My experiences in war were as I expected, although in one instance I was able to march troops right up behind an enemy without them ever noticing I was there, which was odd. I’m not much of a military strategist, but using the skills learned in the tutorial I was able to hold my own and command a successful army (most of the time anyways). For example, troops approaching from the trees are less likely to be spotted by the enemy, and fighting downhill gives melee troops an advantage. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses, and the battlefield itself can turn the tide of war in one direction or another. As expected there is a great deal of troop variety, from basic melee units to ranged fighters and troops on horseback. Using the troops I had raised and recruited, I met the enemy head on. For most battles, victory can be had by either wiping out the enemy or holding a strategic position or positions on the map for a certain amount of time.
Battles can range from trying to take over an enemy stronghold to putting down a peasant rebellion.
Fortunately, when I tried to end a turn without addressing some major need, the game was graceful enough to suggest that I handle it before ending.įor everything that can and must be done on the world map, it’s all just preparation for the series of battles necessary for world conquest. There are a ton of factors here, and it can get a little overwhelming. Spies can be recruited and sent out into the world to gain intelligence on the enemy. Players can choose to invest in various technologies in order to improve their civilizations or in building up areas in order to produce better armor or other goods. For instance, a high tax rate will allow for greater army building, but will leave the populace unhappy and on the verge of revolt. However, there are numerous domestic factors that also come into play. Naturally, the movement of enemy troops has to be monitored so the player is ready for an incoming attack. Here is where things can become intimidating, as there are a large number of items to keep track of. During a season players can move a general and his troops a certain distance on the world map, and perform numerous activities in the different regions. Territories are divided into provinces, sub-divided into regions. On the world map, turns are measured in seasons. Fortunately, tips on any of the game’s many menus are just a mouse hover away, and in most areas more detailed instructions can be had by right clicking.
The tutorial does a good job of introducing the basic concepts and how to play, but it only hints at the real complexity here.
It all begins with a tutorial that walks the player through the two main sections of the game, fighting a battle and making decisions on an empire-wide scale. In order to do that, players will control forces on both a macro and micro level, managing a whole empire while still fighting the individual skirmishes required for world domination. The objective is conquering the known world. It’s an amazingly deep experience that can be intimidating at first, but exceptionally rewarding for those who are willing to put some time into learning it. Total War Rome II reminds me of those days, only it’s about a million times more complex. A century-spanning campaign charges players with strategically managing the economic, civil, religious and military arms of their empire.In years past, one of my favorite ways to spend an evening was assembling some friends and playing a game of Risk.Command warrior-tested legions in cinematic epic battles with thousands of soldiers on-screen at once.Lay siege against the Romans as Attila the Hun, fearful Saxons, or other savage factions using signature weapons and abilities.Fight alongside or against history's greatest leaders such as Julius Caesar, Spartacus, and Hannibal to expand or destroy the Roman Empire.Voted 2004 Best Strategy game by IGN, GameSpy and GameSpot.(official expansion pack to Rome: Total War) Witness the decline of Rome as Barbarian hordes attack, forcing a bitter internal struggle between rival factions. Rome: Total War Guide one of three noble Roman families on a century spanning quest to seize control of the Roman Empire. With two award-winning titles from the esteemed Total War series, you'll have twice as many obstacles and opportunities to control and conquer the greatest empire ever known to man. Once the Roman Empire is under your command, don't lay down your sword just yet - the Barbarians are coming.