Password: Swordplay

 As you all know, I’m a medieval history buff. So, when the makers of Shogun: Total War announced a sequel set in the Middle Ages, well…. OK so I didn’t really notice.

I think that was during my Star Wars: Galaxies/Neverwinter Nights addiction.

Actually, I did play a demo of the battle part of the game and I wasn’t thoroughly impressed. Maybe it’s because it just reminded me of all the times I had my ass handed to me by Chris during our online Shogun sessions.

Then, a few weeks ago, I discovered this gem sitting on a shelf at Best Buy and I just had to have it. You seen, quitting Star Wars: Galaxies freed up about 20 hours a week for me with nothing to do.

What’s amazing is the strategy game, which takes you from the early Norman conquest of England through the Reconquista of Spain just prior to the launch of explorers to the New World .

The detail at which you experience the game is really up to you. You can simply let the computer build units for you while you plan your next conquest, or you can steer the development of various territories and follow the complex political intrigue of the Feudal System.

Each unit of soldiers (be they archers, lowly peasants or even a catapult crew) has its own general, with a unique personality and attributes. As the generals gain experience (valor) they can start to develop personality flaws or virtues that make them better soldiers, better bookkeepers, or infinitely corruptible.

Then, there’s the royal family to worry about. If you don’t have an heir to rule the kingdom, your empire might be in for an untimely ending once your king passes away. I like this aspect for the simple fact that it takes away the “immortal ruler” idea built into most civilization building games.

Remember that combat system I whined about? Well, it turns out they’ve improved the system greatly since Shogun, and now that I understand all its intricacies I’ve become quite the modern major general. Well, when it comes to fighting computer AI, that is. Against human components, I still have a lesson or two to learn.

Religion plays a big role in the game, as well. If playing as the English or French, you can launch a Crusade to take over the Holy Land or use Inquisitors to root out Heretics in your ranks. On the other hand, as one of the Islamic civilizations, you can counter with a Jihad to drive back the invading Christian forces while attempting to convert the Spanish or Greeks to your cause.

Of course, the more I like a game, the more flaws I seem to find under the surface. They might not bother me so much if I didn’t actually enjoy the game overall.

First, the diplomatic system between various factions has little to no impact on the game. Whether you are neutral or allied with another faction has no effect on the game, except that an allied faction might let your Crusaders pass through unhampered. Also, should you find out that one of your allies has been sending assassins against your best generals and princes, you have no recourse other than to send out your own hired killers, or else invade. Unlike the Civilization games, you can’t call in allies to help you fight a war. Likewise, killing off an important leader – or even a holy man or unarmed princess! – has no effect on your standing with that faction or even other world leaders.

For the most part, the battle system is a wonderful pleasure. It takes some skill, but the first time you bring your cavalry from behind to wipe out enemy archers – á là Braveheart – is a moment of pure gaming joy.

On the other hand, I still have yet to get the camera controls under my power, and the “behind the shoulder” view, while realistic, is sometimes frustrating when trying to get different squadrons to line up correctly.

Another big mistake, in my opinion, is the lack of multiplayer campaign (strategic) mode. Although the online battles can be fun, they are often all too short for the amount of setup required, and often times online opponents display no intelligence other than to just amass troops and send them directly at you.

The rumor is that the upcoming sequel, Rome : Total War, will remedy this situation.

Overall, if you’re looking for something that offers a dual strategic challenge with all the complexities of medieval warfare, then this game is for you.