Total War: Total Disappointment
My first impressions of the game were not good and the more I played the more annoyed I was of what this Total War incarnation had become. Initially I thought it has a similar feel and look to Shogun 2 in some respects which initially put me off because I liked Shogun 2 the least of all the titles (until now).
Graphics/Sound:
I run Rome 2 on a top end gaming rig and even with everything turned up to max the graphics don't quite live up to the hype. Generally I am not one to be overly bothered about graphics in games as long as doesn't interfere with the game play and immersion.
With Rome the campaign map, the UI, the Unit Pics and the Encyclopaedia artwork styles seem to clash.
The campaign map to me isn't pleasing on the eye. There doesn't seem to be much actually going on in the world and has very few points of interest to interact with except for settlements or armies etc.
The graphics in battles is also a funny one. While there is no doubt a sense of realism is aimed for I can't help but think that it takes away from the gameplay somehow. The muted tones used on some factions units together with the increased vegetation and atmospheric effects makes it too easy to lose track of what is going on.
Overall the sounds are good.
Saying that, I do miss things like battle speeches from some of the older Total War titles.
Gameplay (Campaign):
Diplomacy is badly implemented and is very confusing. It shouldn't be so difficult to obtain trade rights and deals that are clearly mutually beneficially. Also why are some factions who are neutral to friendly still a pain to deal with compared to others. It's like they are hardwired to hate the player's faction.
Settlement building/admin is just awful. Too little option's not enough space. This part of the game is why I have come back to Total War titles again and again but in Rome 2 it is just not fun at all. However I do like the "province" idea.
Not enough options or flexibility to earn coin and spend coin. The whole economy side of things has been vastly simplified. Personally I would like to see this area of game play expended further not less.
Tech trees are too simple and boring even comparing to Shogun 2. They come across to me as only there to slow you down early on then they become fairly inconsequential later in the game, unlike in Empire.
Generals and Agents. While I do like the addition to be able to recruit units on the fly I think everything else is a step backwards from previous games. The levelling system and rewards seem hastily put together and as a consequence feels uninspiring and unrewarding.
That leads me onto the area that is now the family tree. For me this is the most confusing part of the game. For some reason they thought it might be fun to add some kind of internal power struggle. Well it would be if it made any sense. Also what is with all the random events and important characters? I appreciate a little bit of story and variety but some of the situations are bizarre.
In one event I was told that one of my generals had a white baby dear following him and I had to choose to let this continue, stop it or ignore. I choose to let this happen, then about 2 years later I was then informed that the deer and matured into a mighty white stag and that the general and his men are leaving to follow this magical beast to a distant land! Back to the campaign map I was worried which general and which army was leaving as I only had two at the time. Fortunately for me it was neither, it actually meant some made up general and army I had no idea existed.... WTH.
The overall strategic map gameplay is more akin to a CIV game then Total Tar!
The whole strategic side of the play is so dumbed down that I don't have anything to do for many turns except wait for settlements to come under control. I have gone for long periods just ending turn and occasionally selecting a new research.
Gameplay (Battle):
The battle AI is broken. More than once have I seen the enemy march very close past my battle lines to try reach an imaginary way point despite leaving their flank open to attack.
Battles are over far too quickly. Units no not have enough health and morale to enable you to react to situations.
Conclusion:
Not the way I thought the series should go and I hope the devs make a u-turn for their next title.
Currently not worth playing until bugs are fixed. I personally won't play again anytime soon but will wait to see what future patches bring and of course what the esteemed modding community can bring to the table.
I don't expect a polished game on release but I also don't expect an unfinished one. My low score reflects this fact plus the series has a large fanbase that deserves more than this money making hype. I hope the devs know that they have disappointed a Legion of loyal fans.