As a long-time fan of Creative Assembly's Total War series, I have an intrinsic interest in what direction the developer is going to take following the release of Shogun 2. Creative Assembly has already admitted that there is another title in development, but of course, the million dollar question is: which game is it?. The possibilities seem endless.
The internet has been a-buzz with everyone's thoughts and opinions on the matter. Suggestions and ideas range from an era-spanning Civil War: Total War to games set in the fantasy universes of Warhammer and Lord of the Rings.
With total sales tipping the scales at over 300,000 units (including over 100k in the first week), and the fact that Shogun 2 was Steam's biggest first quarter seller, it's obvious that Creative Assembly has a well established and entrenched fan base. I'm of the opinion that they should build on this. I'm going to say it --they need to do Rome 2: Total War. I don't think that it's the right time to experiment with the Total War series' tried and true formula. In the wake of Empire's release, I've personally heard many gamers say that because of the invasive Steam client, they wouldn't be buying a game from the Total War series again. I've never reached that point myself , but I can easily understand their complaints; it's a valid point.
It's not time for a complete re-imagining of the mechanics of the games either, which would be necessary to enter the 20th century in a game setting. The model of the game --roving field armies who apparently subsist themselves from the land-- wouldn't apply to modern warfare in either of the world wars.
The other, very important side of the coin, is the modding situation. Creative Assembly has in the near past shown difficulty in offering the modding community the tools that it wants because of the complexity of the new engine. Let me set everyone straight: modding is essential to the life of the series. Creative Assembly understands this well and that's why they are at least attempting to liaise with the modders. The simple fact that Rome: Total War is still being played religiously using mods that are still being released is testimony to how modding in general increases the longevity of the games ten-fold. The ease with which it was possible, and the tools developed by the modding community were central reasons as to the game's popularity.
This is why they need to revisit Rome. I had owned the original Medieval: Total War and enjoyed it, but nothing captured my attention like Rome. It's sure to sell in buckets, and it could prove to be a great introduction to the series for new gamers, simultaneously being a nostalgic trip down the Via Appia for the experienced Total War player.
O Fortuna, I plead with you! Bring us Rome!
The internet has been a-buzz with everyone's thoughts and opinions on the matter. Suggestions and ideas range from an era-spanning Civil War: Total War to games set in the fantasy universes of Warhammer and Lord of the Rings.
With total sales tipping the scales at over 300,000 units (including over 100k in the first week), and the fact that Shogun 2 was Steam's biggest first quarter seller, it's obvious that Creative Assembly has a well established and entrenched fan base. I'm of the opinion that they should build on this. I'm going to say it --they need to do Rome 2: Total War. I don't think that it's the right time to experiment with the Total War series' tried and true formula. In the wake of Empire's release, I've personally heard many gamers say that because of the invasive Steam client, they wouldn't be buying a game from the Total War series again. I've never reached that point myself , but I can easily understand their complaints; it's a valid point.
It's not time for a complete re-imagining of the mechanics of the games either, which would be necessary to enter the 20th century in a game setting. The model of the game --roving field armies who apparently subsist themselves from the land-- wouldn't apply to modern warfare in either of the world wars.
The other, very important side of the coin, is the modding situation. Creative Assembly has in the near past shown difficulty in offering the modding community the tools that it wants because of the complexity of the new engine. Let me set everyone straight: modding is essential to the life of the series. Creative Assembly understands this well and that's why they are at least attempting to liaise with the modders. The simple fact that Rome: Total War is still being played religiously using mods that are still being released is testimony to how modding in general increases the longevity of the games ten-fold. The ease with which it was possible, and the tools developed by the modding community were central reasons as to the game's popularity.
This is why they need to revisit Rome. I had owned the original Medieval: Total War and enjoyed it, but nothing captured my attention like Rome. It's sure to sell in buckets, and it could prove to be a great introduction to the series for new gamers, simultaneously being a nostalgic trip down the Via Appia for the experienced Total War player.
O Fortuna, I plead with you! Bring us Rome!
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