The game by Mad minute games, which has been mentioned here before, now has a demo out. Go and check out the site. MadMinuteGames.
It is not a detailed as Rome Total War nor as does it have the superb graphics but its $20 (or about £15 with import tax in proper money) and its well worth the money. The game play is challenging and fun and the AI is good. Its made by two independant developers which it would be great to support.
Give the demo a try anyway and it may surprise you. I had no real interest in the ACW before this game and now I'm hooked.