Game phases
 

I am somewhat confused. I have not seen any screenshots of the "big board". Will the games strategic part be played as the original Axis & Allies? Move troops here and there, and then fight or will it purely mission based? Or is the only "based on the original Axis & Allies" only be by brand name? What’s the deal here?

There is a turn-based "board game" mode called "World War II." It does NOT use the A&A board game rules. You can choose to resolve each turn by "quick resolve" which is akin to a dice roll, or by an RTS battle.

Much like Rise of Nations in that respect, but only in that respect no doubt.

Hey! How about giving us some screenshots of the "board game"?
:)

Here's one from a GameSpy preview:

http://media.pc.gamespy.com/media/56...g_2253698.html