Game of Thrones: Rome II - A Mixed Bag

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Rome II, the latest installment in Creative Assembly's long-running total war series, has left many fans feeling underwhelmed. While it retains much of what made its predecessors so beloved, this entry also introduces several new features that fail to live up to expectations.

A Step Backwards?

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For seasoned Total War veterans, Rome II will likely feel like a step backwards in terms of graphical fidelity compared to previous games in the series such as Napoleon: Campaigns in Europe and Africa or even the critically acclaimed Empire: Total War. Gone are the lush 3D environments and detailed character models that once set these titles apart from their contemporaries.

Instead, Rome II opts for a more generic art style reminiscent of its predecessors. While this may appeal to purists who prefer a more traditional look and feel, it comes at the expense of immersion and immersion is key in any strategy game - especially one as grandioaous sounding as total war.

Gameplay-wise, not much has changed from Rome I either. You still control various factions vying for dominance across ancient Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia Minor during a time period known as the late Roman Republic or early Principate depending on your historical leanings.

However, while this tried-and-true formula may have worked well enough back in 2004 with Rome: Total War being released just two years after its predecessor Medieval II - it feels stale now. The addition of new units and buildings does little to shake things up, leaving players feeling like they've already seen all there is before.

A glimmer of hope lies within the game's campaign mode where you can choose from one of several factions each with their own unique abilities and starting positions on the map. This adds a welcome layer of replayability that was sorely missing from previous titles in this series.

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In conclusion, while Rome II has its share of problems - primarily due to poor optimization issues which make even simple tasks like loading savegames take forever - it's still an enjoyable experience for fans of the genre who are looking for something new without straying too far away from what they know and love. Just don't expect any earth-shattering innovation here; instead, be prepared for more of the same old formulaic gameplay that has become synonymous with this series over recent years.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Recommended For:

- Fans of strategy games looking for a challenging experience

- Those who enjoy historical settings and time periods such as ancient Rome or Greece

Not Recommended For:

- Players seeking significant graphical improvements compared to previous titles in the series

- Anyone expecting radical gameplay changes from what came before

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