There were tons of games that came after this one that tried to copy its formula but failed miserably. If your into building cities and armies, diplomacy, magic research, and leveling heroes this game is still the king.
I think most people (especially on this site) try to hold on to good old games but when compared to todays standards those old games fail. This does not.
Its Kings Bounty, HOMM, Civilization, Magic the Gathering ,all mixed together with alot more details thrown in. MUST HAVE.