What is the Best Total War Game?
Total War is a popular game series developed by Creative Assembly, known for its strategic gameplay, epic battles, and rich historical settings. With over 20 years of history, the series has spawned numerous titles, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Total War and answer the question: what is the best Total War game?
A Brief History of Total War
The first Total War game, Shogun: Total War, was released in 2000 and set the stage for the series. It was a 3D strategy game that combined turn-based empire-building with real-time battles. The game was a critical and commercial success, and subsequent titles built upon its foundation.
Total War: Rome Remains the Best
After decades of development, the question remains: which Total War game is the best? While opinions may vary, Total War: Rome (2004) is often considered the best in the series. Here’s why:
- Depth and complexity: Total War: Rome features an intricate campaign map, complex diplomacy, and a vast array of units, allowing for a high level of replayability.
- Historical accuracy: The game is set in the ancient world, and the developers took great care to recreate the politics, battles, and cultures of ancient Rome.
- Real-time battles: The real-time battles in Total War: Rome are still unmatched in terms of scale and intensity, with thousands of units clashing on the battlefield.
Other Great Total War Games
While Total War: Rome stands out, other games in the series are also excellent:
- Total War: Shogun 2 (2011): This game is set in feudal Japan and is known for its stunning graphics, engaging multiplayer, and improved diplomacy mechanics.
- Total War: Three Kingdoms (2019): This game is set in ancient China during the Three Kingdoms period and features a unique focus on heroes and legendary characters.
- Total War: Warhammer (2016) and Total War: Warhammer II (2017): These games are set in the world of Warhammer Fantasy and offer a unique blend of strategy and fantasy elements.
Pros and Cons of Each Game
Here’s a table summarizing the pros and cons of each game:
| Game | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Total War: Rome | Depth and complexity, historical accuracy, real-time battles | Steep learning curve, outdated graphics |
| Total War: Shogun 2 | Engaging multiplayer, improved diplomacy, stunning graphics | Less historical accuracy than Rome |
| Total War: Three Kingdoms | Unique heroes and legendary characters, improved diplomacy | Less realistic than Rome, complex campaign mechanics |
| Total War: Warhammer | Unique blend of strategy and fantasy, engaging multiplayer | Less historically accurate than other games |
| Total War: Warhammer II | Improved graphics, new mechanics, epic battles | Steep learning curve, complex campaign mechanics |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while opinions may vary, Total War: Rome remains the best Total War game due to its depth and complexity, historical accuracy, and epic real-time battles. However, other games in the series, such as Shogun 2 and Three Kingdoms, offer unique strengths and are definitely worth playing.
For New Players
If you’re new to the Total War series, here’s a suggested starting point:
- Total War: Rome for a deeper, more historically accurate experience
- Total War: Shogun 2 for a more accessible, visually stunning experience
- Total War: Three Kingdoms for a unique, character-driven experience
For Experienced Players
If you’re an experienced Total War player, here’s what you can expect:
- Total War: Warhammer for a new, fantasy-infused twist on the series
- Total War: Warhammer II for an improved, more challenging experience
- Total War: Three Kingdoms for a fresh, heroic take on the series
In the end, the best Total War game is the one that resonates with you the most. Whether you’re a fan of history, fantasy, or strategy, there’s a Total War game that’s sure to captivate and entertain.
