I have always thought Trade Routes were one of CTP's major strengths, right up there with stacked combat. I like the idea that I have to position my cities to have access to trade goods so that I can build monoplies and get major boost in trade that of course result in better science rates.

One thing I hope Activision did in regard to Trade Routes was to make Pirating Trade Routes carry with it a much higher penalty. In a close game, the person that can keep the most trade routes up and running has a definite advantage. One of the things that I did when I was at war with an adversary was to pirate all there reachable trade routes, even if I was unable to launch a direct attack. I found that often times, if I could keep their trade routes down long enough, they would often ask for peace.

I have recently been playing some TOT and Trade Routes, Stacked Combat, and Public Works were major things that I missed. Given my recent experience, I think that I can say with confidence that between TOT and CTP, CTP is hands down the better game. I am looking forward to CTP II.