One of us, one of us . . .
Different as in better, of course.
Some advice, you'll find you either play very cautious (as in, keeping at least a decent force in every border province) or in a more risky matter (not doing so, but instead relying upon attacking the enemy) each one works, and each one will fail.
Be wary of who your heir is, if he is a incestuous incest child, get him killed ASAP. Strong kings mean stable kingdoms.
Also, you'll discover something about this game that is certainly not in the others: A logical command star system. For every 2 command stars, your troops receive a valor point. With enough valor, urban militia can take on higher quality units and thrash them.
Make use of the woods, spears and militia units in woods can generally take on most cavalry units (bodyguards included) especially when you come to face the mongol hordes.
Be reasonable with crusades, failed crusades often result in lessened influence. Attacking allies results in lessened influence. Taking territories and winning battles gains influence. Influence keeps enemies at bay, allies on your side, and generals loyal.
Build build build! Builder traits do a lot for you, and the construction of churches often gets you the thousand florin gift from the Pope.
Look out for rich provinces and key provinces. Flanders will make you loads of money, Lorraine is an excellent border. The fewer provinces you have bordering the enemy, the safer you are.
I think you owe it to all of us MTW fans to give us a (favorable) review of this greatest of TW games.
"It's not true. Some have great stories, pretty stories that take place at lakes with boats and friends and noodle salad. Just no one in this car. But, a lot of people, that's their story. Good times, noodle salad. What makes it so hard is not that you had it bad, but that you're that pissed that so many others had it good." Jack Nicholson