Comparing it to Civ 4..

[Fate]

I don't know if we are still talking about Dom III, but here is how I "play" it:

I don't really have the self-discipline for multiplayer, so I only play hotseat MP (when I have a friend around).

Otherwise I check the forums now and again. People are always discussing something completely new. The only topics which are repeated are newbie problems (like how does the game work, how do I avoid insta-death, etc...) and are fun to read because everyone is nice and has some good, often new tips, or people asking if they should buy Dominions. If I see an interesting strategy/unit/NEW PATCH(should I say expansion?) I rush to my game and try it.

Sometimes I will think of a new nation/spell/item/unit/strategy I want to play with, so I go to my game to try that. And I haven't even found time for mods yet.

...I think Dom III is worth it.