The ad copy for Dominions 3 released today mentions "transparent mechanics decreases the learning curve." This means one of 2 things, neither of which I'm thrilled about
:
1) The numbers used to calculate attacks, damage, spell effects, etc., are not readily accessible in the game interface, and therefore it becomes harder to assess your strategy and make intelligent decisions. Therefore, you must play more intuitively, as the various factors you need to consider become hidden from view. Hopefully, all the numbers and equations will be in the manual, so you can still find the info you need, you just need to dig a little more to find it.
2) This is the worst case scenario, in my view. The hard game data and equations are neither accessible in game, nor are they explained in the manual. Thus, as in many strategy games nowadays, the player has no clue about game mechanics (how chances to hit and damage are determined, magic resistance, etc.), and merely plays by "the seat of his pants," entirely on intuition. The classic board game feel of series becomes lost in this case. Although many players may like this approach (because they are scared of numbers and equations), it would personally make me very sad
