It’s a simpler game for sure. There were only 4 civilizations (Norse, Egyptian, Greek, Atlantian) and they were all very different from one another compared to AoE. Each civilization had multiple deities to choose from for some more specific buffs and abilities. Every type had unique mythical units as well, and these units are quite large so maps felt a bit smaller in comparison. Overall the maps were smaller than AoE anyway, but not in a bad way.

Then instead of stone there was favor, a resource like the test acquired by putting townies at your temple to pray. All in all it was pretty similar to AoE but it felt a lot less serious. I played a lot at LAN parties and we always had a blast.