Anyone play/played Ferion? Questions...

I just found this free* online game and find it pretty fun (for the short time I’ve been playing).

I’ve always studiously avoided the strategy (StarCraft, AoE, Civilization) games since I didn’t think I had the patience for the minutiae involved. This one however seems pretty fun and involved, though I realize it’s probably somewhat simplistic compared to what’s on the market. So anyway, if you have any experience with it…

  1. How does it compare to boxed/expensive strategy games on the market now? Would you recommend any particular one?

  2. Any basic strategies you have for this one?

*it’s not completely free, there is a small payment required to continue the game at advanced levels