A few questions before getting started

[MarkShot]

I have had this game for a while, but was unable to set up on my former hardware due to various issues.

However, I can install it on my new system. A couple of questions before I jump into the pool:

(1) How big is the learning curve? My gaming experience includes: CM(BO, BB, AK), a little CC3/4/5, and RDOA/HTTR/COTA. Am I going to be able jump in an have some fun with this or will I be in class for weeks?

(2) After investing my time to learn the system, how much replay value is there? Dynamic campaign? Random elements? User downloadable scenarios?

(3) Has this game got a dedicated community or was it just a short term surge immediately after the initial release?

Thanks for your feedback.

[junk2drive]

I know enough about you I think to say that you will have no problem learning the game. Read the whole manual and the tutorial. The hardest part will be NOT playing it like CM. This game does some things better than CM IMO.
 
For 2 and 3, I don't know why this game never seemed to catch on like CM. Lack of a map editor is probably the biggest excuse. Other parts of the game are highly moddable but no one has jumped in. PBEM is great once you get the hang of it.
 
I say learn the game, play the game, and stay tuned for news.