Medieval: Total War (PC CD)

• Platform:   Windows 98 / 95 / XP / Me / 2000
• PEGI Rating: Ages 12 and Over
• Media: Video Game

The key change is the switching of location. The original, Shogun Total War, allowed the player to take on mammoth battles across early Japan. Here, the warfare moves to Europe and North Africa and again there are two components to the action. Firstly, a map screen demands overall strategic decisions from you, and it's here that you'll build up your resources, plan your attacks and establish your defences. Should conflict ensue as a result of your choices (and inevitably it will), then in kicks the second part of the game--the battles themselves.

It's here that the game really hits top gear. Once you've enjoyed a mammoth, real-time strategy battle with thousands of units on screen at once, you'll be hooked. But the devil here is in the detail. There are hundreds of tactical permutations to consider, from troop positions and line-up through to approach and grouping in attack. In the midst of the battle, choices need to be made that can swiftly change the outcome.

Make no mistake, this is easily one of the deepest and most engrossing strategy games for PC, and while it's very easy to get to grips with--thanks to ample tutorials and logical controls--there's a very challenging, long-lasting series of battles ahead. Of course, the real fun is taking advantage of the online options and fighting it out with gamers worldwide. Suffice to say though that the single-player experience is worth the money alone.

Described several times on the packaging as "epic", Medieval Total War is just that. It's to the credit of the developers that it manages to keep its scope and ambition and marry them so well to such an outstanding game. For that, they deserve your reward--they might make a third one, then. --Simon Brew

Manufacturer's Description
Some people say war doesn't change anything. Perhaps they are using the wrong strategy. From the First Crusade in 1095 to the fall of Constantinople in 1453, engage in real-time strategic combat. Battles rage across deserts, mountains, plains and forests, from the lush grasslands of Western Europe to the arid deserts of Northern Africa.

Command more than 10,000 troops across over 400 battlefields. Set your massive army to siege assaults against mighty castles. Pound them to dust with catapults and cannons. Lead history's mightiest kingdoms to glory as a famous historical hero, including Joan of Arc, Richard the Lionheart, and William Wallace.

Engage 12 playable factions and over 100 unique unit types, each with its own strengths, weaknesses and troop types, including knights, men-at-arms, and archers. Empires include English, German, Byzantine, French and Turkish. Battle online in epic multiplayer campaigns, re-live classic battles, fight in the Crusades, the Hundred Years War, the Mongolian Invasion and more.

Experience the Middle Ages in all their blood-soaked magnificence.

• PC & Video Games > Games > Strategy > Historical