Bought the game.

[stormbringer3]

I'm going to start learning the game on Balanced difficulty. I'm thinking a 2* or 3* difficulty faction would be a good starting place. I'd appreciate some ideas on who to play as a new player. Also, any other recommendations are welcome.
Thanks.

[Surt]

First read the manual and the separate addendum.

General advice
Keep your loyalty green
Keep your legacy in the green zone (you get better stuff in the higher civ levels.)
Keep an eye on the lazy rebellions slaves, sell, distribute or free them.
Keep an eye on the lazy rebellions foreigners, convert them
Keep an eye on the lazy rebellions peasants, feed them
Your lazy elite troops can't be bothered to lay siege, so have some siegers in your army.
Keep an eye on your resources, if you go negative bad things might happen or your can't buy stuff.
If you fight have a bigger, better army than the other and a good general.

If you play the Persian DLC be Persia or be some way away.

[stormbringer3]

Thank you for the advice. I've been reading the Manual, watched the Tutorial Videos that the game launcher sends you to, but I have no idea what the separate addendum is. Please explain.
Thanks again.

[Surt]

Just above this "Diplomacy - Read here the Updated Rules"
Manual but you already got that.
Structures guide explains buildings.

[Gray Fox]

Here's a guide I did:

viewtopic.php?f=563&t=98599

Just have fun. The game has a lot of "Oh crap!" moments. Meeting the challenge makes the game enjoyable. Good luck!

[Pocus]

Yes, I would not feel compelled to read the manual before playing, take an easy nation, like Macedonia (easy but in the middle of action) or something more tranquil like Dacia or Saba and enjoy the game. Then you can read the manual when you want to play another, harder nation.