Ever wondered what makes the Total War series so captivating? This iconic video game franchise has been a favorite among strategy enthusiasts for years. Combining turn-based strategy with real-time tactics, it offers a unique gaming experience. Players can command massive armies, manage empires, and rewrite history. From ancient Rome to feudal Japan, each installment immerses you in a different era. The attention to detail, historical accuracy, and complex gameplay mechanics set it apart from other strategy games. Whether you're a seasoned general or a newcomer, there's always something new to learn. Ready to dive into the world of Total War? Let's explore 36 fascinating facts about this legendary series!
The Origins of Total War
The Total War series has captivated strategy game enthusiasts for decades. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic video game series.
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The first game in the series, Shogun: Total War, was released in 2000. It focused on feudal Japan and set the stage for future titles.
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Creative Assembly, a British video game developer, created the Total War series. They have been the driving force behind its success.
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The series combines turn-based strategy with real-time tactics, offering a unique gameplay experience.
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Total War: Rome was the first game in the series to use a fully 3D engine, revolutionizing the way battles were depicted.
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The series has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling strategy game franchises.
Game Mechanics and Innovations
Total War games are known for their intricate mechanics and innovative features. Here are some key aspects that make the series stand out.
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Each game features a campaign map where players manage their empire, including diplomacy, economy, and military.
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Battles are fought in real-time, allowing players to control thousands of units simultaneously.
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The AI in Total War games is designed to be challenging, often requiring players to think several steps ahead.
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Total War: Medieval II introduced the concept of religion, adding another layer of strategy to the game.
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Total War: Empire was the first game in the series to feature naval battles, expanding the scope of warfare.
Historical Accuracy and Research
One of the hallmarks of the Total War series is its dedication to historical accuracy. Let's explore how the developers achieve this.
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Creative Assembly employs historians to ensure the accuracy of the game's settings, characters, and events.
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The series often includes historical figures, such as Julius Caesar and Napoleon Bonaparte, as playable characters.
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Total War: Three Kingdoms is based on the historical novel "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," blending history with mythology.
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The games feature historically accurate units, weapons, and tactics, providing an educational experience for players.
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Total War: Attila focuses on the decline of the Roman Empire, offering a detailed look at this tumultuous period.
Expansions and Spin-offs
The Total War series has expanded beyond its main titles, offering a variety of spin-offs and expansions. Here are some notable examples.
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Total War: Warhammer marked the series' first foray into fantasy, combining the classic gameplay with the Warhammer universe.
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Total War: Warhammer II introduced new races and a more complex campaign map, building on the success of its predecessor.
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Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia focuses on a specific historical period, offering a more focused gameplay experience.
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Total War: Shogun 2 received several expansions, including "Rise of the Samurai" and "Fall of the Samurai," each adding new content and mechanics.
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Total War: Rome II has numerous expansions, such as "Caesar in Gaul" and "Empire Divided," each exploring different aspects of Roman history.
Community and Modding
The Total War community is passionate and dedicated, contributing to the series' longevity. Let's look at how the community has shaped the games.
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The series has a robust modding community, with thousands of mods available for various titles.
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Some popular mods include "DarthMod" for Total War: Shogun 2 and "Divide et Impera" for Total War: Rome II, each enhancing gameplay and adding new content.
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Creative Assembly supports modding by providing tools and resources for the community.
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The series has an active online multiplayer community, with players competing in both casual and competitive matches.
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Total War: Arena was a free-to-play spin-off focused on multiplayer battles, though it was eventually discontinued.
Awards and Recognition
The Total War series has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. Here are some highlights.
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Total War: Shogun 2 won the BAFTA award for Best Strategy Game in 2011.
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Total War: Rome II received the Golden Joystick Award for Best Strategy Game in 2013.
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The series has been praised for its innovation, depth, and historical accuracy by critics and players alike.
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Total War: Warhammer II was nominated for several awards, including Best Strategy Game at The Game Awards 2017.
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Total War: Three Kingdoms received critical acclaim for its storytelling and gameplay, earning high scores from various gaming publications.
Future of Total War
The Total War series shows no signs of slowing down. Let's explore what's on the horizon for this beloved franchise.
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Creative Assembly continues to develop new titles, with Total War: Warhammer III being one of the most anticipated releases.
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The developers have hinted at future historical titles, keeping fans excited for what's to come.
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The series is expanding into new platforms, with several games available on macOS and Linux.
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Creative Assembly has expressed interest in exploring different historical periods and settings, offering endless possibilities for future games.
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The series' success has led to collaborations with other franchises, such as the "Total War: Elysium" card game.
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With a dedicated fanbase and a commitment to innovation, the Total War series is poised to remain a staple in the strategy gaming world for years to come.
The Final Word on Total War
Total War isn't just a game; it's a strategy masterpiece. With its blend of real-time battles and turn-based strategy, it offers a unique experience for gamers. From the historical accuracy to the intricate gameplay mechanics, every detail is crafted to perfection. The series has evolved over the years, introducing new features and improving graphics, making each installment better than the last. Whether you're a history buff or a strategy enthusiast, Total War has something for everyone. The community around the game is also incredibly active, providing mods, guides, and endless discussions. So, if you haven't tried it yet, now's the time to dive in. You'll find yourself immersed in epic battles, strategic planning, and a rich historical world. Total War is more than a game; it's an adventure through time and strategy.
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