
Historically, the game is a pretty good depiction of late 9th century Britain, with the various factions occupying the right places and feeling as they should as you play them. There are various vital mechanics regarding your generals that would be way too micro-managey in a larger scale game. It took a bit of getting used to after the truly epic scale of the Warhammer ones and Empire (I'm a sucker for 18th Century history and have played that one to absolute death), but once you get the hang of it there's a surprising amount of depth that comes with the scale. It took a bit of getting used to after the truly epic I've played most of the Total War games and this one is a worthy addition to the series. I've played most of the Total War games and this one is a worthy addition to the series. Yet I fully expect to get as many hours out of this. Besides, it's £30, compared to the £150 I've spent on the Warhammer Total War titles. All in all a really refreshing experience. Same as any Total War game - Some clipping issues occasionally and collision isn't always particularly satisfying. AI has good moments but it also has bad moments. I don't really mind, but it is missing - No building trees. Narrative events are a welcome addition Negatives/Less good things - No ambush battles - No forced march. A general's bodyguard unit size will increase with his command skill which is a really nice touch. I like the added emphasis on generals/governors and 'followers' (basically a skill tree). No agents! I always found these a chore in previous titles so glad to see them gone. The lack of garrisons in minor settlements requires you think a bit more strategically about where you build up and where you station your armies. New province system is an interesting design choice. These are now automatic if you're at peace and have a connection between your capitals. The main menu background is beautiful - The siege battle maps are some of the best I've seen in any Total War game - No stupid AI refusing trade agreements. The soundtrack is really immersive - The period appropriate art style works really well. Elite and retinue units actually feel valuable now. No elites on demand, you actually have to think through what units you're going to recruit and when, as they take several turns to fully muster. The new recruitment mechanics make armies a lot more interesting. To start with, positives in no particular order: - The campaign map is absolutely gorgeous. A solid entry into the series and one that introduces some very welcome features, particularly considering it's a saga title and not a A solid entry into the series and one that introduces some very welcome features, particularly considering it's a saga title and not a mainline entry.
