Trade Empires isn't different enough from other, older strategy games for me to recommend it. The game's biggest lacks are personality and originality. As I watched my trade routes increase and my markets grow, I felt no sense of accomplishment. New items and options that are added as your empire grows don't seem to add anything new to the "feel" of the game as a whole. In addition, everything is so small and bland-looking, much like strategy games that were released several years ago. I never felt a pressing need to finish one more task or to continue playing. The ... price tag is too high for a game that doesn't really add anything new to the strategy genre. If you can later find the game for ... in the bargain bin, it might be worth a look.