What do we want from the next Total War game?

[Peasant Phill]

I like the idea of it all happening in some historical context. When you're playing it, there's a sense that you are genuinely learning something. Also, a sense that you could recreate or alter history. Plus, I think there's a lot of history which could accommodate pretty much any type of scenario.

I always found that a great advantage for the TW series. It made me interested in the history behind the setting. It also gave enough information to be able to specify your search. The game being grounded in reality made it more attractive.

One historical situation that might fit your idea could be the development of the Mississippian cultures in the US. It would take place on fairly familiar terrain for a lot of players(and probably include a few familiar place names). Also, given the absence of written records, units could be created with less regard for historical accuracy since no one knows what units they had. And if started early enough, some of it could include the founding of some of the first "cities" in the region.

To local I'm afraid. I'm totally won over for a Chinese setting.