Neat-O game. Kind of slow as an RTS, but VERY much more in-depth. It really is like CivIII with a much larger focus on battle. Computer started slowing down a bit with 2k+ units in the battles though. I'm only running a 2100+XP. I'm blaming that. The interface, building, unit creation are complete rip-offs of the CIV games. So, you aren't out gathering resources, you are building cities that you can then tax as the population grows. I've played for about 8 hours now, and have just scratched the surface. I'm doing a campaign, and it will easily run 200+ hours to finish it. VERY large map, lots of other factions and a deep technology tree. Obviously, it never leaves the Roman period, however, there are lots of upgrades to lots of buildings. Units gain experience and leadership skills. You have to create a family tree and make sure your heirs are going to have the skills/prestige/etc to make good emporors, so, you have to take them into battle. I lost my first one in a huge fight. But, it brought honor to my family. And again, I've only scratched the surface.
In summary, not a fast paced RTS at all, but, it's still fun to battle on the map. VERY deep in the strategy and empire building. It has multi, but no idea how it works. I can definately see why it's gotten the high ratings it has. If you like Civ, I'd recommend picking it up at $30.
Rome: Total War
Oh ya, I say it's slow as an RTS because there's no 'unit rush'. Just like you see on discovery channel, you have large groups of various units under your control. A front line that is wider than your screen. You are micro managing 1k units in one battle. Proper advancement tactics matter as you don't want to leave your archers open for attack. You don't want your archers firing on your own units as they rush the enemy. Cavalry needs to charge into battle for maximum effectiveness, but not too early that they are winded when they hit them. Etc. So, units and fighting is 'slow', but you are really busy buzing around managing the fight. I lost my first 2k+ battle cause I just couldn't keep up with things. They hammered me as my units scattered. That's when I lost my first heir. Second 2k+ battle was much better as I was a little more ready for it. Plus, they rushed me which made them tired and I just played it better. Again, heavy on the strategy/tactics, lights on the fast paced 'rush warfare' of many RTSs.
For me, the real fun began when I started playing Armenia, the horse lords of the steppe... Calvary armies are so much fun.
I have been meaning to get around to the Barbarian Invasion expansion, because it was supposed to fix a number of things and bring some more new units and factions.
For one, don't you hate it when your big block of archers line up... you select a nice batch of flaming arrows... and they manage to immolate half their unit by shooting each other in the back of the heads!
Great game though, be sure to search the internet on the walk though to play as every faction in the game, that was you won't have to spend 500 plus hours conquering each and every one.
I have been meaning to get around to the Barbarian Invasion expansion, because it was supposed to fix a number of things and bring some more new units and factions.
For one, don't you hate it when your big block of archers line up... you select a nice batch of flaming arrows... and they manage to immolate half their unit by shooting each other in the back of the heads!
Great game though, be sure to search the internet on the walk though to play as every faction in the game, that was you won't have to spend 500 plus hours conquering each and every one.
Ya, the flaming arrow thing bugged me. But, the damage was pretty limited and didn't stop me from using them. What bugged me was that they wouldn't shoot over their own walls with them. They kept hitting the wall and not getting any arrows over.
Walk through? Isn't that cheating?! But that's a good point. To play as all factions could take an eternity.
Walk through? Isn't that cheating?! But that's a good point. To play as all factions could take an eternity.