Rome: Total War (2004)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Rome: Total War (2004): A Timeless Masterpiece of Strategy Gaming

Released in 2004, Rome: Total War is a real-time tactics and turn-based strategy game developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega. Set during the tumultuous period of the late Roman Republic and the early Roman Empire, the game allows players to take control of one of three Roman families (the Julii, Brutii, or Scipii) or one of eight other playable factions and guide them to conquer the ancient world.

Gameplay

Rome: Total War combines real-time battles with turn-based strategy on a massive campaign map. Players must manage their armies, cities, and resources while engaging in diplomatic negotiations and waging war against their enemies.

  • Real-Time Battles: Battles in Rome: Total War are fought in real-time on detailed and realistic battlefields. Players can control a variety of unit types, including infantry, cavalry, and siege weapons, and must use their tactical skills to outmaneuver and defeat their opponents.
  • Turn-Based Strategy: Outside of battles, players manage their empire on a turn-based campaign map. They can build and upgrade cities, recruit and train armies, and conduct diplomacy with other factions. The ultimate goal of the campaign is to become emperor of Rome by conquering fifty provinces and capturing Rome itself.

Historical Setting and Factions

Rome: Total War is set during one of the most fascinating periods in human history, a time of great political upheaval, military conquest, and cultural achievement. Players can choose to play as one of three Roman families, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses:

  • Julii: Led by Julius Caesar, the Julii are a well-rounded faction with a strong focus on military conquest.
  • Brutii: Led by Marcus Junius Brutus, the Brutii are a more defensive faction with a strong economy and a focus on diplomacy.
  • Scipii: Led by Scipio Africanus, the Scipii are a naval power with a strong presence in North Africa and the Mediterranean Sea.

In addition to the Roman factions, players can also choose to play as one of eight other playable factions, including the Gauls, Britons, Macedonians, and Egyptians. Each faction has its own unique units, abilities, and playstyle, offering a wide variety of strategic choices for players.

Legacy and Impact

Rome: Total War was a critical and commercial success, selling over two million copies worldwide. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest strategy games ever made and has had a profound impact on the genre.

The game’s innovative combination of real-time battles and turn-based strategy set a new standard for strategy gaming. It also introduced a number of new features to the genre, such as the use of historical settings and the ability to control individual units in battle.

Rome: Total War has spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs, including Medieval: Total War, Shogun: Total War, and Total War: Warhammer. The series has become one of the most popular and successful strategy game franchises in history.

Conclusion

Rome: Total War is a timeless masterpiece of strategy gaming that continues to be enjoyed by players around the world. Its innovative gameplay, historical setting, and wide variety of factions offer a truly immersive and engaging experience. Whether you’re a seasoned strategy gamer or a newcomer to the genre, Rome: Total War is a must-play.

Additional Features

In addition to its core gameplay, Rome: Total War also offers a number of additional features, including:

  • Multiplayer: Players can compete against each other in multiplayer battles or cooperative campaigns.
  • Modding: The game has a large and active modding community that has created a wide variety of new content, including new factions, units, and campaigns.
  • Historical Battles: The game includes a number of historical battles that players can recreate, such as the Battle of Cannae and the Battle of Alesia.

Critical Reception

Rome: Total War received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, historical setting, and stunning graphics. The game won numerous awards, including Game of the Year awards from IGN and GameSpot.

Here are some excerpts from critical reviews of the game:

  • “Rome: Total War is a masterpiece of strategy gaming. It sets a new standard for the genre and is a must-play for any fan of strategy games.” – IGN
  • “Rome: Total War is an epic game that will keep you entertained for hours on end. It is one of the best strategy games ever made.” – GameSpot
  • “Rome: Total War is a triumph of game design. It is a complex and challenging game, but it is also incredibly rewarding.” – PC Gamer

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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