i have played both versions it is a very fun game the second is much more challengeing but also more rewarding. my origional strategy in the first version was to get as many castles as i could in begining and then i would have more guys and i could eaisly outnumber the last couple castles. but in this version it was not that simple and it seemed that as i took over there last castle they would take one of mine. and then i was in the same position again. over all its a fun game and i enjoyed it. good luck with it. perhaps a full screen option? for some reason i like my games full screen.