THE GOOD:Strategic Gameplay.
Huge battles.
Interface is perfect.
Music is right on target.
Battles have a good pace.
Graphics are nice for the size of the battles.
THE BAD:
If you like typical RTS battles you will not like Rome.
AI considers your Generals to be Kamekazes.
SUMMARY:
This is the perfect War Strategy Simulator. In stead of having a rock-paper-sissors effect of most RTS (ex: Unit A is strong against Unit B and weak against unit C) they went with realistic depictions of the units and their strengths. Battles are just fun, though if you like RTS games you might not really care for Rome. In most RTS games you build up an army, run them to your enemies and just have them attack. In Rome that is the sure path to destruction. You must flank, you must get the high ground, and you must have a good general to follow your troops into battle.
The interface is perfect. I never played earlier Total War games so I cannot comment on if it is better or worse than those, but for a first time player I can say that I have no problems getting around in the game. Everything is plainly visible and while you can have the AI do all the micromanaging, it is more rewarding to do it yourself.
The music in the game is another huge drawing point. I would seriously consider buying a soundtrack just to get to listen to some of this enchanting music more often.
The only real issue with the game (well once you patch to 1.2) is how the AI treats your supporting Generals. If you do not control your generals then expect them to die as the AI will charge them straight into waiting enemies constantly. The idea of a cavalry supported General charging straight into waiting spear-men seems a bit fool-hardy to say the least. However, this can easily be avoided by simply making sure you control your top generals. The others are just there for experience anyway, and if they die they probably couldn't handle being a general in your army anyway. One word of advice though, NEVER end a battle before your general dies (provided he is a lower general, always save your 5+star gens). The repercussions of fleeing battle make your general fairly useless the remainder of the game.
This game is perfect for the person who wants to Simulate a war from the Roman Era, or for those who just want more thought out of their Strategy Games. If you are strategically minded you will love the rewards and sheer depth this game offers. If you would rather just run your massive hoards straight into battle without worrying about positioning get a RTS.
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