It’s 2003 and I’m wrapping up my career as a horrible child
to embark on my adventure as a horrible teenager. Upon arrival home one day I switch
on teatime television. Against my wishes the clever TV boffins grab me with ‘Time
Commanders’. An analytical show on the strategies used on real battlefields throughout
history. Although the show was very historical in nature it wasn’t this that
grabbed my attention; what did was a battle simulation program in which the
show acted out hypothetical battles using computers. This blew my tiny child
mind. Even more so when I realised this ‘simulation’ was Rome: Total War- a
game I could actually buy; and would, in ASDA (other stores are available)
sometime after.
Years of playing on very low settings on a bulky, broken
desktop eventually faded away. I stopped playing Rome and PC games in general for
years for lack of money. But then the advent of YouTube and my employment. This
would lead to accessing games coverage at any time where previously I was used
to trawling barren TV schedules for information or expensive magazines (three
weeks pocket money). I would watch hours of lets plays; in particular battles
in the numerous games in the total war series. After months I decided to build
a PC in order to play the newest total war game; Shogun 2. And here I am. I’m as
awful as ever at games and if anything, less capable of commanding armies with
a PC that can run these games no problem. But I’m here to tell you that Total War
+ Warhammer = many happiness points.
Deep Seeded Winds of Magic
In case you’ve returned to living under that filthy rock of
yours; the total war games are split down the middle. Half grand strategy half battle
simulation. You take command of a faction with unique units and cities and try
to last longer than the rest. In the Total War Warhammer games specifically, you’re
flung into a richly detailed and nuanced map based off of the world created by Games
Workshop. You know that shop you wish you could go into but can’t for lack of a
Slipknot t-shirt. In Warhammer 2 the firsts games map was available to play in the
Mortal Empire’s mode; this involves several factions fighting for dominance of
the new and old world. Each faction is genuinely unique to play; some prefer certain
terrain, or have a strength in their army such as artillery. Some others play
differently with the introduction of horde factions. These are
the bane of the world; walking the wilds destroying and pillaging; its very
fun. The DLC factions also add spins on the formula to amass a plethora of
options for different experiences when playing.
On the campaign map you will use power and influence to make
allies and move on enemies all before you are either crowned king of the world
or stabbed in the ribs by a humanoid rat. It is very satisfying to see the map
turn your colour; and you feel like your fronting a crusade and eradicating the
lesser races from the world; erm yeah so, the Scaven aren’t my favourite
faction.
The campaign – particularly mortal empires will hold your
attention for weeks and you will have a truly unique experience each time.
Totally Fantastic Battle Simulator
For me however the battles are what makes total war. Since Shogun
2 I’ve played hours of online battles and I have even regularly watched replays
just for fun. Both are even more enjoyable in the new fantasy setting. I swear watching
lowly peasants unwillingly act in the next Jurassic park movie never gets
boring. The UI has been overhauled and is intuitive beyond any previous game;
it makes for an easy time organising your ranks and carrying out battle plans.
The detailing on the units, landscapes and castles is fantastic; it really
sells the scale of the world your fighting over and allows for the impressive unit
limit to shine. You can have hundreds of individual soldiers on screen at any
one time. You will indefinitely be neglecting your responsibilities as a
commander just to watch catapulted goblins soar through the sky to smash onto the
unsuspecting head of a frankly careless zombie. The battles are a perfect mixture
of absolute chaos and player limited strategy; your as good at these battles as
you allow yourself to be; use spears for horses; swords for spears until your
enemy has nothing to do except buy his own Slipknot shirt and make the shameful
wander back to the home of Warhammer itself.
Playing good commanders shows one how to play this game; the
skill ceiling is limitless so long as you get your men into the right battles
on a large scale. Pick your fights and know when to sprint for a terrain
advantage; or when offense is the best form of defence. Online can be hard but
it is endlessly rewarding. The campaign battles are a fun time too for those
who are more casual with their engagements.
Conclusion
Both of the Warhammer Total War games are fantastic and are
worth buying together for Mortal empires mode; you will genuinely have a blast
with these games. If the choice is forced upon you however; by way of not being
allotted bags and bags of money each month then buy Warhammer 2 first.
Always been curious about the Warhammer franchise. thank you for the comprehensive review!
ReplyDeleteSorry man - been stressful few weeks of isolation ! thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed it. stay safe :)
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