These range from momentum-killing annoyances like the excessively long time the artificial intelligence factions require while taking their turns (the downtime between active play can easily approach three to four minutes) to cosmetic issues such as strangely uneven frame rates, and, worst of all, game-breaking bugs. The fact that Rome II allows players to win the game not just by achieving military dominance, but by establishing complete economic or cultural superiority, also helps promote diverse strategic approaches.įor all it does right, however, Rome II also suffers from some truly awful technical problems. While it’s entirely possible to become fully rounded by the end of a campaign, the bulk of the game involves a wonderful tension between each of the different facets of empire building and invites multiple playthroughs. A Rome that wants happy citizens, a thriving economy, and a strong army will do far worse than one that concentrates entirely on a single one of these aspects. Rome II makes it difficult to waffle between the shape that the player wants their fledgling empire to take, the research trees and building options making it necessary to specialize. The intertwined province/city expansion and technology researching are similarly nuanced. Establishing trade networks and military alliances with other factions is a constant balancing act where gaining a friend on one side will very likely make another group upset, something that makes regional politics consistently volatile.
Each of these aspects of the game are highly detailed. This is accomplished through managing diplomatic relationships, building armies, improving cities, and, of course, fighting wars of expansion or defence. After completing the tutorial, players are allowed to pick a faction (such as the Romans, Macedonians, Carthaginians, or Egyptians) then get started down the road to conquest. The high level of care that goes into the presentation extends to the gameplay mechanics as well.
This level of attention is evident from the descriptive text used to describe nation states and unit types in the turn-based map down to the detailing on a soldier’s shield during battle.Īll of this is to say that Rome II, like all of Creative Assembly’s Total War games, is meticulous in its design. The thunder of horses on the move the clash of metal during combat the dusty fields, rolling hills, and grandiose cities and monuments - every bit of the game evokes the Roman Empire wonderfully. The Total War series trademark blend of turn-based micromanagement with real-time battle is presented extraordinary well. The game’s developer, Creative Assembly, has always been incredibly skilled in creating historical settings that feel truly alive and Rome II is one of the finest examples of this strength.
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