It is certainly interesting that opinions are so divided on Successors, in my experience split relatively evenly between those who consider it a failure and those who enjoy it. I personally fall on side of enjoying the game - as long as the other players are experienced at the game. The game relies on the players only forming temporary alliances so as to peg back the current leader. A weak player or a strong team forming will significantly spoil the game.

It could be improved perhaps with an non-random method of selecting leaders (say like Settlers 12344321) but almost all of the games I've played have had different players close to victory on every turn-end of the game.

As for Age of Renaissance, what a cracker of a game - certainly Avalon Hill kept the best wine for last.