So before you have to say, yes, the AI in Rome 2 Total War (as throughout the remaining number) is not really the most cunning and how to win seriously larger naval combat in the game is also a mystery to me.
Maybe I'm just too stupid as Admiral ..
Now for the game (Patch 1.7):
positive:
- The graphics of the game is for strategy title definitely new standards
- The diversity of peoples and units is overwhelming for the Total War series (ie not Einheitenbrei like in Shogun 2 or Empire)
- The provincial government is now finally a challenge for strategists, because you now have to assess exactly what this province is the most appropriate form (troops, granary or business center
- The sound and the setting is really top notch and the music fit really well in the appropriate time (using the Sony MDRDS6500)
- Diplomacy works with the patch 1.7 relatively logical (cultural aversion, economic interests, etc.)
- The recruitment system is now histroisch extent correctly and also makes my opinion, much more sense than they did in Medieval 2 or Empire
- The AI is on the strategy map often quite clever (Example: barbarians invaded unguarded settlements and disappear back into their forests)
- Playable factions play out very differently in every respect (apart from the Roman or Carthaginian families)
negative:
- The AI is really still pretty stupid (apparently also difficult to implement in progamming) in sieges
- The hardware requirements are of course immense, but with the new patch to accomplish with a mid-range PC to moderate graphics settings
- The Roman Senate somehow does not matter what is annoying
- The family tree has disappeared, which is a pity, but it is probably eh useless since people constantly are being murdered in the game or die of old age
Conclusion:
The game is a colossus of strategy game. There are certain titles that go deeper into the matter, but then also do not send real-time battles. :)
What is Sega and CA have been thinking the game to bring out so early in its periphery, well know only the gods. It seems to me to be impossible as a person with experience in IT,
such projects to be able to provide a tight schedule without error and completed in full functionality. Better it would have been to wait until the holiday shopping season, but oh well ...
The game is playable in its current condition and makes a lot of fun. Crashes occur to me rather rare (at 100h playing time seen) and the performance degradation also occurred barely on. CA has yet to put a lot of potential in the game in order to agree the gebeulteten and good-natured release buyer happy again. The game is on a good path and soon followed by the new free fraction Bactria.
Rome II is a great game, with small to medium sized annoyances. That is why there are only 4 out of 5 stars from me. A purchase is a worthwhile effort.