I've been playing on EASY just to learn the interface. Some things are the same as AOEII. No one has mentioned anything about the sound effects and the way buildings are blown to bits by Howitzers or the way those cannonballs rake away the infantry.

This is the coolest part.

You can even hear an artillary battle from a distance if you have to leave the area for some reason.
Has anyone else got the "friendly bear."? I have played several games and only found him once. He's cool!!
Sorry.

But the Native American tribesmen make GREAT cannon fodder. :lol
Farming works a little differently. There is a building for it now but is earned later in the game. You build it and put up to 10 citizens on it. It is an infinite supply of food unless it is destroyed by an enemy. The same holds true for a building that supplies infinite coin ( money ). Having to make sure farms are queued up is gone, which takes some effort out of the game. The defensive ( forts, outposts ) building allowance seems to be pretty low but this is probably in place for the demo only.
I laughed my a$$ off the first time I saw my explorer writhing on the ground in agony after he had been attacked by the enemy. From that point on, I have seen the other dudes a$$ writhing. :lol