THe naval battles actually got kind of old quickly for me. The ships turn and excellerate too fast I thought and until you get flaming arrows, there's not alot different you can do except boarding. The battle AI is pretty good and will surprise you, backing onto high ground and then when you close, suddenly charge at you. One good feature is the quick-save before a battle. I use it alot. In the campaign watch your food production. Alot of buildings increase food useage and if you run short, disorder spreads quickly. And grab those trade ports and hang onto them.