total(ly) new. which game should I get first?

**killmaster** · 01-22-2010, 19:03

Hi, I'm new to total war. I've played a lot of other strategy games. Its my favorite type. I can get 1 Total War game and its overwhelming to try to decide which one. My general impression is that Shogun (STW?) is the one that diehard enthusiasts appreciate most. Rome (RTW?) is the one that mainstream players favor most and gets the best overall scores. But I see that there are a lot of factions! so confusing. I'm most interested in immersive gameplay and strategy and good explosions and cool weapons don't hurt either. There MUST be one that stands out. I was sure it was MTW2 but after reading a bit I thought maybe it should be STW.

Please give me you opinons for a newby. I don't care how hard or complex it is. For those of you who've played them all, I'd be interested in your gut reaction. Your very favorite. Maybe brief reason why. gut reaction off the top of you head.

thanks!!

**killmaster** · 01-22-2010, 19:28

o, I forgot to mention that I'm on Vista. I don't think Shogun will work...

**drone** · 01-22-2010, 20:25

What video card do you have? That could put a damper on STW/MTW.

Welcome to the Org!

**InsaneApache** · 01-22-2010, 22:35

Yes, welcome indeed. Shame you can't install Shogun. It is after all teh (superior) template for the rest of the TW series.

As a fall back try MTW. Same engine and good tactics. Enjoy.

**Thermal** · 01-22-2010, 22:36

Originally Posted by killmaster

But I see that there are a lot of factions! so confusing.

If you don't want many factions, Shogun may be for you, it is a nice cosy little game and very cheap if you can get your hands on it (ebay might be your best bet) however as drone says it may not work on vista, I'll let the techies sort that out though.

Or you could get rome or medieval 2 if shogun doesn't work and if you don't want a big game, think about getting the kingdoms expansion pack. This is because it has 4 small campaigns, all have fairly small maps with 5-9 factions, which may suit you well.

Medieval 1 will have similar problems to shogun if that doesn't work and empire's, well it isn't my cup of tea but if you have the specs you may opt for that.

**drone** · 01-22-2010, 23:12

MTW1 does work on Vista, I would imagine it's possible STW does too. Just need to stay away from the nVidia cards...

**marcusbrutus** · 01-23-2010, 02:18

Hi there! I've only played MTW and RTW and from what you have specified I would definately say get RTW out of those two options.

The graphics are MILES better in RTW and you get a variety of cool units: dogs of war, gladiators, flaming catapults (& arrows), ELEPHANTS!!!!, chariots, phalanx, legionaries etc. In MTW you get some gunpowder units and cannons but they are far less impressive and exciting to use than the siege weaponry in RTW.

The gameplay is immersive enough in both titles. The AI and strategy in MTW is far, far better than RTW but that is also the perfect reason to start with RTW. If you played MTW first then RTW would be less of a challange and the AI could leave you dissapointed.

Hope this is of some help!

On a side note: If anyone can help me out please check this thread: https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showt...40#post2419940

**gollum** · 02-16-2010, 18:59

Welcome to the org, killmaster.

Shogun, if your system can run it is a good intro, as the strategic layer is simple and you can concentrate learning the core of the game, that is the battles, that are complex and deep. MTW has equally good battles in terms of what the engine is capable of, but you better use a mod to enjoy the game in terms of challenge.

RTW needs definitely a mod, even if it is very simple, if not for something else but to bring battles to a speed that allows you to control all of your army during the height of the fight - in the vanilla game as it is, this is not possible. Otherwise RTW has many virtues, even few over STW/MTW in the strategy layer imo. Some RTW mods have become hugely popular, like say Europa Barbarorum. The particular one offers historical accuracy and better balance and atmosphere - worth at least a try if your pc can run it smoothly.

M2TW is way too mainstream for me, far more than Rome in fact imo, but again a good mod can make it a worthwhile experience. The vanilla game lacks years and aesthetically represents the late/rennaissance almost middle ages, and so does not feel very "medieval", depsite the graphics and the praise. In game terms, it is rather unbalanced: cavalry charges can devatstate units (even from light cavalry) in a second and melee lasts ages no matter how better one unit is in respect to the other, because of the "finishing move" and battle animations.

In any case whichever you choose to try first, have fun, you are about to find more than you ever bargained for imo.