A few thoughts....................

[YAKOBU]

Hi everyone ~:wave:

Just a few thoughts from my M2TW experiences.

I completed an English long campaign today on H/H but auto-resolved for the last 20 or so provinces. I know it has been said before but I enjoy keeping track of all my characters in the early stages but it becomes too time-consuming in the latter stages. After about 10 provinces I end up just forgetting about most characters as it will not affect me winning or losing the game.

I think I have decided to now try and play through all the factions but stop expanding totally once I have reached 10 provinces. It will probably help me get more immersed in the characters and individual provinces will be more specialised. I will then play the faction through all the turns without attempting to reach the victory conditions.

One thing that was funny near the end of my English campaign. My princess ended up accepting a marriage proposal from a prince from Leeds. No prizes for guessing where I am from. :tomato:

:charge:

[Guyus Germanicus]

Actually, Yakobu, I share your sentiments about the game. I rather wish the game didn't put such a thumb in our backs about pressing on to the victory condition. One of the things I have really enjoyed about the Total War game experience has been the psychological and relationship features of dealing with your faction members, etc.

For me at least this is one of the main reasons I've not been able to leave the game alone.

One of the RTW guide writer's, Quietus, likened the personality/psychological aspects of Total War to the Sims video game. I've never played the Sims game, and am not really tempted to do so. But managing your own faction and its members is like running your own family.

My guess is - the only crimp the game might put in your fun, if you go with just 10 or so provinces, is you'll start having money problems and have to go back to 'winning.' It's a pity CA didn't plan for players with our peculiar gaming tastes in mind.

Let us know how your plan works out.

[Budwise]

You don't really have to keep conquering. I have been successful in turtling even while playing the Aztecs (modded version, they can't build any buildings that increase income). To do this, just max out all buildings that increase income and limit your garrisons to - What I need to have right now. If you are attacked on one of your provinces, then you can have all the others build troops and rally after a few turns to save that province. Arches (NOT CROSSBOWMEN) are a great garrison tool due to flamming arrows and usually up against a single battling ram.

[Von Nanega]

I have started a few games where i swore I would not massively expand. Unfortunatly I get attacked. I get angry and start fighting Total War -vs- whomever it was that attacked me. BAM,,,, expansion.

[Fookison]

I guess that is why it is called "Total War"....If you want a neat experience that does not include constant fighting then try Europa Universalis 3. A great game from Paradox Interactive.....

[Zarky]

I guess that is why it is called "Total War"....If you want a neat experience that does not include constant fighting then try Europa Universalis 3. A great game from Paradox Interactive.....

Would be good idea, there´s also Hearts of Iron 1&2 about WW (not sure about the 2, only played 1) but i really don´t get hang on the system...
It´s totally different and takes time.

[Von Nanega]

Then I tried the modern politicains approach to Total War. I used diplomats and spies. Gutted my army. I lost. :whip: