For one, it’s a direct sequel to the first game, expanding the narrative and setting to encompass the “New World” portion of Warhammer‘s Fantasy setting and ensnaring its four new playable factions in a crisis related to the troubles that plagued last year’s “Old World” environs.

Indeed, despite relatively little changing about its basic formula of turn-based, Civilization-esque empire-management married to real-time tactical battles, much is different about Total War: Warhammer 2 compared to the franchise’s more realistic outings, though players of the first installment will find it quite familiar. Between installments, the games don’t change all that much in their basic approach to play, and players are usually best advised to take the plunge when a new installment touches on a setting they enjoy.Īfter I spent time with Total War: Warhammer 2, though, I immediately rushed out to get the first game, cursing my ignorance and wondering why I’d let such an accomplished Total War game pass me by. In defense of my seeming negligence, however, it’s not like Total War games are the kind of title you’re supposed to play every single entry of (much as that would delight the people making them). With the exception of Shogun 2, the sheer scale of a typical Total War game tends to keep me from committing to any single one, or even starting despite my initial interest in titles like Atilla, Napoleon, or Empire.

In the Grim Darkness of the Fantasy Battle Setting…Īs much as I’ve enjoyed and admired the games of The Creative Assembly, I can’t help but admit that I’m something of a fair-weather Total War fan.

Total war warhammer 2 high elves roster