Rome Total War!!

[Dabbler]

Hey, anybody else checked this amazing game out yet? Having played the 2 previous Total War games, Shogun and Medieval I had high hopes for Rome and have not been disapointed so far. I am just starting to scratch the surface of gameplay but so far is's been a great ride. Lush 3D graphics, improved diplomacy, more realistic economic model, robust AI, HUGE real time battles and no bugs yet! The Total War series is a hybrid of turn based strategic planning and real time battles and in Rome you play as one of ruling families vying for control of the empire. My only issue thus far is that its now competing for the time I usually spend on this board. Cheers for now, Dabbler

[burnside]

I tried Medieval Total War, I thought it sucked.

The game interface was terrible, often the map areas would get so cluttered with icons that you could not see/select some of your own.

The combat interface was useless too, I never once won a battle because the units would not respond to commands.

[Dabbler]

Hey burnside, I had similar complaints regarding the first two games although I didn't think Medieval sucked and it seems that the designers have rectified these issues. The combat interface is definently more user friendly, you just left click on a unit to control it and then right click on its desired location to move it. The units are also much better defined and therefore easier to locate. The strategy map in now all 3D with terrain playing a more realistic role and units all have a movement radius per turn. I would also mention that warfare in the middle ages and before was a chaotic affair with minimal communication between units, I think previous games have reflected this. The strategic depth also appears to be much greater in Rome with more varied diplomacy options and more actions for your strategic agents. You start as one of the 3 primary families fighting for control of Rome and are assigned quests by the Senate to expand the empire, this is a great new feature. The US History used the Rome 3D engine for a series on great battles of ancient times. Just my 2 cents, Dabbler

[strange1]

Absolutely loved medieval, thought it was the most realistic tactical battle simulator i've seen. TThe diplomatic/economic side was nothing special though (compared to europa universalisII).

I don't plan to get Rome until work slows down though or else i'm in for some late nights.

[Dabbler]

Hey Strange1, It's the 1 more turn syndrome. I lost most 0f 1992 playing the orginal CIV and could not even guess at the number of hours spent on Daggerfall and Baldur's Gate 2. Europa Unversalis 2 was a good gaming experience although those damm pop messages were irritating after a while. Did I mention that Rome also has Elephants, Yea Ha!! Cheers for now, Dabbler

[Drunken Master]

Medieval and Viking Invasion both rocked - although the interface was a little cluttered, and the graphics were clunky during the battle sequences - I never had any trouble winning, though :) . Looking forward to Rome.