Epic: Armageddon, as you probably know, is GW's latest version of Epic. It is based loosely on the Epic40k rules, but is otherwise dissimilar to all other version of Epic.
NetEpic is a fan-based version created after GW axed SM2/TL. NetEpic Gold is merely an "enhanced" version, with artwork and pictures that NetEpic lacks. One major difference between SM2 and NetEpic, is that in SM2 each player would move all his minis and then the other player would move all of his, while NetEpic is like E:A where players take turns moving formations. Also, NetEpic and SM2 have loads of special rules for special units and is more detailed, whereas E:A is more streamlined in that respect.
As for how they play, for the most part E:A and NetEpic are completely differetn games. However, IMO, both do a good job of capturing a similar feel of combat on a large scale. Which you should play is a matter of personal preference. If you learned epic with the SM2 rules, NetEpic feels the same and (I'm guessing) most players of NetEpic are players who dislike E40k, which was a radical departure from SM2.
Creating new armies for any version of Epic is a challenge. You basically need to balance the points for a new army versus existing armies. Formations with similar strengths should cost about the same. For NetEpic, someone did create an equation of how to determine about how much a unit would cost given its capabilities.
A discussion of which Epic is "best" could (and has
) cause tons of discussion. Again, it all boils down to personal preference. Hope this helps!
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