Is RTW really that bad

[Doug-Thompson]

RTW is quite bad.

The AI sucks, tons of bugs but the big plus is the graphics.
MTW is better made, although bad graphics.

I see why people would think that, edyzmedieval, but I think it's wrong to look at RTW as a prettier, dumbed-down MTW.

I've been a major whiner about graphics wagging the gameplay dog on many forums, including this one. What I like about the strategy map is not the looks, but the mechanics.

For example, just today I sent a Roman general with an all-mercenary cavalry force deep into the steppes. They surrounded an enemy capital city, which was lightly held, and besieged it. The enemy faction leader and his heir are inside, as my agent informed me before the raid.

After the siege began, the Roman general hired some mercenary infantry to build the rams and such. My plan is to take the town next turn, killing the two leading members of the royal family, then exterminate the capitol city population and demolish all the buildings I can, then leave.

You couldn't do those sorts of things in MTW.

Which means that you can beat up on the poor old AI on the strategy map even more than on the battle map. RTW greatest new feature is also the one that most highlights the deficiencies of the AI.

To repeat for emphasis, the MUCH better strategy map with the MUCH wider array of options makes it that much easier to beat up on the poor old AI. RTW's greatest new feature made the game too easy.

I've yet to see the the AI ever launch an amphibious invasion. Come to think of it, does the AI ever hire mercenaries?

The much richer array of strategy options all go to the human player's benefit.

I'd like to see on-line play of the strategy game. Relatively short, limited campaigns. Now that would be tough. And I'm not even an on-line player.