Here is a link to KaJo's description (he is the author of the rules and owner of Legionnaire Games, the publisher):
viewtopic.php?f=135&t=22874
As you can see, there are lots of supplements to the rules, but ignore those for now. The Tactical game is the basic set of rules, and that is where you would start.
I guess I would place the game somewhere between the Commander/Warmaster rules and Battletech in complexity. I think its strengths really are its:
- modularity (many of the rules are add-ons, so you can keep or discard whatever you like)
- unit building (rules are supplied to create units, but they are complex)
- good learning scenarios
- varying levels of strategy.
What I mean by that last one is that the game inherently has some decisions that have to be made during play (beyond moving or shooting): you have to balance offensive and defensive characteristics, and you have to play to the strengths (and downplay the weaknesses) of your units. You ALSO, however, can set your games in a giant, world-spanning campaign setting, with as much book-keeping and logistics as you want. It can even combine with the spaceship game to create an invasion of an entire planet!
Not everyone is going to like the game. I think some might find it too crunchy: if you like the more free-flowing play of a Warmaster or even Epic (minus the confusion that can some times happen during close combat), this may be too "old school." It uses unit cards, which might bother some. Others might find it abstract, but I never considered it to be so (probably depends on your definition of the word).
If, however, you like imagining how to add on extra rules--or if you have ever created your own set of rules for invasions and logistics--then the rules may be for you.
I don't know how it compares to Dirtside, but I can say that it should be easier to read. It's broken up into readable sections and it has at least had some editing (by me!).
Honestly, though, the basic rules are under $3 right now (http://www.wargamevault.com/product/878 ... t_filtered). The compendium is $12. Just go get a set and read through it. For that price, you aren't out much if you don't like them. Also check out the subforum to see what others are saying.
Edit: I should say that while I edited the rules, I have no financial horse in this race. I did it as a favour for a friend, and to get some experience while I was launching an editing business. So I may be a bit biased, but not much.
