I might end up getting MoM, it's one of the few on the list I haven't played yet. Played Dom3 to death, and still probably only touched about 25% of the game (it's deep, like people say).

Don't forget the Kings Bounty games.  I played The Legend.  It's great.  More of a RPG slant than MoM-style empire building but its tactical battles and eye candy are great.  I'm downloading Kings Bounty: Armored Princess right now from Impulse (its on sale!!).  Another expansion for it is due out in two weeks.

I tried Dominions 3 demo and although it looked like there were possibilities with it and something i might buy its not something I would for what the price is, even on sale.  I think it should be cheaper.

Disciples 3 is awesome. I've bought it on sale at Impulse to give it a chance (I've heard many critical opinions) and I am positively surprised. The battle is greatly improved in positive way, it's no longer jRPGish boring combat we had in earlier games, this time we get more tactical combat just like in true western RPGs - units defending other units, special hexes that give bonuses, units have more special abilities etc. The combat has just been improved and not totally changed though. I think there are more places to visit in main map. Some strategic aspects have been changed like - you no longer need to keep an eye on rods and resources, instead you'll get nods in predefined, specific places (that expand your influence) and they get one quite strong guardian that can gain levels also, not everyone will like this change but I think this is great idea. This cool gothic style from D2 took one step further into detailed 3D. The game is really worth its actual price at Impulse ... can't wait for expansion. Of course it's imporatnt to mention that this game is more RPG/tactical oriented than true strategy.

It's true there could be more changes in comparison to D2, but still many ppl seem dissapointed that there are any. And yes, "skill mazes" is something I forgot to mention about, similar to those in Allods Online, but I'm not sure who copied who.

They still can make HoMM 7, but unfortunately Ubisoft's new world of Might & Magic is puerile and and too shallow comparing to original JVC's Might & Magic. Nival's HoMM was just safe remake of the 3rd part with some not necessarily needed changes.

King's Bounty Legend and Armored Princess are a bit different games to original and still improving, Katauri is not affraid to make changes. I have some expectations for Crossworlds like more reserve slots. Player shouldn't be forced to go there and back to refill his army especially when there's no time or turn limit (like in original KB).

Anyone have an opinion on Spellforce 2?

http://www.impulsedriven.com/spellforce2

I think that is what makes Spellforce special, I really enjoyed those games, the mix of RTS and Action RPG was very refreshing and new. Sure they were not perfect or very well done, but unique games always have a special place in my heart.

Considering turn based games, I will definitely try out Dominions 3 after reading this thread, it has slipped by me so far.

I can also recommend playing Master of Magic, even if you never did before or are scared of old graphics. But I played it for the first time last year, and always play a round here or there since then, its awesome, and I think the graphics are pretty, and on a netbook the low resolution is not a big problem.

One turn based game I have not seen mentioned here is Imperialism 1 and 2, I regularly play both of them, and they are just a perfect package of turn based fun. There is no fantasy in them, though, so I am not sure how relevant they are here.

I played and enjoyed Spellforce 2 alot, but it wasn't without it's problems.  Not something I would play over and over again, but still rather enjoyable.

I had tried Domnions 3 a while ago, and it was too much for me.  Of course my exposure to 4x games at that time was fairly limited.  It's only been recently I've gotten my head around Civ 4 (and I'll hang my head in shame, but it was Civ Revolutions on XBox that made Civ 4 more clear to me).

I also played Kings Bounty The Legend and Fanatasy Wars, and I liked FW far more than KB.  Just couldn't get into it.

Recently I tried out HoMM5, and it's ok, but I haven't played much of it.

Oddly enough I've been playing more real time type of games such as Settlers 7, Dawn of Discovery, and Tropico 3.  Waiting for Elemental to get stable enough that I don't crash to desktop on every game.  Other than the crashes, and some of the blatant problems, I've found it to be enjoyable.

Speaking of which, Patrician IV is just around the corner. Now that's one heckova good trading/economic sim.

The manual alone is worth the money.  All other games with depth should pay heed.

Following the German forums (it's been out here for a week or so), it has issues and was a bit "dumbed down" from the previous installment. They also released a patch, then pulled it because it introduced new crashing bugs. I'm glad I didn't pre-order it (granted, it was a result of Elemental's launch), though I'll pick it up when it has matured a little.

It also lacks any sort of multiplayer. A reader survey at PC Games (one of the largest German print magazines) resulted in a 63% rating (the reviewer gave it a 84%). From what I see and read, I think Anno 1404 is a better buy, and it's less expensive, too.

 Dominions 3 would be my favorite game by far if it actually allowed you to fight the battles 'live'. There something more gratifying about pushing a button and watching your caster throw that lightning bolt, rather than plotting out his actions ahead of time and watching the battle after its over and done with. I realize this wouldn't be practical with their huge pbem crowd and some of the battles would be outrageously long, but it would be my number one played game if it did. The amount of unit variety and number of spells make it a sweet game none the less.

My favorite RPG was the D&D classic - Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil - though it had a buggy start (somehow my system never encountered those bugs) and a poor story line - the tactical battles were said by many to be the best.  I have played NWN1 and 2 and Dragon Age, but the tactical combat in TOEE was the best - no clickfest - just strategy. In fact, it has what Elemental tactical battles lack;

• Units move in initiative order - so the order in which units move change from battle to battle.
• Bonuses for flank attacks
• Unit commands (actions) - such as charge, defend, and others

You can buy the game for about $10 from Amazon and download new mods from co8.org; including the new Keep on the Borderlands Module.

I would have liked to see Stardock do an upate of this classic modeled on the Pathfinder OGPL rules.