Sega has revealed that its studio The Creative Assembly’s next Total War title is Rome 2, a direct sequel to the absolute classic that is Rome: Total War.
The strategy game’s due out next year, The Creative Assembly has said, apparently during the “second half”.
Shogun 2 contains a very specific geographic setting, but Rome 2 will be returning to empire building on a large scale. It’s being touted by the devs as having the “most expansive turn-based campaign and the largest, most cinematic real-time battles”. The dev team also claims this is its most expensive title.
The game’s plot will focus on personal stories, often requiring the player to make decisions on difficult family dilemmas and political plots.
The demo of the game we’ve seen involved the destruction of Carthage from the third Punic War. As far as multiplayer goes, lead designer James Russell has said The Creative Assembly is “planning something big”.
A post on the official Total War message board reads as follows:
Today, we’re delighted to announce one of the most hotly-anticipated titles in our history – Total War: Rome II&™ – sequel to the multi-million selling, 92% Metacritic-rated classic Rome: Total War, encompassing one of the best-known periods in world history.
Total War: Rome II&™ will sink players into the dangerous political machinations of Rome’s senate, while asking them to struggle with family dilemmas and question the loyalty of ‘friends’ and allies. Leading the greatest army ever seen into battle will be just one challenge you will face at the head of the world’s first superpower.
Will you help forge an empire? Restore the Republic? Or grasp the reins of power for yourself, and assume the hated title of tyrant? Who will you conquer? Who will you betray? Who will you sacrifice?
“How far will you go for Rome?”
“Our games have always encompassed a grand vision”, said Mike Simpson, Creative Director. “But we’re now pushing that vision at both ends of the spectrum. From the immense reach of the sandbox campaign right down to the human-level drama of a single warrior on the battlefield, we’re aiming for an unprecedented level of detail and scale”.
“In our 25th year of games development, it feels fitting to return to our most critically acclaimed era”, continued Rob Bartholomew, Brand Director. “There’s been a multi-generational leap in technology since the original game and we are ready to set another benchmark in gaming.”
Total War: Rome II&™ is due for release in 2013. For more information visit the new-look site at www.totalwar.com
