I definitely liked the Gaming Nexus Review of Fallen Enchantress (Tom Bitterman's review of 12/17/2012, for Gaming Nexus). A pertinent quote (IMHO) from the beginning follows. I think it is pertinent because it insightfully addresses the context of current fantasy-gaming, and in the process acknowledges the 900 pound gorilla in the room.
"A specter haunts the face of fantasy strategy gaming -- the specter of "Master of Magic". Gamers of a certain age remember MoM fondly. This reviewer was not the only one to spend many a sleepless night with the game.
Perhaps it is remembered too fondly, though. ... Now no turn-based strategy with a fantasy setting can avoid being compared to MoM. ... One wonders after a while whether potential game designers shy away from the genre for exactly that reason ...
"Elemental: Fallen Enchantress" (EFE) has decided to confront MoM head-on. A bold move by itself, this is an especially gutsy call given the abject failure of the previous version, "Elemental: War of Magic" (EWoM). ... "
Exactly so! It is now 2012, and I consider us fortunate that Stardock decided to stake itself to this effort.
Incidently, the Gaming Nexus review is one of the ones that has gone into the official MetaCritic score, based upon their selection of professional reviews. There are now 12 reviews by professional critics comprising this score, which is currently 77, out of 100 possible. (The user score is currently 7.3, out of 10, based upon a total of 56 users to date.) For those who like to keep score, follow the link below:
http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/elemental-fallen-enchantress
You can also read all of the full reviews, by following the links from there.