Not sure if you are looking for something long-term, but if you like simcity, you might want to check out settlers online or anno online (just got to open beta)
You might like Zatikon. It's like chess but with a lot more pieces and there's PvP, PvAI and P+PvAI
There is the option to spend $20 and you get different units but the pay-for units aren't better, they're just different and give you more scope for creating your own strategy. Most people I've played against haven't paid for the extra units.