Total War Video Game Series
The highly popular series of strategy games by British studio Creative Assembly. The series Total War successfully combines elements of turn-based strategy, based on resource management, as well as tactical battles fought in real time. Since 2005, the series has been under the publishing supervision of Sega. In 2010 it was decided to make a change in the naming of the series, making its main element a member of the Total War, previously being only a subtitle.
A brief history of the Total War series
The first part of the series - Shogun: Total War - was released in 2000 on PC and was quickly recognized as one of the most interesting productions in its genre.. This allowed the developers from Creative Assembly to develop the series, which over time lived to see both a number of main installments intended for personal computers and various additions to them, as well as spin-offs created not only with the PC in mind (including the sub-series Total War Saga), but also for mobile devices (led by the sub-series Total War Battles).
The historical periods lying in the main area of interest for the Creative Assembly studio are the European Middle Ages (sub-series Total War: Medieval) and antiquity (sub-series Total War: Rome, Total War: Pharaoh), but the brand also did not shy away from feudal Japan, among other things (the aforementioned Shogun: Total War and its sequel) or the Age of Enlightenment (Empire: Total War, Napoleon: Total War). In addition, authors of the series Total War often return to previously presented realities to present them from a new perspective and in a more spectacular form. The developers do this, both developing sequels to their productions and creating remastered versions.
A landmark moment for the series was the game released in 2016 Total War: Warhammer, as for the first time in the brand's history it was decided to set the action in a fantasy world. The choice fell on the universe created by the British company Games Workshop Warhammerwhich turned out to be a bull's eye, as the item received a warm reception and launched a whole trilogy, the individual installments of which received numerous additions.
Gameplay in Total War games
The plot usually does not play a key role in productions under the banner of Total War. The player takes control of one side of a historical or fantastic conflict (e.g. a clan of samurai, a Roman family of aristocrats or orcs) and has a lot of freedom in shaping the events.
A hallmark of the series Total War is the basing of the gameplay on two pillars. Strategic struggles take place in turn-based mode on a vast map, while tactical battles, during which we command powerful armies consisting of diverse units, take place in real time with the option of active pause.
Among the strengths of the series is the careful reproduction of realities and units. This applies not only to the appearance of the latter or the battle tactics used by them, but also a number of factors related to politics, economy and social and moral issues, among others. In addition, developers regularly try to introduce changes and improvements, mainly in terms of improving the artificial intelligence of opponents or visuals, but also the mechanics of the.
For example, in Empire: Total War naval battles were introduced, the course of which is additionally influenced by atmospheric phenomena, and in Napoleon: Total War an army feeding system was added, making it possible for soldiers to die of starvation while crossing difficult terrain. In addition, the character of the main character, following the example of Napoleon, who always took part in battles, has been thrown into the fray. Total War: Warhammer on the other hand, introduced RPG elements such as character equipping (equipping generals and agents) or their development.
The aforementioned spin-offs of the series, on the other hand, experimented with various solutions, often unusual for the brand. Some of them operated on a free-to-play model (the sub-series Total War Battlessub-series, characterized by an expanded strategic layer and a somewhat simplified battle system), while others (such as the one combining elements of RTS and MOBA games Total War: ArenaArena ), emphasized multiplayer fun.
Graphics in Total War series games
From the very beginning, the series Total War has been distinguished by its very impressive audiovisual design. Above all, spectacular battles involving hundreds or even thousands of units, fought on vast game boards, make a big impression.
Total War Series Evolution
2023
Total War: Pharaoh
2022
Total War: Warhammer III
2021
Total War: Rome Remastered
2020
Total War Saga: Troy
2019
Total War: Three Kingdoms
2019
Total War: Arena
2018
Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia
2017
Total War: Warhammer II
2016
Total War: Warhammer
2016
Total War Battles: Kingdom
2015
Total War: Attila
2013
Total War: Rome II
2012
Total War Battles: Shogun
2011
Total War: Shogun 2
2010
Napoleon: Total War
2009
Empire: Total War
2006
Total War: Medieval II
2004
Rome: Total War
2002
Medieval: Total War
2000
Shogun: Total War
Total War: Pharaoh
Strategy
October 11, 2023
Total War: Pharaoh is a historical strategy game set in the ancient Egypt. The gameplay is divided into two layers - turn-based nation management on a strategic map and real-time battles featuring thousands of units.
Total War: Warhammer III
Strategy
February 17, 2022
The third and final part of the Total War series sub-cycle based on the Warhammer license. Total War: Warhammer III introduces, among others, the Kislev and Cathay factions, which take part in even greater battles than before.
- Total War: Warhammer III - Forge of the Chaos Dwarfs April 13, 2023
- Total War: Warhammer III - Thrones of Decay April 30, 2024
- Total War: Warhammer III - Omens of Destruction December 12, 2024
Total War: Rome Remastered
Strategy
April 29, 2021
Remaster of the 2004 cult classic Rome: Total War, improving and making the game more accessible to new audiences. Once again we take on the role of leader of one of the many available factions, trying to conquer Rome and become Emperor.
Total War Saga: Troy
Strategy
August 13, 2020
The second spin-off of the Total War strategy cycle in which players can take part in a conflict known as the Trojan War. In Total War Saga: Troy we can lead the army of the title city or the Greek army attacking it. The game created by Creative Assembly studio features eight famous heroes, headed by Achilles and Ulysses.
- Total War Saga: Troy - Mythos September 2, 2021
Total War: Three Kingdoms
Strategy
May 23, 2019
The twelfth main entry in the Total War series of strategy games. For the first time in history, it takes the players to the ancient China, to the times when the country was split into three rival kingdoms. The title combines traits of classic RTS and turn-based strategy game.
- Total War: Three Kingdoms - Eight Princes August 8, 2019
- Total War: Three Kingdoms - Mandate of Heaven January 16, 2020
- Total War: Three Kingdoms - A World Betrayed March 19, 2020
- Total War: Three Kingdoms - The Furious Wild September 3, 2020
- Total War: Three Kingdoms - Fates Divided March 11, 2021
Total War: Arena
Strategy
February 22, 2019
A strategy game that combines elements of RTS and MOBA productions, and a spin-off to the bestselling Total War series, distributed as a free-to-play game with optional microtransactions. Total War: Arena lets you take part in massive battles for up to 20 players grouped into two rivaling teams. Each contestant has three units to command, consisting of no more than 500 men each. The crew of Creative Assembly have decided to lift up the historical boundaries, so that now armies from completely different periods and civilizations can fight in one battle. Gameplay is focused on cooperation between players and skillful use of unique abilities of individual commanders.
Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia
Strategy
May 3, 2018
A spin-off to the Total War series, in which the developer studio Creative Assembly takes the players to the British Isles from the 9th century. Our task is to join a side in the war for domination over the Isles. When working on this game, the developers drew their inspirations from the previous Total War titles, thus, the game is a combination of a turn-based strategy and an RTS game.
Total War: Warhammer II
Strategy
September 28, 2017
Another installment in a popular series of strategy games created by Creative Assembly. Unlike the first part of the subseries, which was set in the Old World, this time the players travel to the west, where they wage a war across four continents: Ulthuan, Naggaroth, Southern Realms, and Lustria. Four races take part in the conflict, i.e. the High Elves, the Dark Elves, the Lizardmen, and the Skaven. Each of these factions fights for control over the Great Vortex, which they can heal or disperse using various rituals. Once more, gameplay in Total War: Warhammer II is based on two pillars. In a strategy map view you move your armies, manage economy and expand cities (all this in turns), while battles are waged in real time on 3D battlefields. Each race has its unique mechanics, units and heroes. Besides, owners of the first and second game can download a huge map that combines both game worlds. This way you can play a campaign of truly epic scale while controlling any of the factions available in Total War: Warhammer and its sequel.
- Total War: Warhammer II - Mortal Empires October 26, 2017
- Total War: Warhammer II - Rise of the Tomb Kings January 23, 2018
- Total War: Warhammer II - Curse of the Vampire Coast November 8, 2018
Total War: Warhammer
Strategy
May 24, 2016
Next installment in the epic strategy game series, introduced by Creative Assembly in 2000. After a series of titles set in different historical periods, the developers decided to take players into one of the most famous fantasy universes, created by the Games Workshop company. In the dark universe of Warhammer, different races constantly fight for power and world domination, unaware of the fact that the real threat comes from a mighty force from the north. The game lets become the leader of one of several races, including humans, orcs, goblins, dwarves, vampires, and others. Disregarding the fantasy elements, the gameplay does not differ significantly from the previous games in the series, with epic real-time battles lying at its core. Between the battles the gameplay switches to a turn-based mode, where on a world map you develop your country, its economy, and establish diplomatic relations with other nations.
- Total War: Warhammer - Call of the Beastmen July 28, 2016
- Total War: Warhammer - Realm of The Wood Elves December 8, 2016
Total War Battles: Kingdom
Strategy
March 24, 2016
The second installment in a spin-off subseries belonging to the Total War franchise, designed mainly for mobile devices. Both titles were created by a separate development team working under Creative Assembly. In contrast to the original game, this one focuses entirely on online gameplay and PvP competition. The game takes you back to 10th century. You become a leader of a small country, who has to take care of its development and security. Your goal is to conquer new lands and turn them into bustling, productive terrains. The game offers expanded strategic gameplay, allowing you to not only construct buildings, gather resources, and expand your army, but also use diplomacy, spies, and intrigues against your allies and foes alike. In terms of visuals, unlike the previous edition, this one looks more akin to a full-fledged Total War game.
Total War: Attila
Strategy
February 17, 2015
Another chapter in the Total War large-scale strategy game series, created and developed by the Creative Assembly studio. After a couple of sequels to the earlier installments in the series (e.g. Medieval, Shogun, and Rome), the developers took on a new great historical figure. The game is set in the late 4th and the early 5th century CE. The Roman Empire is on the brink of collapse, at war with numerous barbaric tribes of the Huns and the Visigoths. Playing as Rome, you lead an army weakened by continuous skirmishes. This makes gameplay much more demanding, challenging even for the veterans of the series. The game realistically presents various military, social, and religious tendencies of the period, e.g. you have to counteract diseases and epidemics and deal with climate changes that affect farming and economy. Additionally, both the UI and the game engine were improved, resulting in better visual quality.
- Total War: Attila - The Last Roman June 25, 2015
- Total War: Attila - Age of Charlemagne December 10, 2015
Total War: Rome II
Strategy
September 3, 2013
A grand-scale strategy game developed by British studio Creative Assembly. Total War: Rome II lets players become leaders of the nations of antiquity from the Roman Empire period and struggle for dominance over new territories. Like the past Total War games (e.g. Total War: Shogun 2 and Empire: Total War) gameplay combines turn-based and real-time activities. Your task is to manage you provinces and command armies. The game’s highlight are the spectacular battles of armies fielding thousands of units. The developers of Total War: Rome II carefully kept to historical truth when it comes to battle formations, weaponry, and tactics. High-quality graphics was achieved thanks to a modified version of the Warscape Engine.
- Total War: Rome II - Caesar in Gaul December 17, 2013
- Total War: Rome II - Hannibal at the Gates March 27, 2014
- Total War: Rome II - Wrath of Sparta December 16, 2014
- Total War: Rome II - Empire Divided November 30, 2017
- Total War: Rome II - Rise of the Republic August 9, 2018
Total War Battles: Shogun
Strategy
April 19, 2012
Side-scroller of the popular Total War strategy series, which is the conversion of the game developed for mobile devices by the creators of the series - Creative Assembly studio. During the game we play as a young soldier who swears revenge for the death of his murdered father. The gameplay combines elements of strategy, RPG and arcade. The core of the game is to expand the base and produce new types of units. Along with increasing experience the army can be improved, creating as a result a stronger and more durable army.
Total War: Shogun 2
Strategy
March 15, 2011
Seventh main installment in the popular series of strategic games and the sequel to Shogun: Total War. Once again, the action takes place in the 16th century in feudal Japan. You take control of one of the clans and begin making efforts to be honored with the privilege of ruling the whole country as the new shogun. To accomplish that goal you need to manage diplomacy, military operations and economical development of your territories. Almost every aspect of game mechanics has changed since Shogun: Total War’s release (except of the basic foundations of the gameplay). Brand new AI algorithms made battles more realistic than ever. Statistics of generals and units are improving with player’s progress. Naval combat and multi-stage sieges have been added, and weather conditions have greater impact on battles than before. Main story campaign can be played in either single- or multiplayer mode (in cooperation with or against other player).
- Total War: Shogun 2 - Fall of the Samurai March 23, 2012
Napoleon: Total War
Strategy
February 23, 2010
Another installment in a renowned series of spectacular strategy games developed by Creative Assembly since 2000. The game focuses on the character of Napoleon Bonaparte and his military conquests at the turn of the 19th century. The player observes his ups and downs during the Italian, the Egyptian, and the European story campaigns. Completing them allows the player to witness both the rise and the fall of his empire. When it comes to the gameplay mechanics, the game introduces only slight modifications. The game combines all the successful mechanics employed in Empire: Total War with a set of new features, such as the system of army provisions, ship repairs, further extension of diplomacy and the increased role of spies. During the battles, the generals (including Bonaparte himself) are of high relevance, as they are capable of punishing the soldiers and bolstering their spirit. Both the visuals and AI of the units were improved.
Empire: Total War
Strategy
March 3, 2009
The fifth installment in the popular strategy game series created by Creative Assembly in 2000. This new game is set in the 18th century, focusing on key events of the period, such as the American Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, and the rivalry over the Eastern trade routes. Although the core concept of the gameplay remains the same, the mechanics went through some major alterations, mainly due to the introduction of sea warfare. The game lets you command entire fleets as well as individual ships. Moreover, external factors, e.g. weather conditions, can affect sea battles. Additionally, the game offers improved advisers, as well as new options of trade, diplomacy, and espionage. Due to the widespread use of firearms in the period, new combat tactics have to be used. However, the key elements of the series, the turn-based strategic layer and large-scale battles, remained unchanged.
- Empire: Total War - The Warpath October 5, 2009
Total War: Medieval II
Strategy
November 10, 2006
The next installment in a strategy game franchise from Creative Assembly. The game is set in the period of years 1080-1503, once again taking the players into the Medieval period. The developers did their best to faithfully recreate the epoch, including economy, trade, and political relations. Players can choose from 21 playable nations that differ in more than appearance, but also preferring various combat tactics. The story campaign lets you expand across Europe, Middle East, as well as South and Latin America. As always, gameplay consists of two layers – turn-based, in which you manage your kingdom, and real-time, where the battles are fought. As compared with the previous games in the series, this one offers extended tactical options, including e.g. new siege weapons and heavy artillery. Furthermore, the visuals, as well as animations and the destruction model, were significantly improved.
- Total War: Medieval II - Kingdoms August 28, 2007
Total War Eras Collection
Strategy
June 30, 2006
Collector's edition of the first three installments of the popular Total War series by Creative Assembly published by SEGA, along with their official expansions. The Total War Eras Collection includes Shogun: Total War with The Mongol Invasion expansion pack, Medieval: Total War with Viking Invasion expansion pack, and Rome: Total War with Barbarian Invasion expansion pack.
Rome: Total War
Strategy
September 22, 2004
The third installment in the acclaimed Total War strategy game series developed by Creative Assembly. This time, the player is taken to the period during which the Roman Empire is in its prime. The player participates in historical events, such as the Spartacus slave uprising, the Punic Wars, or Julius Caesar's conquest of Gaul. The creators faithfully recreated such historical elements as different military units, machines and technologies the ancient nations depended on. As usual, the gameplay is divided into two phases. The player makes large-scope decisions in the turn-based mode featuring the world map - for example, concerning technological development, diplomacy, development of cities or army management. The battles, on the other hand, are played in real time and the player commands particular formations or individual units. Rome: Total War includes the features introduced by the previous installments, such as sieges of cities, reconnaissance or reserves. Apart from the single-player campaign, the game offers multiplayer for up to 8 competitors.
- Rome: Total War - Barbarian Invasion September 27, 2005
- Rome: Total War - Alexander June 19, 2006
Medieval: Total War
Strategy
August 21, 2002
A continuation of the popular strategy game, released by Creative Assembly in 2000. Medieval: Total War brings us from the Far East to a more familiar setting of medieval Europe, where we need to take control of one of the twelve most powerful countries of that time. Similarly to its predecessor, the game connects military elements with trade, diplomacy and resource management. The kingdom management part plays out in a turn-based system, in which we expand our empire, building castles, creating alliances, setting trade routes, discovering new technologies, and developing our military. The battles take place in real time, in a fully 3D environment, with up to 10 thousand troops taking part in the encounters. The campaigns available in the game are based on historical events, and separated into three parts, taking place in early, high, and late Middle Ages.
- Medieval: Total War - Viking Invasion May 6, 2003
Shogun: Total War Warlord Edition
Strategy
August 8, 2001
Complete edition of the bestselling strategy game by Creative Assembly studio. The package entitled Shogun: Total War - Warlord Edition includes the main game released in 2000 and The Mongol Invasion expansion pack released a year later. In Shogun: Total War the player has to unite under his rule the shattered provinces of medieval Japan in an extensive story campaign, having at his disposal historical units from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Shogun: Total War
Strategy
June 13, 2000
An epic strategy game developed by Creative Assembly (a British developer) and taking the player to 16th-century Japan. As the head of a noble family, the player develops their province in order to widen one's area of influence in the country ruined by war. Gameplay was divided into two segments here, combining elements of a turn-based strategy with real-time battles. Thus the player works on their province through construction of new buildings, trading, maintaining diplomatic relations, raising successors and training an army of loyal samurai. Simultaneously however, the player takes part in epic battles in full 3D; what is noticeable, thousands of units can be engaging in the battle at one time. The game comes with a large portion of authenticity when it comes to recreating historical realities. The in-game battles are extensive when it comes to different mechanics implemented - those real-time skirmishes get affected by such factors as the player's commands, formations, morale, fatigue, shape of terrain, weather or fortifications.
- Shogun: Total War - The Mongol Invasion August 18, 2001
Total War: Elysium
Strategy
cancelled
A strategic card game from the Total War series, inspired by such games as Magic: The Gathering Arena and Legends of Runeterra. Total War: ELYSIUM, which was created by Creative Assembly studio, is based on a free-to-play model.
Total War Battles: Warhammer
Strategy
cancelled
Total War Battles: Warhammer is a mobile version of the popular strategic series created by the Creative Assembly studio. The game uses the Warhammer fantasy universe. It was developed by the Chinese company NetEase.
Total War Series News
Fix for Warhammer 3 Crashes after Update 6.0 Omens of Destruction
The recent 6.0 update is causing Total War Warhammer 3 to crash? Don’t worry, there’s a way to fix it and enjoy Omens of Destruction DLC bundle.
How to
Olga Fiszer
December 13, 2024
Total War: Warhammer 3 Introduces Three New Legendary Lords. Next DLC and Update 6.0 Will Add Unique War Strategies
The developers of Total War: Warhammer 3 have talked about the news heading to the game. The characters of the new lords were presented, as well as plans for future updates.
video games
Martin Bukowski
September 12, 2024
Total War: Pharaoh Dynasties - Lethality Explained and Can You Disable It
If you would like to know more about lethality system in Total War: Pharaoh Dynasties, you've come to the right place. Here you will learn all you need to know.
How to
Aleksander Kartasinski
July 26, 2024
Total War: Pharaoh Campaign Is Going to Change Beyond Recognition in Major Dynasties Update
The Dynasties update for Total War: Pharaoh will transform the game's campaign, introducing a dynasty, a handful of minor innovations, and quite a few changes.
video games
Jacob Blazewicz
July 12, 2024
Last Total War: Pharaoh Major Update Finally With Release Date. Dynasties Enriches Strategy With New Factions, Regions, Cultures, and Mechanics
We already know when the Dynasties update for Total War: Pharaoh will be released. The developers presented an atmospheric trailer and reminded us what the upcoming update will introduce.
video games
Maciej Gaffke
July 10, 2024
Total War: Warhammer 3 Devs With Ambitious Plans for Game Development
The developers of Total War: Warhammer III have talked about their development plans for the game, both for the next DLC and beyond.
video games
Adrian Werner
June 27, 2024
Total War Are „Unplayable” for Most of Their Development Time. Hated Developer Reveals Behind-The-Scenes of Rome 2's Disastrous Release
Julian McKinlay slammed the clunky AI in Total War: Rome 2. Even though, he says after more than 10 years, he wasn't responsible for the condition, but the „gross mismanagement” of the project by Creative Assembly heads.
video games
Jacob Blazewicz
June 26, 2024
Total War: Warhammer 3 Received 5.1.0 Update. Many New Features and Legendary Hero From Hell
Patch 5.1.0 arrived for Total War: Warhammer 3. The update provided players with, among other things, a new mode and Karanak Hound of Vengeance.
video games
Maciej Gaffke
June 26, 2024
Total War: Warhammer 3 Devs Want to Keep up Good Streak. Khorne, Ogres, and Greenskins Will Soon Receive New Campaigns and Units
Creative Assembly studio announced the next addition to Total War: Warhammer 3. Khorne, ogres, and greenskins will occupy the central part of it.
video games
Kamil Kleszyk
June 18, 2024
Total War: Pharaoh Update Surprises Players with Numerous Small Factions
A major update to Total War: Pharaoh will add quite a few small factions and a handful of new civilizations.
video games
Jacob Blazewicz
May 31, 2024