Medieval II Gold + Empire or Shogun 2 Complete Collection ?

[ExtTM]

Well, as the titles says. I am still new to this franchise and I've heard lots of good stuff about Shogun 2 and Medieval 2, not so much about empire. But then again, I've heard that Shogun 2 is restricted in some ways specially in terms of scale. Either I can buy Medieval 2 Gold Edition along with Empire base game or Shogun 2 complete collection (excluding FoTS). I am really confused as to what to buy. I don't really mind the setting of the three games etc, I just want something with high replay value and decent large scale battles, sieges, campaign etc. Would be pretty cool if someone could help me decide.

[~Natural Lubricant~]

I've only got and played the shogun 2 and fall of the samurai games so I'll give you my biased opinion based on that ^.^ I've heard good things about medieval 2 and stuff thuogh btw like how some people think its the best total war in history but I haven't played it myself.

As for Shogun 2 the pros are
+balanced gameplay since all the factions are japanese and use roughly similar if not the same unit rosters.
+can be very replayable since you start from different areas of japan for each clan and each clan specialises in something different.
+battles are gorgeous and handle well, with lovely animations used shogun 2 it will be like you're playing in one of the battles you see in movies with 1v1 dueling. Also in the fall of the samurai there will be lots of guns and cannons and they are very deadly.
+since its an older game you can probably play it at max settings and the game still looks amazing even after all the years.
+Has the best multiplayer in totalwar period. Avatar conquest isn't seen in any other total war title and its quite fun, espically since you can custiomise your army.

Cons are
-Unlike stuff like Rome 2 you literally only play as japanese factions so don't hope for different cultures or anything.
-Due to the engine which shogun 2 runs on you won't see soldiers gang up on each other, its mostly 1v1 dueling between them. Exceptions are stuff like charges and spear wall fighting etc.

Shogun 2 fits all the criteria you said you wanted and I personally consider it my favourite game on steam so I think you won't go wrong buying it. ;)

[Medolicious]

I played the TW games from Shogun to Rome 2 (my reason to stop buying new TW titles).
Regarding your question. Buy Shogun 2.
Empire AI is just retarded. Even if your mod the AI the game doesn't look as good and runs slower on older machines than the much newer Shogun 2.
I have reinstalled the Medieval 2 recently and got horrified by campaign AI even on hardest setting.
I am not saying that Shogun 2 is perfect but everything works better than in previous or later titles.

[ExtTM]

Oh, I see. Thank you both for your opinions. I managed to collect some more money from selling cards and such and I am guessing that by the time the sale ends, I will be able to buy Shogun 2 as I just bought the cheaper titles, Empire and Medieval 2. Again, thank you for your time, Medolicious and Mitusha :)

[~Natural Lubricant~]

You're welcome Ext ^.^

[Teutonic Ritterin]

Messaggio originale di ~Your Name is Mitsuha~:

Cons are
-Due to the engine which shogun 2 runs on you won't see soldiers gang up on each other, its mostly 1v1 dueling between them. Exceptions are stuff like charges and spear wall fighting etc.

Shogun 2 fits all the criteria you said you wanted and I personally consider it my favourite game on steam so I think you won't go wrong buying it. ;)

Unlike Rome 2,where a Carthaginian Swordsman(Libyan Infantry) can keep hitting a roman Principes,out from his formation(if you own Rome 2,and Watch some battles,you know what I mean,where a Soldier Attack,and blocked,but attack again,and blocked again,until the attacked soldier is killed,or the Attacker animation is stopped.)

Shogun 2 has one of the fastest Unit 1v1 Animation,the longest one are where 2 Katana Armed unit clashing swords like 3 times,and someone dicided to punch his enemy in the face.
Also When a Yari Unit Try to Choke a Katana Unit with his Yari.