Basket.

With my newfound (relative) wealth, I have been able to afford some of the finer things in life, such as original copies of computer games. Got Rome Total War last week and haven't looked back since. There isn't a single strategy game that can render real-time battles better. The result, coupled with the fact that empire-building is addictive (something I have known since 1996), is a very compelling product indeed.

I also admire it for its realism - it's the most realistic strategy game I've seen so far, at least as far as the battlefield is concerned (armies still don't need supplies on the march). There's no more nonsense like your own cavalry charging through your ranks without causing harm or your own archers hitting the enemy but not you own engaged men. The result is that, after you win a great victory, you really do feel a sense of achievement.

Real life, though, matters more, and it's been quite a bore lately. I once said I wish I didn't have so much excitement (ie trouble) in my life; now I think I need some. Isn't that just one paradox of mankind?