Has someone mentioned the designer notes episodes with Brian Reynolds? If not:
- https://www.designer-notes.com/?p=1478
- https://www.designer-notes.com/?p=1484
- https://www.designer-notes.com/?p=1494
He talks about Rise of Nations quite a lot.
Here's a suggestion for you based on the discussion of Caves of Qud: Cogmind. Great atmosphere, good tactics, allows different play-styles, and mouse support from day 1.