Medieval II: Total War

"Most Indepth Medieval Strategy Game"

Graphics: 9/10
This isn't the most important category, but a game is nicer to play with better graphics. With that in mind, this game has pretty awesome graphics. Although there have been some complaints that you need a top notch system to play the game I did not have any problems running it. The world map (which you will look at a lot) is pretty detailed for what it is and is of course accurate to world geography. Settlements accurately reflect the upgrades you purchase (changing fortress to citadel, etc) and the landscape changes with seasons (greenery to snow). The battles are also very well done and give you a great sense of scale. You can zoom in pretty close and you can easily see the differences between units.

Sound: 7/10
Well to be honest it isn't so good as to be noticeable, but it isn't so bad that you notice it either. It's there and it does the job. There is music that plays while you look at the world map and although it repeats its not so bad you'll get annoyed. When you click on units in the world map they will say some phrase and although in some cases they repeat the phrases too often (diplomat especially) it's a nice touch. For example, it's pretty cool hearing a unit say "These lands belong to ENGLAND now" after you've conquered a settlement.

Gameplay: 9/10
The most important category and Medieval 2 does not disappoint. When you first start a campaign you can only play a few of the factions, but as you play the game and conquer the other countries you can play them as well. Each faction has slightly different strengths and weaknesses and its always nice to have choice. Although, there isn't a great deal of variety in the types of units or buildings you can have with the different factions, the geographic location you start at does play a major role in determining how you'll play the game. The size and scale may intimidate you at first as there is a lot to learn, but eventually you'll get sucked so deeply in that you'll find yourself playing for hours on end, while you say "just 1 more turn". The game isn't a cakewalk and so there is a real sense of accomplishment as you wheel and deal to become the strongest country. There is certainly value in this game as playing a campaign could take hours and there is replayability with the many factions. I would have liked to mention all the different features and nifty things you can do in this game, but there simply isn't enough time and if I haven't already convinced you that this is a game worth playing then it's already too late.

Final: 9/10
It's a game packed with features, has replayability, has real history, and is genuinely fun.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/17/06