D&D fans should be warned that this game does not implement the D&D ruleset. This is a D&D game ONLY in the sense that it's set in an official D&D campaign setting with D&D monsters and character classes.
Dragonshard is an excellent RTS, featuring elements of Kohan II and WC3. Bases consist of one city containing slots which can be filled with troop-producing buildings or monuments to provide troop enhancements.
Instead of D&D xp and leveling, xp is assigned to a global pool and used to level up troop types en masse. This allows for more advanced planning and control of army development.
Above ground, your army consists of squads which automatically train support troops when they're in the vicinity of your base. Below ground, the game shifts to a traditional dungeon crawl with single troops replacing squads. Underground areas feature side quests, traps, and a lot of creep hunting.
The single player campaign is fairly short and lacks the strategic depth one finds in the best RTS games, but it offers fun and varied gameplay. The graphics and sound are above average and the interface works well. The game is somewhat buggy – I encountered occasional crashes and corrupt saves after extended gaming sessions.
Overall, Dragonshard is a solid game that delivers a novel and satisfying blend of RTS and RPG. I strongly recommend it to fans of the genre.