Which RTW to choose?

**Brandy Blue** · 01-14-2009, 05:19

Thanks.

**SubRosa** · 01-15-2009, 01:01

I would go for the most recent version of the game you can find, as it may not require patching that way. Beware RTW Gold in that some pressings of it shipped with RTW at 1.5, but BI at only 1.4. Installing BI would then roll back RTW to version 1.3, making it necessary for you to patch both back up to 1.5 and 1.6 respectively. I have one of those copies, and it sure came as surprise to me.

You might want to look at Total War Eras as well. It comes with RTW and all the expansions, as well as MTW and STW and all their expansions as well. They are all at the highest version levels so no patching for any is needed. They also ship in dvds, so you do not have to sit there change out multiple cds when you install them.

**peacemaker** · 01-15-2009, 01:58

yeah, i got one with RTW 1.5 and BI 1.4

I would say Eras or the most up-to-date version, because there have been lots of complaints about RTW gold not being able to connect MP

**Omanes Alexandrapolites** · 01-15-2009, 10:33

Originally Posted by SubRosa

I would go for the most recent version of the game you can find, as it may not require patching that way. Beware RTW Gold in that some pressings of it shipped with RTW at 1.5, but BI at only 1.4. Installing BI would then roll back RTW to version 1.3, making it necessary for you to patch both back up to 1.5 and 1.6 respectively. I have one of those copies, and it sure came as surprise to me.

Just to say, that only applies to the dual CD-ROM version (by, I think, Activision) - not the single DVD-ROM edition (by SEGA).

You may also be interested, Brandy Blue, in the Rome Anthology (amazon.co.uk for UK users, amazon.com for US/international users). As well as containing fully patched R:TW and BI, it also contains the Alexander Expansion too.

As well as this, if you come across them, it is notable that the white label editions of the game are fully patched with nothing additional needed. They come in separate editions, although there also is a Gold Edition containing R:TW and BI.

**pevergreen** · 01-15-2009, 11:57

There is a dual CD-ROM? Mine is spread over 3 CDs, and was purchased before 2006. Just to clear up any confusion.

**gollum** · 01-15-2009, 12:24

The Anthology Omanes suggests is good especially if you want to try all expansions (2) of the game.

Otherwise i d choose Gold that comprises RTW/BI. BI is worth it at least as much as the original in my book. Alexander i wouldnt bother. The campaign is an exterminating rush fest. The historical battles campaign are more worth it especially if your pc runs the game smoothly in the higher settings.

Be aware that RTW is very different to MTW/XL that you seem fond of especially in the battlefield. The campaign game is more interesting and enhanced - the battles though are on a very fast pace and melee lasts really short. The battles play more as intended (they are more tactical) in the higher settings since melees are prolongued especially if you are using deep block infantry formations.

Cavalry rules badly and archers/horse archers are devastating.

Keep an eye on the fine selection of mods available and/or in learning some simple home modding in case you prefer vanilla to make your game more to your particular taste.

!it burnsus!

**Omanes Alexandrapolites** · 01-15-2009, 17:34

Originally Posted by pevergreen

There is a dual CD-ROM? Mine is spread over 3 CDs, and was purchased before 2006. Just to clear up any confusion.

I was making a rather badly educated guess back there. I probably should have said multiple CD-ROMs since I had no idea quite how many disks there are in each version.

**gollum** · 01-15-2009, 17:41

Not so bad of a guess - but it appllied to older games. STW was 2 CD-ROMS. Other types of games were multiple CD-ROMS - 5 or 6 - like say MYST and this type of thing. For every level/world you needed a different CD_ROM and ended up switching a lot in the pre DVD-ROM days - heh.

!it burnsus!

**Brandy Blue** · 01-16-2009, 03:05

Thanks again for everyones' advice. I've taken the plunge and ordered the Gold version, so that's settled. I could not consider other versions suggested because I was buying with an amazon.com gift certificate, and had to pick from what was available second hand. I lack the money to buy anything else.

I take it for granted, Gollum, that modding will be necessary. Everyone has their own preferences.

Is there a RTW equivalent to the MTW gnome editor, or am I on my own for modding? I will likely come back here after I have tried the game to ask advice about choosing a downloadable mod as well, but until then I won't know what I want in a mod anyway.