Bought this game about 2 weeks ago from play.com (best price) and was, well surprised at it's quality.
Many people know of the Total War Series. This is because of the big hype surrounding the games as well as the tv show Time Commanders that was on the bbc, But not many have tried it.
So what is Medieval: Total War all about?
Well Medieval Total War is a game set in Medieval Europe, when the peace and harmony of today never existed. Wars such as the 100-year war between England and France happened, as well as such famous battles as Agincourt, Hastings and Bannockburn. So if you’re a big history geek you might want to give this a try.
Do i need to know a lot about the time period or what to do in different situations?
Well different factions in Medieval Total War demand different skills and approaches. Commanding the German Holy Roman Empire demands a masterful balance between the velvet glove and the iron gauntlet; while taking the divided Spanish faction through the trials of the Reconquista calls for a careful blend of naval and land based strategies. Whereas the Turks must somehow bring their ferocious cannons to bear against the massive land wall of Constantinople tearing them down around the ears of their decadent Byzantine foe.
Trade and naval battles will add a new dimension of player strategy: build galleys, caravels and fire galleys equipped with catapults, guns, and greek-fire to extend control into sea regions, letting you decide who gets to trade. Factions such as England and Italy will find themselves relying upon piracy, which some people may find quiet funny I definitely did.
Does Medieval: Total War reflect the realities of Medieval war?
Yes, the makers of the (Activision) brought in several specialist medieval history experts to help make the plot and play as accurate as possible, along with great weapons and costumes from the time they've definitely succeeded. Also the intelligent AI certainly adds to the difficulty factor.
What is Medieval: Total War's longevity?
When Medieval: Total War is loaded up into a pc the player can be there for hours taking over armies from the French and Byzantinians to the Pope and Russia. The wars go through 2 eras from early medieval to early industrial when cannons, guns and cleverer armies come in to play. The change of the weapons and battlegrounds definitely adds more life to the so you won't get bored easily. Also there’s all this:
• 12 Playable Factions - All with distinct playing styles and distinctive units, including the English, German, Byzantine, French and Turkish Empires.
• Over 100 Different Unit Types - Including Teutonic Knights, Highland Clansmen, Saracen Infantry, and Bedouin camel warriors.
• Multiplayer & Online Games - Unite the Total War community to crush your friends and make new enemies all over the world.
What are the graphics like?
The graphics are good but not great, they are jagged and infreqent at times specialy through explosions, building crumbling etc. but they are not a major issue and the game is still a winner without them.
Are there any downsides to Medieval Total War?
Yes as in lots of games there is always a downside. In Medieval Total War it is that there are only a few historic battles in it and not a whole group. Also since holding thousands of men on its powerful engine they have failed to show the individuality of some people, such as the Generals or King of an army, which makes it simple and static at times
Overall Medieval Total War is a great game for anyone who fancies beating the Russians at something other than the Olympics. This game is probably most suited to fans of command and conqueror games or of the TV series.
For great price at the moment you definitely can't go wrong.
very helpful
