The Definitive Answer: What is the Best Total War Game Ever Made?

There’s no single, universally correct answer to “What is the best Total War game?” It’s a question that ignites fierce debates among strategy enthusiasts, fueled by nostalgia, preferred historical settings, and differing gameplay priorities. However, after years of commanding legions, forging empires, and meticulously analyzing each iteration, my verdict leans towards Total War: Warhammer II. It masterfully blends the historical grand strategy that defines the series with the vibrant, fantastical world of Warhammer, creating an unparalleled experience in depth, replayability, and sheer spectacle.

Why Warhammer II Reigns Supreme

The core strength of Warhammer II lies in its exceptional execution of a cross-genre concept. It isn’t just a Total War game; it’s a Warhammer game brought to life with an unprecedented level of detail and fidelity. Here’s why it stands out:

• Unmatched Faction Variety: The game features a diverse roster of playable factions, each with unique mechanics, units, legendary lords, and campaign objectives. From the lizardmen of Lustria to the high elves of Ulthuan, every faction offers a distinct and engaging gameplay experience. This variety significantly boosts replayability, encouraging players to explore different strategies and playstyles.

• The Mortal Empires Campaign: This grand campaign combines the maps and factions of both Total War: Warhammer I and II into a massive, sprawling world conquest. The sheer scale and ambition of Mortal Empires are breathtaking, offering hundreds of hours of content and strategic challenges. It’s the ultimate Total War sandbox.

• Spectacular Battles: The battles in Warhammer II are simply stunning. Giant monsters clash with disciplined ranks of soldiers, magic crackles across the battlefield, and the skies are filled with dragons and griffons. The visual spectacle is matched by tactical depth, requiring players to utilize unit abilities, terrain, and flanking maneuvers to achieve victory.

• Constant Support and Content: Creative Assembly consistently supported Warhammer II with new lords, units, factions, and mechanics, making it an ever-evolving and expanding experience. The DLC packs added significant value and kept the game fresh for years after its initial release.

• Seamless Integration: The blend of historical strategy with fantastical elements feels remarkably natural. The campaign map retains the strategic depth and decision-making of a traditional Total War game, while the battles are elevated by the unique abilities and characteristics of Warhammer units.

While Warhammer II benefits from its position as a later entry in the series, learning from past successes and failures, its innovative approach and exceptional execution make it the pinnacle of the Total War franchise. It’s a game that appeals to both long-time fans and newcomers alike. It’s an approachable Total War game for any age. It will be a great addition to your gaming library, and will also give you hours of entertainment. Check out the Games Learning Society for more insights into the educational aspects of gaming.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Total War Universe

Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the world of Total War:

1. What is the best Total War game to start with for beginners?

Total War: Shogun 2 is often recommended as an excellent starting point. Its relatively streamlined mechanics, clear unit roles, and focused campaign map make it easier to learn the ropes compared to more complex titles. Rome 2 is also a decent option, although it has a steeper learning curve.

2. Which Total War game has the most active multiplayer community?

While the multiplayer scene shifts over time, Total War: Warhammer II and Total War: Rome 2 tend to have the most active multiplayer communities, owing to their popularity and replayability.

3. Is Total War: Three Kingdoms worth playing?

Absolutely. Total War: Three Kingdoms is lauded for its innovative character-driven campaign mechanics and engaging narrative. However, it’s worth noting that Creative Assembly discontinued support for the game, which disappointed some fans.

4. What is the next Total War game coming out?

Total War: Pharaoh was released on October 11th, 2023. It takes place during the Bronze Age Collapse and features Egyptians, Hittites, and Canaanites.

5. Which Total War game is the easiest to play?

As mentioned earlier, Total War: Shogun 2 and Total War: Warhammer II are generally considered among the most user-friendly titles in the series, making them good choices for newcomers.

6. Should I play the Total War games in chronological order?

While playing the games in chronological order can be enjoyable, it’s not necessary. Each game is a standalone experience, and jumping into a title that interests you the most is perfectly fine.

7. Is Total War a AAA game franchise?

Yes, Total War is a multi-award-winning AAA game franchise developed by Creative Assembly.

8. What makes Total War different from other strategy games?

Total War distinguishes itself with its blend of turn-based strategic campaign management and real-time tactical battles. This combination allows players to build empires, manage resources, and command armies on the battlefield.

9. Is Total War historically accurate?

While Total War games are inspired by historical events and settings, they are not strictly accurate simulations. The developers often take liberties with history to create a more engaging and balanced gameplay experience.

10. How long does a typical Total War campaign last?

A Total War campaign can last anywhere from 30 to 100+ hours, depending on the game, difficulty level, and player’s playstyle.

11. Is Total War: Rome Remastered worth buying?

Total War: Rome Remastered offers updated graphics, improved controls, and quality-of-life enhancements, making it a worthwhile purchase for fans of the original or those looking to experience classic Total War gameplay with a modern touch.

12. Which Total War game has the best mods?

Medieval II: Total War and Rome: Total War have some of the best mods due to the games being older and community members having more time to mod it. Many of the games also have active modders that keep the mods up to date.

13. What other games are similar to Total War?

Games like Crusader Kings, Civilization, and Old World share similarities with Total War in terms of grand strategy and empire management.

14. Does Creative Assembly still support older Total War games?

Creative Assembly primarily focuses on supporting its newer releases. While older games may receive occasional patches or updates, they generally do not receive the same level of ongoing support as the newer titles.

15. Will there be more Total War games in the future?

Yes, Creative Assembly has confirmed that it will continue to develop new Total War games. Future titles are likely to explore new historical periods, factions, and gameplay mechanics. You can find more information about how to improve gaming experiences and promote learning through games at GamesLearningSociety.org.