Total War: Rome II does offer objectives to you on the right path, such as allying with certain neighbouring states or controlling a specific region and sub-objectives, such as constructing a sizable naval fleet or maintaining diplomatic relations. The narrative takes a backseat from here on, and the only ultimate goal is world domination. This short introduction serves as a precursor to the grand campaign, which begins after the final battle and carries your current state forward. With the port under Roman control, and trade and transport routes open, the player must make the final push towards the Samnite capital and free the imprisoned Rutilus. After accomplishing this goal and finding Laenas slain, Silanus is elevated to the rank of Proconsul and must now defend the Campania region from a Samnite counter-attack, whilst capturing the nearby port of Salernum. Now with the fledgling Rome state surrounded by Samnite forces, the player must first lay siege to the nearby settlement of Capua, break its defences and capture the town. The campaign begins in 316 BC, with the quest to free captured Consuls Laenas and Rutilus, both of whom were defeated in battle by the Samnites. So if you’re one of the uninitiated, expect to spend the first few days switching in and out of this, learning what everything does. This huge repository of knowledge, accessed easily in-game, contains everything from basic to advanced controls, full unit descriptions and instructions on every option and command. It’s a good thing, then, that the Total War Encyclopaedia is on-hand to fill any blanks. Through a series of skirmishes, the player is introduced to the basics of the gameplay, and while it does provide a simple overview of the game, it barely scratches the surface in the grand scheme of things. This short mini-campaign is the only part of the game with a strong narrative element and focuses on the Roman Tribune Gaius Fulvius Silanus and his battles against the Samnites. Thankfully, developers The Creative Assembly have included a prologue to introduce newbies to the Total War series, and reinitiate the old guard. I’m sure veterans of the series won’t have the same experience, but newcomers – even those with a penchant for the genre – may not even know where to start. Don’t get me wrong, I still felt overwhelmed, but it was the good kind now, like being caught in an avalanche of puppies or being smothered by marshmallows. But I persevered and, after many poor choices and crushing defeats, my apprehension gave way to appreciation and determination. There were so many factors to consider when making even what seem to be the simplest decisions that my mind was utterly boggled. After a few hours with the game, as I began to grasp the scale and scope of this long-awaited RTS, I began to feel almost completely overwhelmed. I have to admit that my initial reaction to Total War: Rome II was a slightly negative one.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |