[Xietor]

Just make a map with little water, and then edit it(simple to do) to make all the water provinces "no start."

Dominions III is much better than Dom II, for many of the reasons stated.

I am ambivalent about the 3 ages, and downright hostile towards units, even heroes, starting with old age. The old age concept i do like, just not having units that start with extreme old age.

But there are many races with no old age issues, and even a mod that greatly reduces mages starting old. So that alone is not a reason not to buy dom III.

There are some really fun mods that you need dom III to play. And they can really enhance game play. Worthy Heroes Mod is a favorite of many, and there are many others as well.

I have talked 4 of my friends into buying Dom III, and 3 have liked it, and one has been too busy to play it yet.