Gamespot interview

[Martok]

Link



A couple interesting things mentioned:

Q: Just how big will naval battles eventually get, and how will players manage such huge fleets?

A: In terms of the sheer size and scale of the naval battles, we're currently looking at having up to 20 vessels per side, with massive 120-gun first-rate ships of the line riding the crests of huge waves to blast cannon fire into one another at zero range whilst lighter, smaller ships speed between lines of fire, wreaking havoc on enemy masts and crew. Also, don't forget many naval engagements didn't only feature two nations, you'd often have three or four navies turning up to a fight... I'll leave the rest to your imagination!

Very cool. Strange as it may sound, I'd not really considered the possibility of allied fleets fighting together in the same battle. I'm glad it could happen, though.

Q: What famous historical battles will be included in separate scenarios?

A: We're still looking at this and developing our ideas as to what we include and how we do it.

Now that's interesting, since until now CA pretty much stated outright that there wasn't going to be any historical battles included. Very interesting....

Q: Finally, how will famous leaders like George Washington and Napoleon play into Empire: Total War?

A: Many famous individuals of the time are represented, either as generals, gentlemen, admirals, or even politicians. These figures each have unique traits and certain preferred tactics. What faction they're born into and how well they progress is, naturally, up to you...

Cool! Glad to hear that "hero" agents will make a return from MTW. I'm also interested in the prospect of notable politicians appearing as well.

However, I'm a little puzzled by the implication that they could possibly appear in factions different from what they did in real life. Can anyone from CA elaborate on this please?

[Mailman653]

Wow, three or four navies at once? Sounds intense.
That opens up the possibilities of having Trafalgar type battles.

As for the possibilities of "hero's" being in other nations does sound odd, but not entirely weird. For example Washington could of decided to stay loyal to the crown, hence he would be with England. Or maybe Napoleon decides to forget France altogether and stay in his native Corsica and fight the French occupation which for simplicity sake might get included in an Italian faction. (assuming France even takes Corsica....but it does open up fascinating scenarios, what if Austria takes Corsica, if Nap spawns during that time, then he will be Austrian)

I think that's what CA might be hinting at. Another example, France takes England and during that occupation Wellington spawns in the campaign, then that would make him French.

[Sheogorath]

The PC Gamer interview (just got this months issue) mentioned in their hands-on that you'll be able to automate ships so you dont have to juggle your entire navy at once, as well as do things like have your ships move in formation relative to each other. Sounds like my worries about it turning into Imperial Glory are solved :P

[Sol Invictus]

Yeah, just got my copy in the mail.