So whats the deal with multiplayer?
Does it work now?
Is it broken?
Cross platform play?
My brother and I play moo2 together, and we would like to play this together as well, but from what I have read, it seems like this game is being abandoned.

Multiplayer as far as I know works - but you can not do tactical battles only auto-resolve.

If by cross play you mean between Steam and GOG - nope not in the game and I don't think that feature was even ever planned.

So, has anybody tried multiplayer yet? Can I play this via a local network or direct IP or something?

I have successfully played several multiplayer games. Seems quite stable.

You and your friend(s) just fire up the game, someone hosts and the rest join. I'm reasonably sure everyone has to have GoG Galaxy installed (but not necessarily running).

Not my favorite connection method (I prefer LAN or direct IP where it is available), but at least it works.

You can't resolve battles in real time with human opponents?

that sucks....

status?
Still no tactical Combat in MP? Could not find it in the patchnotes.

Yes, no tactical combat for multiplayer