Play as Temujin (aka Genghis Khan) or other mongolian tribes in the unification scenario or Richard lion heart, the shogun of japan, etc in the world scenario.

Spend time with your family (you need heirs so "royal breeding" is a priority), raise mighty armies (each region have its unique unit types), buy spices or silk in  the east and sell it in the west to make profit, make your son (prince) general or marry the princess with one of your generals to gain their loyalty.

Imagine yourself like the japanese shogun invading europe: samurais vs knights, or Indian Elephants vs Chinese Cannons, or Mongol cavalry vs mameluks