I am personally quite thrilled to announce that Total War : Rome II is going to be a reality within an year. The original, ‘Total War: Rome’ is definitely one of my favourite RTS/TBS games, and I still fondly recall spending about a hundred hours on the game (at the least) and I don't regret a single moment.
‘Total War: Rome II’, is set to be the best yet. In the last couple of years, Creative Assembly, the developer, seems to have run out of ideas for one of its most successful franchises. However, in this case, I’m glad because in my opinion, the original (Total War: Rome) ranks amongst the very best in the series along with Shogun 2 but definitely ahead of Medieval and Napoleon. Rome was one of the most expansive and exciting games in series with stunning gameplay and amazing audio visuals. The sequel is based on the same character and timeline as the original version but features improved graphics, and gameplay options. In addition, there are a number of new units, battle tactics and strategic options available. This allows players to make decisions with a long-term impact on the progress of the game, similar to Shogun 2.
Like the original, it is hinted that as the game progresses, players will have to start deciding if they want to keep the republic or try to become emperor, amongst many other decisions. Moreover, Rome II will focus more on the ‘human-level drama’, and allow players more freedom to determine the future of their nations, just like Julius Caesar and Cleopatra. All this will come at a cost, because the very scale of the cities and armies is much bigger. Moreover, the AI will be able to make better-integrated diplomatic decisions, which in turn seriously challenges the ability of players to “divide and conquer”.
In terms of combat, one amazing improvement is that of ‘combined battlefields’. This removes the boundaries between land and naval combat, which is demonstrated in the screenshots of the battle of Carthage, where units disembark from ships and proceed to sack the city. This really changes the strategic scope of the game. It is also a huge difference from the original game and other games in the franchise. In the original, all the navy could do was to blockade a port and attack other fleets.
Despite its name, the game also allows players to play with different factions such as Greece, Carthage, Egypt and Gaul. Each civilization has its own range of technology, strategic capabilities, fighting styles and other unique elements. Also, don’t forget the occasional rebellion, which can really push you back several hours in the game. Each civilisation also has its own unique history, which could influence the progress of the game. Things like natural disasters, changes in technology, religion, diplomacy, terrain, could change the dynamics of the game.
In conclusion, I am rather optimistic about Rome II because given the history of the developer and the rich heritage of the original; this may turn out to be a truly epic reboot. The sheer scale of a typical Total War game is awe inspiring in itself and if the improvements to the graphics, combat systems, diplomacy and strategic options live up to their potential, then it will be nothing short of stunning.
Tip: If any of you are studying Greek and Roman Civilisation in the local Advanced Level, then this game might actually be of some use since it is quite historically accurate and features very realistic depictions of early Roman architecture, military units and historic battles.
(Review by Navam Niles)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JReGDeaxaDI
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