I really liked the first Cradle of Rome game. Cradle of Rome 2 is harder. You have less time to clear levels and the levels are harder to clear than in the original game. While I thought the pace of the original game was more leisurely, I have struggled clearing all the levels so there is a greater element of challenge as well as frustration. Sometimes it is not fun to have to attempt the same level over and over.As with the original game, once you hit level 100, you have to go back if you have not accumulated enough money to buy what you need to complete the city. One nice feature is that if you lose a level, you do not lose any power ups that you had before you started that level.In the original game, some levels were so easy you could have all your power ups enabled to help you clear harder levels. This is harder to do in this version since you need to use your power ups to clear levels, at least I had to.It does seem to be very hard to collect money. I suspect to get more money you have to focus more on clearing 4 and 5 pieces at the same time to get bonus points.Great game, but there appears to be a problem with the accumulation of bonus tools. The instructions state (on page 14):"5. If you cannot complete a level during the given time, try to build up your bonus tools as much as possible. The charge status of the bonus tools are carried over to the next attempt at that level, however the current scores are not,"Indeed, this is how the original Cradle of Rome operated, BUT in this version the bonus tools accrued in a given level are lost if the level is not "won". This may be a change to make the game more difficult, which it very much is! If that is the case, the instructions *should* reflect the way the game operates.Update 11/8/12:I have also observed the scoring problems mentioned in another review... I hope they re-issue a "fixed" version of the game, as this one has apparently been discontinued. The "match" play and graphics are very good, but the game is frustrating to play.The game play is really great, just like the last ones, however, it doesn't issue the points correctly. The first time I played through, the "shrimp" were supposed to give you 6 food points each...and mine weren't giving any points. I am now on my second way through and they give you 6 points, but it is in the gold. Third thing is the "resources" are averaging 15-20 thousand points HIGHER than the other two. Something is NOT right. Not sure if there is a fix for this, but I would recommend double checking your game. Also, if you try to go review the epoch, it deletes it completely and makes you start it again. It still plays, but it's pretty disappointing that it doesn't give you the full game play because you can't obtain all the items on the right.This is a really fun and addictive game. My only complaint is that so far, even though I have met the qualifications, it refuses to grant me two of the citizens I earned. I've not been able to find answers or help online to solve this problem.I REALLY ENJOY PLAYING THIS GAME.IT IS FUN AND CHALLENING.IT IS HARD TO PUT DOWN .I DO WISH THAT IT HAD A FEW MORE SECONDS AS YOU GET TO THE MORE DIFFULCT LEVELS.I enjoy these type of games. Once I start I don't put it down until I complete it. Some levels were a bit impossible, but I perserver.It keeps your mind occupied. I just keep on til I can get it. Its a good past time. excitingI'm finding these games to be a little more challenging than I remember....I always run out of time before clearing the board! I love these games...totally addicted. I like how you have to put together the puzzle to start building your new structure (windmill, quarry, etc.).Another in the Match 3 line but I find this one dull and extremely hard.If you want a good one, buy Cradle of Athena.Cradle of Rome has more to it than the first version. I find that thnesecond version has more to it and presents more challenges thanthe first.Good game.This game is fun.A good game.