Bunch of new E3 shots

[cannon_fodder]

They're just markers, like in every other TW game thus far. They aren't supposed to 'actually' be there, but are intended to help distinguish units and make selecting individual units in a chaotic melee much easier.
'Sides, within a week there'll be a mod out to turn them off, if they haven't included that option already.

As I said, I know it's been done in every Total War game so far, just not this badly (maybe in Medieval, only played that very briefly). I'm also aware that they're not actually meant to be there, but they are of course closely integrated with the environment- they're supposed to look like flags on poles, and are in correct-ish perspective. Which is damn ugly. IMO everything should either be fully part of the world or an abstract GUI element.

I thought the second part of my post made it clear that I believe the flags serve an important function. That same screenshot highlights the fact that units from opposing factions can look very similar at a distance, and there's the selection difficulty you mentioned. I don't want to just turn them off, I want an alternative option for their display.

[Sheogorath]

As I said, I know it's been done in every Total War game so far, just not this badly (maybe in Medieval, only played that very briefly). I'm also aware that they're not actually meant to be there, but they are of course closely integrated with the environment- they're supposed to look like flags on poles, and are in correct-ish perspective. Which is damn ugly. IMO everything should either be fully part of the world or an abstract GUI element.

I thought the second part of my post made it clear that I believe the flags serve an important function. That same screenshot highlights the fact that units from opposing factions can look very similar at a distance, and there's the selection difficulty you mentioned. I don't want to just turn them off, I want an alternative option for their display.

I think they're quite a bit nicer than some horrid flag-block-thing, myself. Smooth integration with the environment promotes immersion, while still giving you a good idea of where your guys are.

Like I said, there'll be a mod out for it within a week of its release. Such are the wonders of PC gaming