When Rome: Total War was released in 2004, it marked a transformative moment in the strategy gaming landscape. Developed by Creative Assembly and published by Activision, this game was the third instalment in the Total War series but represented a significant leap forward in terms of gameplay mechanics, graphics, and depth. Its expansion pack, Barbarian Invasion, released in 2005, built upon this foundation, offering new challenges and further enriching the player’s experience. Let’s explore how these games reshaped the Total War series, focusing on their innovative elements, particularly the introduction of 3D graphics, the intricacies of different factions, and the diverse unit rosters. Additionally, we will examine the 2021 remastered version, which brought numerous improvements to the original.
The Leap to 3D
Rome: Total War was the first game in the series to feature a fully 3D engine. Previous entries, Shogun: Total War and Medieval: Total War, employed 2D sprites and relatively simplistic graphics. The transition to 3D brought the ancient world to life with an unprecedented level of detail. This shift allowed for more dynamic and visually engaging battles, where the terrain, unit formations, and real-time tactics played crucial roles. Players could now zoom in to witness individual soldiers clashing, adding a layer of immersion that was previously unattainable.
The game’s campaign map also benefited from the new engine. It became a living, breathing world, with cities, armies, and agents moving in real-time across varied landscapes. This enhancement not only improved the visual appeal but also the strategic depth, as players had to consider the geographical advantages and disadvantages of their movements and battles.
Factions and the Roman Houses
A significant innovation in Rome: Total War was the introduction of distinct factions, each with its own unique units, strengths, and weaknesses. Central to the game were the three Roman houses: the Julii, the Brutii, and the Scipii, along with the overarching Senate and People of Rome (SPQR). These factions were not only at war with external enemies but also engaged in a complex web of political manoeuvring and internal power struggles.
The Julii, based in northern Italy, were tasked with expanding Rome’s influence into Gaul and Germania. Their focus was on fighting barbarian tribes, which required a balance of versatile and durable units capable of withstanding the fierce charges of the enemy.
The Brutii, stationed in southern Italy, were directed towards Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean. This faction’s campaign involved battling the sophisticated and disciplined armies of the Greek city-states, which demanded a strategic use of Rome’s legionary formations and superior heavy infantry.
The Scipii, positioned in Sicily, had the objective of conquering Carthage and North Africa. This required naval dominance and the ability to conduct overseas campaigns, relying heavily on versatile units that could handle a variety of terrains and enemy tactics.
SPQR, though not a playable faction, played a pivotal role in the game’s political dynamics. Representing the Roman Senate, SPQR issued missions to the other factions, rewarding or punishing them based on their performance. This added a layer of strategy as players had to balance their own ambitions with the demands of the Senate, all while preparing for the inevitable civil war to determine the ultimate ruler of Rome.
Diverse Unit Rosters
One of the game’s standout features was its diverse and historically inspired unit rosters. Each faction had a unique set of units that reflected their historical counterparts, adding depth and variety to the gameplay.
Roman Units
The Roman factions shared a core set of units, including Hastati, Principes, Triarii, and the iconic Roman legionaries. The Hastati, young and relatively inexperienced soldiers, formed the front lines. The Principes, more seasoned and heavily armoured, provided the second line of attack. The Triarii, veteran soldiers armed with spears, served as the last line of defence, embodying the traditional Roman military ethos.
Legionaries were the backbone of the Roman army, renowned for their discipline, armour, and pilum-throwing capabilities. Auxiliary troops, recruited from conquered regions, added versatility to the Roman forces, including archers, cavalry, and specialized infantry.
Greek Units
Greek factions, such as the Greek Cities and Macedon, boasted powerful phalanx units. Hoplites and pikemen, equipped with long spears and heavy shields, formed impenetrable lines that were difficult for enemies to break. These factions also fielded formidable cavalry and missile troops, making them a balanced and versatile force.
Egyptian Units
The Ptolemaic Egyptians combined traditional pharaonic elements with Hellenistic influences. Their unique units included Nile Spearmen, Desert Axemen, and War Elephants. These units reflected the diverse cultural and military traditions of Egypt, providing a distinct flavour to their armies.
Barbarian Units
Barbarian factions, such as the Gauls and Germans, relied on fierce and aggressive units. Warriors with powerful charges, like the Naked Fanatics and Berserkers, could cause significant damage but often lacked discipline and armour. Their emphasis on brute strength and shock tactics made them formidable in melee combat.
Eastern Units
Eastern factions, including Parthia and Armenia, specialized in cavalry and archery. Horse archers, cataphracts, and other mounted units were their mainstay, allowing for swift and deadly hit-and-run tactics. These factions required players to master mobility and ranged combat.
Barbarian Invasion Expansion
Barbarian Invasion, the expansion pack released in 2005, shifted the game’s focus to the later period of the Roman Empire, around the 4th and 5th centuries AD. This expansion introduced new factions, such as the Western and Eastern Roman Empires, the Huns, Vandals, and other barbarian tribes, each with their unique units and playstyles.
The expansion added new mechanics, including religious unrest, migratory factions, and the splitting of the Roman Empire into Western and Eastern halves. These changes not only enriched the gameplay but also provided a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by the declining Roman Empire and the rising barbarian powers.
Rome: Total War Remastered (2021)
In 2021, Rome: Total War received a remastered version, developed by Feral Interactive. This remaster aimed to modernize the classic game while preserving its core appeal. Several key improvements were made to enhance the original experience:
Graphics and Visuals
The most noticeable improvement in the remastered version was the graphical overhaul. The game featured enhanced textures, models, and environments, bringing the ancient world to life with greater detail and vibrancy. The campaign map, in particular, benefited from these updates, making it more immersive and visually appealing.
User Interface and Quality of Life
The user interface was modernized to be more intuitive and accessible. Improvements included better tooltips, streamlined menus, and enhanced controls. These changes made it easier for new players to get into the game while providing veterans with a more polished experience.
Gameplay Enhancements
The remaster introduced various gameplay enhancements, such as improved AI, expanded unit rosters, and additional factions. The AI was more challenging and adaptive, providing a tougher and more strategic experience. The addition of new units and factions added depth and variety to the game, allowing for more diverse and engaging campaigns.
Multiplayer and Mod Support
One of the significant additions in the remastered version was enhanced multiplayer support. Players could now engage in online battles with improved stability and functionality. Additionally, the game included better mod support, allowing the community to create and share custom content more easily.
Performance and Optimization
The remastered version was optimized for modern hardware, ensuring smoother performance and faster loading times. This made the game more accessible to players with different system configurations, extending its reach to a broader audience.
Conclusion
Rome: Total War and its expansion Barbarian Invasion were ground-breaking titles that redefined the strategy gaming genre. The introduction of 3D graphics, diverse factions, and intricate unit rosters set new standards for historical accuracy and gameplay depth. The 2021 remastered version successfully modernized the classic, preserving its core elements while enhancing visuals, gameplay, and user experience. Together, these games have left an indelible mark on the Total War series and the strategy gaming community, continuing to be celebrated for their innovation and enduring appeal.
