I like it.
Why?
It's more of the same, generally.
The total war series is singularly unique because of its glorious emphasis on the tactical battles. The ability to zoom into those battles and engage in them directly and in an intuitive, intelligent manner is the hallmark of this series. In the BI those batles have come to life and are smooth flowing, almost as smooth as MTW.
My congrats to the developers!
I completed the Roman (western) campaign on M/H and found it to be an absolute delight; well ballanced, continually provocative, and requiring of reasonably judicious use of resources and management strategy. This is what games are supposed to do. It's what tabletop does and ADnD used to do for me.
The ability to fight against Christian cultural/religious elements and remain pagan could have been a bit more dynamic in terms of ways to do it, yes a happy contented apostate . Still, to be able to be Roman in the 5th century of the Common Era (C.E.) and WIN is what these games are all about, imo. Changing history simply for the sheer fun of it.
What would have happened if Rome had not adopted Christianity?
It would have created an EU 1500 years ago; and we would have skipped Christian inspired hatred, warfare and religous intolerance that lasted 1000 years and plunged Europe into a darkness called the Medieval period.
Well done CA!
PS-I dont care what the next TW title is or the period (I'd love really ancient history or the 30 years war or Napoleonic, -AHHHHHHHH-can't decide!) y0u have earned yourself a lifelong supporter in KRALLODHRIB.