Populous the Beginning (PB) is a timeless, enduring brilliant game. I have played it more than any of my more up-to-date games, even GTA3 (also brilliant).
I now have a formula for playing. Towers manned by fire-warriors around the perimiter of my city.
If I have to get to somewhere well guarded, simply grow the city in that direction until my firewarriors are close enough to gradually destroy the enemy.
blah blah, anyway, I have heard that B&W2 (Black and White 2) will be more geared towards the villagers. with battles and taking over other towns. I hope this means it will be more like PB.