the game isnt balanced for the player, its balanced for history simulation, that means if you want to play native americans it will be near impossible while say England will be a breeze (sort of). think Total War campaign map in real time but deeper mechanics and better, more challenging AI both Crusader Kings 2 and Europa Universalis 4 are huge real-time strategy games where you control a nation or a dynasty in case of CK2 through about half of a century Also there is a Game of Thrones mod for itīy your comment about Civ 5 I am guessing you arent much experienced with Paradox grand-strategy I will give some more info:

Id recommend Crusader Kings 2 as well, its more of a rpg-strategy as you control only one man and the people at his court but if you are into Game of Thrones-style backstabbing and plotting while leading massive armies against other realms that game is for you. Personally I love it, both CK2 and EU4 have taken up a lot of my time since the disaster that is Rome 2.