Hence, why dost thou love this so?

[PershsNhpios]

Thank you very much Rufus, this is exactly what I required.

The pitfalls you have mentioned are easily avoided, and do not intimidate me at all.
The greater tactical ability in this game I can't understand - why would they have neglected this in a sequel?
But I shall find this game nonetheless, and I will read those threads mentioned immediately!

But it was the XL mod that attracted me most, for the idea of so many factions all attempting to create an empire seems like an anarchy well worth participating in!

I will report back here later perhaps, with my final decision.

Meanwhile, this thread is open to those who wish to post what is most enjoyable about Medieval: Total War that cannot be found in the streets and stadiums of Rome.

[macsen rufus]

why would they have neglected this in a sequel?

I think it's to do with mass markets, lowest common denominator, attracting more 10-year olds etc etc

In MTW battles, swapping the position of a couple of units in your line can make the difference between winning or losing due to the interplay of morale, terrain etc etc. Anyway, you'll find all that out yourself

[Mouzafphaerre]

.
The immersion value of MTW is much higher than the sequel (RTW, that is, I don't regard M2 as a sequel to it ).
.

[Dodge_272]

Probably the most atmospheric game I've ever played. Something which was sadly lost with the 3D campaign map, IMO.

[Prussian1]

I remember playing S:TW and thinking to myself "this is a cool concept. I'd love to see it set in the European Middle Ages."

Lo and behold - my plea was answered. I went out and brought a brand new desktop just to run it and was not disappointed.

I find the tactical immersion and flexibility facinating. I have replayed battles in which my butt was handed to me and, by making very minor modifications to formation or use of terrain, was able to carry the day.

From the Grand Strategic Perspective, the replayability is tremendous.

I will admit that no simulation is perfect and sacrifices have to be made to playability, but M:TW has always had a place of honour on my hard drive.

[gregori99]

I find the tactical immersion and flexibility facinating. I have replayed battles in which my butt was handed to me and, by making very minor modifications to formation or use of terrain, was able to carry the day.

I think this is it in a nutshell. All the other points are valid and I agree with them, but there's just nothing to compare with fighting a huge battle against the odds where sheer guts or a brave charge by exhausted troops or a clever tactical manoeuvre at a precise moment can turn defeat into victory. The battle system in Rome just doesn't compare.