DESCRIPTION

This bundle from Creative Assembly includes Rome: Total War and Rome: Total War — Barbarian Invasion. After winning critical success with its Shogun: Total War and mainstream popularity with its Medieval: Total War, the developer visits the age of Caesar with the third entry in its crossover strategy series. Choosing to lead Rome, Carthage, Gaul, Macedon, Germania, or Britannia, gamers set out to conquer the world as it was in the early centuries of the Common Era. Rome: Total War offers a strategy map in full 3D, which includes rivers, trade routes, mountains, and other features. When it's time to go to war, the new game engine allows for bigger, more detailed battles, featuring as many as 10,000 3D units in a single conflict. Other additions include the chance to command Scythian chariots, Roman war dogs, and Hannibal's elephants.

With Rome: Total War — Barbarian Invasion, players will find the "old Rome" is slowly collapsing, and masses of barbarian hordes stand ready to take what they can. Players can choose to lead what remains of the Roman Empire proper, one of its rising former factions, or the invasive Barbarians themselves. Couch conquerors will find ten additional factions that have their own strengths, weaknesses, and signature units. For example, the Franks have axe-throwing Francisca Heerbann, while the Sassanids have an ultra-heavy Clibinarii cavalry. Religion takes a more important role in the expansion as well. Players can decide to remain Christian or revert back to pagan beliefs. Special abilities such as the Shield Wall and Schiltron, have been added for some units. Light troops can swim across rivers and flank defenders.

A modified technology tree represents the advances made during the time between Rome: Total War and Barbarian Invasion. Buildings reflecting religion are now available, and barbarians may now build and expand settlements. Generals can be recruited or adopted into the family, and they come with vices, virtues, and a posse. The Senate, a major factor in the previous game, no longer exists — players will receive no missions from them, or have to follow their advice in any way. An updated campaign map reflects the changes in the region between the end of Rome: Total War and the beginning of Barbarian Invasion. Players can go head-to-head against friends via LAN or through the Internet. ~ All Game Guide