I don't play it and I can't speak to the features of the game or compare versions, but from the number of nine and ten year old boys coming over to the house since we bought it, I'd say it's a hit!

My daughter, age 14 is the one who wanted to buy it, with babysitting money, and she does play it and seems to enjoy it, but my ten year old is in love with the game.

Hope that's helpful