Medieval II: Total War (PC Games, 2006)

If you'd like a game that simulates large, and in some cases epic-sized battles in true 3D then this PC game is for you. Large historical battles are simulated, from early-Medieval battles such as the Normans and the Saxons fighting for the future of the English throne in 1066, to the late Medieval periods when gunpowder began to make its place in the world.

Gone is the Roman Empire of Medieval II's predecessor Rome: Total War. Here we have the "Holy Roman Empire" in the center of Europe, which is a double misnomer as it is neither Roman nor holy. Fiercely equipped Gothic knights of the new Reich replace the Germanic barbarians of old.

New to this title is the ability to design each settlement in one of two paths, either towards becoming a town, or a castle. Large towns and cities are devoted towards economic growth, and the best part is, they field their own militias for free so long as those militia stay within the city walls.

Armies recruited and trained in castles and fortresses become more and more professional as the game progresses. In the beginning, spearmen trained in a castle are little more than town militia with additional training in fighting against cavalry. What professional armies you keep, you pay for. Mercenary forces are even more expensive.

Having played all titles in the series, one nice change in this title involves how mercenary recruitment is handled. If a territory has a certain kind of mercenary unit available, a mercenary you may already have in your castle can be reinforced from the available mercenary for hire outside the walls. This is done behind the scenes, but it helps to be able to reinforce veteran mercenaries from within town, thereby keeping their veteran status. Experience of a unit remains inherent to that unit, and reinforcements do not lower the veteran status. The only way for a unit to lose its veteran status is if it is destroyed or disbanded. Like its predecessor, you can in many cases manually reform your armies after a battle and by shuffling piles back and forth, increase the valour (experience) of your troops even more.

The graphics are amazing and don't slow down a new computer even on highest settings. If you're a fan of Rome: Total War you will adore the graphics in this game. If you have never played the series but always thought it would be interesting to play a game which simulates battles like the final battle in the Lord of the Rings movies, this game will teach you quite a bit about Medieval strategy in war and tactics in battle.

Of course you're not always at war. The religious system is completely revamped in Medieval II. Gone are the pagan Gods of Rome. The European world is largely a Catholic one, with faltering religious beliefs brutally punished by the Inquisition. Priests can be promoted to Cardinals, and you might have your own Cardinal be voted to the Papacy. An English Pope might be just the ticket to repair England's poor relations with Rome. Or at the very least, he could be bribed with English money. Many Christian nations can mobilize together for a Crusade, or likewise, Muslim nations for a Jihad.

Large castles are now much more difficult to breach. In some cases, attackers who have breached the city walls can no longer count on an overpowering march to the city's governmental center. Defenders can move back to defensive positions in the city interior which can afford attackers a heavy toll for their invasion.