Ever try starting on the alternate place, building up, and then letting loose on the normal plane--it takes forever, but oh so satisfying.
hmmm...maybe I play too much Master of Magic?

As some of you will recall, I have been looking forward to this since RPS did their Solium Infernum (or whatever that game is called) piece.
I figure, this will at least keep me happy until Elemental comes out (and probably after :p).

Oh yeah. I think one of my favorite things to do was to start as the Draconians. Dark Elves were a close second, since all of them could cast spells and thus had a 'soften them up" ability, iirc. But, starting the game with flying units, then invading the 'normal' plane with them was awesome.
I remember one game, I was left alone in Myrror (I think that was the magic side name) until I had taken over every square inch. I hadn't even made contact with any of the other wizards. Then, I crossed over, and the other wizards were still in a 3 or 4 wizard war, with armies and towns all over the place. I don't think they even saw what hit them... hehehe.

I think by far the fastest win strategy uses Enduranced Invulnerable Guardian Spirits. Gotta take out the enemy cities fast before they get units/spells to counter this though.

It would appear you guys have gotten way ahead of me on the game. :)

Is it here yet? I really want this game.

I hope we will get it on Thursday.

I'm going to take some sick leave from work tomorrow. Who's with me?