Total War Rome: Remastered Vs Total War Rome 2 Emperor Edition + DLCs.

[Talion 2024.]

Hello everyone. I have a question concerning the two games titled "Total War Rome: Remastered" and "Total War Rome: Emperor Edition".

Which one of the two would you say is the best value for money when content and game-play are concerned?

The reason why I am asking is because I checked out the store page of Total War Rome 2: Emperor Edition, and I couldn't help but notice that the base game alone is quite hefty in terms of price, let alone the additional DLCs.

Total War Rome: Remastered on the other hand seems considerably cheaper, but in comparison has less content (only two DLCs for starters) and apparently in terms of game-play it is considered somewhat outdated after having seen as well as read a couple of comparison reviews between the two aforementioned games.

Based on your own personal experiences with either or both games, which one of the two would you say is the best value for money and trumps the other in terms of game-play mechanics, atmosphere, expansions, mods and overall replay-ability value?

[Khagan]

https://steamcommunity.com/app/885970/discussions/0/3283699172771362948/
https://steamcommunity.com/app/885970/discussions/0/3811782223872294429/
https://steamcommunity.com/app/885970/discussions/0/3815166629932521614/

[Talion 2024.]

Thank you. It was most helpful. It would seem that in spite of Total War 2 having a higher player count overall (according to Steam Charts, that is) and more content, Total War Rome: Remastered appears to be the most worthwhile option, given the amount of praise it continues to receive despite clearly being based on a much older game.

But then I suppose that just because something is new and happens to be offering more content doesn't necessarily mean that the game as a whole is better in terms of game-play, atmosphere, logistics, depth and overall replay-ability.

Less is more, as they say.

In fact, while I am completely new to the Total War franchise as a whole, I must say that I agree with the general consensus that the older Total War games felt (and probably still do feel) more fleshed out and mature than the newer entries in the Total War franchise (anything from Total War Rome 2 onward) which appear more cartoonish at times and superficial in their overall presentation and game-play.

And last but not least, there's the fact that newer Total War games come with DLCs that have to be bought separately for the most part and at frankly ridiculously high prices, which apparently is not the case with older Total War games; thought Shogun 2 is an exception, as it has tons of DLCs, plus one standalone "sequel", which when bought together could easily cost someone well over 100 euros when there's no Steam Sale taking place.

I guess this goes to show how that given time, a game development studio like Creative Assembly can fall victim to greed and laziness, just like any other modern-day game development studio.

[easytarget]

These threads always feel like a false dilemma to me.

The two games are hardly similar enough you couldn't buy both on sale and enjoy them.

[Talion 2024.]

I'm aware that Total War Rome 2 does expand on the original Total War Rome game somewhat, but I honestly doubt that its reputation as a "spiritual successor" is necessarily justified.

[Talion 2024.]

Especially given the fact that unlike the original Total War Rome game, the game-play is said to feel more "arcadey" and "artificial", if you believe these sort of descriptions that Total War Rome 2 has received over the years.

Again, I'm simply curious, that is all. I'd want to avoid wasting money on a game that frankly is too expensive than it has any right to be.

It's honestly insulting to people who simply want to purchase a game with all the content already included, and they are unable to do so because apparently the game developers in question cannot allow a game that isn't even that "modern" anymore to come with all its DLCs included.

Even if the game is exceptionally good, it doesn't justify the high price people are expected to pay for additional content, let alone for the base game.

Just saying.

[Talion 2024.]

And I understand why some people would want to play both games and judge for themselves, but frankly I don't see the point when one game ends up outdoing the other in terms of affordability.

If at all, Total War Rome 2 ought to be sold at the same price as Total War Rome: Remastered, given that it's no longer a brand new game, plus the DLCs that have been released over the years should be included in a "Definitive Edition".

It just doesn't make any sense. It deprives people of the joy of buying games at all if the base game and any additional content vital for enriching the overall experience are simply beyond the budget that most people of the general public have.

Especially nowadays with the cost of living increasing ever more.

[Talion 2024.]

To elaborate further, I'd like to draw on similarities Total War Rome 2 shares with the subsequent games Total War Attila, the Total War Warhammer games, Total War Three Kingdoms, Total War Saga Troy and the latest installment in the franchise Total War Pharaoh.

All these games are hellishly expensive, and include DLCs that have to be bought either separately or together with the base game in the form of "Standard", "Deluxe" or "Dynasty" editions (in the case of Total War Pharaoh).

Additionally, these "modern" games all seem to follow a certain formula that restricts player agency more than in the total war games that came before Total War Rome 2, therefore freedom to do whatever you want when you want is pretty much limited.

And while there are fans of these games who will undoubtedly defend them till the bitter end, I'd like to point out that just because I don't necessarily like the direction in which the Total War franchise is heading that I will never attempt to give the franchise as a whole a chance; I just wish that fans of the modern installments would consider the glaring issues their beloved games have when affordability and player agency are concerned.

[Kanovskiy]

you sure like to read your own words.

[Talion 2024.]

Whatever gave you that idea? I'm simply trying to express myself in the best way I can. That's all.
I don't see any reason why I should not express myself to the fullest, given that this is kind of the point of a forum; to allow people from around the world to express their deepest thoughts and opinions.

[Talion 2024.]

Let us try and keep it as civil as possible.

[Limygeorge]

The similar profile pics, at first made me think it was all the same person. Pretty funny.
Then I noticed I was wrong.

Re: Original, I played it when it was released, or less than a year after. I was hooked on the genre. Played Medieval 2 after that which is the next in the series and that was, and still remains my favourite.

I bought the re-mastered version, but I feel strangely reluctant to start. Stupid I know.
I know the graphics will be far better, but it's all relative. At the time of the original they were considered top notch, or rather the amount of individual soldiers that could be rendered and look totally believable. But that was then.

I don't want to tarnish fond memories. But I bought it (the remake) payed, and will play it when I get my act together and try try try not to expect much.

I have played several classic remakes of games over 12 years ago. One thing I noticed is that not just the game, and of course the graphics have changed, but I have too.

Whatever, I am ancient with very long teeth compared to most PC gamers, so just ignore if you find this stupid.

25 or 30 years in the future you will realize I had a point. I'll be six feet under.

[Talion 2024.]

Interesting point you just made. Thank you, Limygeorge. As I said at the beginning, I for one am completely new to the Total War franchise, and thus want to acquaint myself as best as possible with it by playing those games which are actually worth playing for the price one is ultimately expected to pay.

[Talion 2024.]

Funnily enough, out of all the Total War games released to date, it would seem that Total War Medieval 2 remains the one game that has "overwhelmingly positive" reviews, whereas games that followed it had less favourable but still decent reviews.

But then again, you do make an excellent point; I guess it ultimately comes down to the individual, and what it is they are momentarily into.

Still, I suppose you agree that the prices gamers are expected to pay for modern installments are frankly outrageous compared to those of older games, even if people can afford to pay for such games.

[Talion 2024.]

And I wouldn't consider your comments stupid in the slightest. I'm just trying to avoid buying a game that in the end doesn't feel complete and in order for a proper gaming experience requires people to buy all its DLCs for prices that frankly are ridiculous, and which may not even properly reflect on the quality of the DLCs.

Better make the DLCs free and include them with the base game which gamers then are free to simply ignore if they prove to be mediocre in terms of quality or try out if they should be surprisingly good, than charging ludicrous prices and expect gamers to buy them together with the base game with the promise of a "complete" gaming experience, and risk losing future support from the gaming community due to questionable business practices.

[easytarget]

All this thread is telling me is you really should step away from the keyboard for a bit.