Hello from the past!!

[Barkhorn1x]

Hey guys!

Im not sure you remember me, but I joined up as STW came out. Now Ive been informed that a sequel is on it's way - cant wait!

Oh, almost forgot, when is it scheduled for release and will there be MP campaign?

Hello and welcome back. Release is slated for March '11 and I cannot remember what the latest word is on MP stuff.

[amagi]

Hello, it's been a while.

There were occasionally issues with Total War games that seemed to stem from the original- did barbarian spies and assassins really destabilise the Western Roman Empire?- so it'll be an entertainment just to see how it all translates back.

Some slightly random considerations for the campaign, from experience with RTW:

-The ability to instantly rebuild shattered armies was always a huge advantage over the computer, I'm not sure why this was ever made an option, perhaps a limit of build one unit or rebuild one unit would be an improvement?

-It was always a disappointment when troops gained most of their experience from training and rarely gained any from battles. I'd prefer experience from improved buildings to be limited, while troops could get experience just for being in a big battle rather than only for kills. This might help the computer? I prefer swordsmiths and armourers to be split again, also.

-There was some criticism of the legion numbering system, but it would have worked well if the system had specified Cohort I Legio Hispania etc. I just like units to have individuality, I'd like a unit identification system for all units, just a sequential number and province of origin.

-It's a pity there's still no simultaneous movement on the campaign map, an intercept order for armies with unused movement points might be an improvement? Will the Ai be able to understand to move two or more stacks up to battle not just one? Also, if an army is living off the land in enemy territory, should there be a reduction in supply cost?

-General view was an improvement and a great leveller, but it was unrealistically high- though good in woods, where the height was no advantage. It was too tricky for city fights though, some better method of ordering units on the walls was needed.

-The original game had great weather, probably because it had a more realistic four-season year. The system of having several options for weather always seemed off to me, not having an option might make for a better game?

-Lastly, from what I understand one faction didn't conquer all of Japan, it was more a case of one faction and its dependable allied factions. How about a system with a limit to the number of provinces that can be under direct player control? Other conquered provinces could be under allied clan control, you could organise their construction and unit production and even move their armies, but they would always fight as separate armies under AI control- another equaliser for the computer? Also the 'allied clans' could suddenly split off into full computer control as hostile clans under the right circumstances. There seemed to be a lot of switching of factions among the clans in the historical campaigns, while the Rome movement system produces few battles where allies are involved.

The old game was a classic.. but there was the odd battle where you would find an enemy army facing the wrong way, and some of the campaign starts were very easy, there was always room for a sequel. Good to be back, this should be fun!