Total War Rome II Wiki: Everything you need to know about the game

Total War: Rome 2 is a real time strategy game set in ancient Rome and is the second instalment in the Rome series. Developed by Total War veterans, The Creative Assembly, Total War Rome 2 was was developed as a PC Exclusive.

The game was published by the respected developer and publisher, Sega who are no doubt best known for their Sonic the Hedgehog series of games. The game suffered from several technical issues when it was released and received numerous patches. A lot of those issues have been fixed by the Emperor Edition.

• 1. Development
• 2. Story
• 3. Gameplay
• 4. Limited Edition

Development

The studio has stated that Total War: Rome 2 is by far the biggest game in the franchise, and as it almost reaches the last stages , everything they have created is big in number and scale, which includes 500 unit types, 183 map regions, and a 313% increase in budget from the first Total War: Rome.

As the game require thousand of animations, The Creative Assembly utilized a new 46-camera motion capture set-up. Performances are recorded and delivered in game via the 12mx13 meter capture volume, and the studio is fully determined to deliver its latest and most ambitious Total War title.

Creative director Mike Simpson stated in an interview “Our games have always encompassed a grand vision. But we’re now pushing that vision at both ends of the spectrum.From the immense reach of the sandbox campaign right down to the human-level drama of a single warrior on the battlefield, we’re aiming for an unprecedented level of detail and scale.” [reference]

To get that kind of realistic authenticity, many men spend hours clad in spandex and going at each other with 20-inch rubberized gear. The data captured during these sessions is analyzed by a team in order to spot certain animations that require cleaning up. This happens usually when performers have been fighting intensely during combat shots, resulting in the motion capture balls being obscured, which can lead to missing data.

Once the data has been processed, the animators use it as a foundation to make the characters look life-like in terms of movement and also in terms of using facial animations for individual units, adding a feel of horror and realism to the battles.

CA motion capture manager Pete Clapperton explained that the fighters who choreograph the fights, really go into their work and at times come out with bruises and broken teeth.

Story

The game centers on the Roman Republic, which spans 509 BC – 27 BC, taking place after the overthrow of the monacry. You are on a journey to become the world’s first superpower and command the most incredible and vast war machine of the ancient world.

Your rise to power will bring admiration from your followers but will also attract greed and jealousy, even from your closest allies.

The story will center around betrayal, “Kill or be Killed”, and “How much and how many people are you willing to sacrifice for your vision of Rome? Will you fight to save the Republic, or rise ruthlessly to become the Emperor? [reference]

Gameplay

Total War: Rome II is a real time strategy game wherein players must look after their empire while expanding it beyond its borders using armies and managing different factions via a revamped diplomacy. The gameplay puts players into a sticky situations, with more challenging missions after the next. You can plan your tactics and assaults by using the force of the Roman army with sword-wielding warriors, spearmen, armored officers on horseback as well as archers hiding in the trees for ambush and vicious attack dogs, as part of ground forces. Cavalry charges are quite spectacular as they send troops flying in the air as they punch through their lines.

Players can pull the map out completely to see a full or satellite view of the battlefield, with the disposition and location of all units. Move orders can be issued from the tactical view, but players need to zoom back in to play out more complex strategies.

You also have access to unit camera angle as it allows to watch from a shoulder view, solider’s perspective, to get a real sense and authenticity of the battle taking place. In one senario there are at least a thousand soliders on screen, with shouting and cries of agony, bringing to life the gameplay.

There are other playable forces in the game which include Rome, Carthage, Macedonia, the Iceni, the Arverni, the Suebi, Parthia, and Egypt each with their own unique units and tactics. [reference]

For example Parthia when in battle, are known for their great marksmanship and unparalleled cavalry, which makes them a force to be reckoned with. Egypt on the other are quite skilled with the spear and pike, and their forces also include skilled swordsmen, scythed chariots,  African war elephants and their numerous navy.

Suebi rely heavily on infantry and ambush tactics,  they come lightly equipped,with a javelin-like spear, heir fighting prowess is legendary with a charging band of Berserkers. Macedonians are known for their heroic commanders as they rely on infantry and cavalry.Carthage is famous for its  mercenary units as it forms most of the army. The core of its land forces are known as the Sacred Band and mighty war elephants from North Africa.

They are also famous for their ships are fast and maneuverable  speed, with good ramming and missile capabilities. Averni depend on their experience and are dependent on infantry, they make a devastating impact of the charge, led by elite warriors such as Spear Nobles and Oathsworn. And Finally Rome,  the main strength of the Roman army lies in organisation, discipline  Well-drilled, well-oiled tactical heavy infantry, They rely on experience in terms of tactics and maneuverability on the battlefield which makes them a feared military machine.

Limited Edition

The studio will introduce Pontus as the ninth playable faction for their upcoming Total War: Rome 2, as free downloadable content package after the game is out. The DLC Pontus is a mixture of Greek and Persian influences ensures the forces of Pontus are both advanced and reliable. Their bronze-shield pike-men represent a formidable military backbone, and their swift, deadly scythed chariots are rightly feared.

This wiki was last updated on 2nd, January, 2015.