The Ages

[Warhammer]

I actually prefer the EA to the MA. Haven't tried LA yet.

[RamsHead]

I would say that mages in the early age are generally more powerful but focused in their magic, while late age mages are skilled in more paths but not are as strong in any of the paths. The middle age mages are somewhere in between. This is just generally speaking though and not true for all nations.

[sector24]

EA is good if you want a savegame in which you max out the research tree so you can see all the spells and construction paths for future games. Generally it's easier to learn the ropes of the game in EA because you're exposed to mages with higher spell paths and more magic sites.

I have not played LA yet, but I like MA more than EA now that I have some experience with the game.

[jutetrea]

For me I like EA > LA > MA

None of the nations in MA really resonate with me, while a few of the LA ones are fun and most of the EA nations are fun.

Its all personal opinion of course. I started with EA and worked my way later and was subsequently disappointed with how limiting magic is later. It might actually be more worthwhile to try it the other way around so you have a greater progression on magic

Magic plays such a huge role in late game that once you get used to it... later ages just don't cut it.

YMMV

[iceboy]

You could always play the 62 nation mod and play all three!