Yeah belive it or not, the DVD is fine; although I have to admit I was pretty skeptical. Took a few hours for steam to download patches and so forth, but it's all working now without a hitch.
I've been playing the opening campaign with the American colonists against the French and Indians. I think I'm on chapter 2 now; taken over a few territories and played through a few sea battles... not too far into it yet.
I thought the canon shot would do more damage against land units? ...is there a more potent grape/link shot variety to use against line formations? I like the "tinny" noise the canon makes when it fires, very distinctive.