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Digital Gaming => Computer Gaming => Topic started by: Philippe on June 26, 2014, 09:26:50 AM

Title: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Philippe on June 26, 2014, 09:26:50 AM
I had been thinking of getting Rome II before the end of the Steam sale but some of the negative comments that I've seen makes me inclined to wait a year and buy it at a better price from Gamersgate during one of their sales next summer or fall.  I have plenty of games that I still won't have time to play in the meantime, and the game might improve a bit with patches and dlc (though I don't expect improvements in the AI).

Any thoughts on this?  And just how bad is the naval combat?




[I'm starting a new thread because I can't seem to make the search engine pull up existing thread and there doesn't seem to be an alphabetical listing anywhere of games or subjects on this site.]
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Greybriar on June 26, 2014, 09:58:56 AM
I've been thinking along the same lines that you have, Philippe. At this time I believe I will wait awhile and get Rome II and all its DLC later for about what the base game is selling for now ($29.97) or quite possibly even less.

What say the rest of you?
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Nefaro on June 26, 2014, 09:59:29 AM
I've not played it in a few months.  It was fun enough last time I did, however, notably with a couple mods.  I still had some complaints but it was playable, although I just auto-resolved naval combat as it had often been troublesome before (I gave up on that).
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: MengJiao on June 26, 2014, 10:09:08 AM
Quote from: Philippe on June 26, 2014, 09:26:50 AM
I had been thinking of getting Rome II before the end of the Steam sale but some of the negative comments that I've seen makes me inclined to wait a year and buy it at a better price from Gamersgate during one of their sales next summer or fall.  I have plenty of games that I still won't have time to play in the meantime, and the game might improve a bit with patches and dlc (though I don't expect improvements in the AI).

Any thoughts on this?  And just how bad is the naval combat?




[I'm starting a new thread because I can't seem to make the search engine pull up existing thread and there doesn't seem to be an alphabetical listing anywhere of games or subjects on this site.]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with the naval combat.  In fact almost all of the negative stuff that people have said about this game has no basis in how the game actually plays.

Why just last night, my piratical mercenaries working for the Getae crushed a Spartan revolt in Sparta.  Oldly enough (being "Celtic Barbarians") my barbarian regime had built their own little Stonehenge in Ye Olde Sparta.  No wonder the Spartans revolted.

So -- for the 20,000th time -- Rome II is a classic game and the negative stuff about it says far more about the viral nature of the pointless hatinig of things on the Internet than it does about the game.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: MengJiao on June 26, 2014, 10:09:48 AM
Quote from: Greybriar on June 26, 2014, 09:58:56 AM
I've been thinking along the same lines that you have, Philippe. At this time I believe I will wait awhile and get Rome II and all its DLC later for about what the base game is selling for now ($29.97) or quite possibly even less.

What say the rest of you?

Buy the game.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Shelldrake on June 26, 2014, 10:21:59 AM
Quote from: Greybriar on June 26, 2014, 09:58:56 AM
I've been thinking along the same lines that you have, Philippe. At this time I believe I will wait awhile and get Rome II and all its DLC later for about what the base game is selling for now ($29.97) or quite possibly even less.

What say the rest of you?

I plan to wait until a gold version with all DLC is released. Empire Total War and Fall of the Samurai will keep me busy until then!
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on June 26, 2014, 10:32:58 AM
I ain't buying until it's below $10. 
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Gusington on June 26, 2014, 10:59:10 AM
You're missing out SDR, it's a great game now, 13 patches in. I have 100 plus hours put into it and its one of my favorite Total War games. Don't believe the negative hype!
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on June 26, 2014, 11:06:29 AM
Nothing to do with hype.  Still pissed over the way CA dealt with the whole issue of the Fall of the Samurai release making Shogun 2, Rise of the Samurai, and Fall of the Samurai hard lock the PC of anyone with an AMD 79XX series card and refusing to do anything about it for over 9 months.  Festering cunt baguettes, the lot of them. 
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Shelldrake on June 26, 2014, 11:15:12 AM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on June 26, 2014, 11:06:29 AM
Festering cunt baguettes, the lot of them.

LOL Tell us how you really feel SDR!  :P
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Yskonyn on June 26, 2014, 11:22:17 AM
Go for it, Philippe! Its a brilliant game.
Title: .
Post by: eyebiter on June 26, 2014, 12:14:46 PM
.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Tpek on June 26, 2014, 12:17:58 PM
It's on a 66% off sale now.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Zulu1966 on June 26, 2014, 01:09:12 PM
Frankly I have never been able to play it since I bought it. Thing always crashes. Been like that since about patch 7.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Gusington on June 26, 2014, 01:53:33 PM
There are tons of great mods, check out the Steam mod workshop.

I know your tale of woe SDR and I am quite sorry.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Martok on June 26, 2014, 02:15:17 PM
For what it's worth, Philippe, Rome II is the most fun I've had with a Total War game since the original STW and MTW back in the early 2000's (although I won't say it's better than those two), which for me is saying a lot.  I had a serious hate for the franchise from Rome 1 through Empire (and I didn't get back on board the series until Shogun 2), to give you some additional context for my comment. 

If you're feeling the Total War "itch", and/or just want a fun strategy game set in history's Classical period, then I would say by all means, go ahead and get Rome II while it's on sale.  I don't think you'll regret it. 




Quote from: Greybriar on June 26, 2014, 09:58:56 AM
I've been thinking along the same lines that you have, Philippe. At this time I believe I will wait awhile and get Rome II and all its DLC later for about what the base game is selling for now ($29.97) or quite possibly even less.

What say the rest of you?
In your particular case, Greybriar -- having somewhat more specific knowledge of your tastes & preferences -- I would indeed recommend waiting.  I do suspect you'd enjoy the game well enough in its current state, but there's no reason for you to hurry.  :)  It's only a matter of time before CA/Sega releases a gold version with all the DLC, which I think you'd be more satisfied with. 




Quote from: Shelldrake on June 26, 2014, 11:15:12 AM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on June 26, 2014, 11:06:29 AM
Festering c*** baguettes, the lot of them.

LOL Tell us how you really feel SDR!  :P
Hey, goodness knows he has reason to be angry.  :buck2: 

Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Grim.Reaper on June 26, 2014, 05:05:28 PM
Just curious, have the ever mentioned the next game coming out in the Total War series and when it might be released?  If it is a long time, seems like there is much more to get out of Rome 2 before that happens.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Gusington on June 26, 2014, 05:15:43 PM
Word on the street is that it will be the Warhammer: Total War game. No idea on a possible release date.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Grim.Reaper on June 26, 2014, 05:18:26 PM
Quote from: Gusington on June 26, 2014, 05:15:43 PM
Word on the street is that it will be the Warhammer: Total War game. No idea on a possible release date.

Gotcha....thanks...was hoping maybe a more historical game as well......finally broke the seal on my steam sales purchases.....bought the remaining DLC that I didn't own for pretty darn cheap!
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Gusington on June 26, 2014, 08:05:06 PM
I am in the middle of a Hannibal at the Gates campaign right now and loving it as Carthage. The Carthaginian war dogs are sweet too. I am praying there is s Fall of the Roman Empire DLC before they stop supporting it.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Toonces on June 26, 2014, 10:18:01 PM
The reviews on the DLC aren't so hot.  Are they must haves? 

I am thinking, since I'm in no hurry to play this game, there might be some value in holding off until the inevitable Christmas sale.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: GDS_Starfury on June 26, 2014, 10:20:15 PM
what mods ya got for shogun 2?
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Toonces on June 26, 2014, 10:22:54 PM
Who me?  I got the whole official smack, but nothin' from TWCenter if that's what you mean.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: GDS_Starfury on June 26, 2014, 10:24:32 PM
so you got what I need?

wink wink
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: vyshka on June 26, 2014, 10:33:46 PM
Quote from: Gusington on June 26, 2014, 05:15:43 PM
Word on the street is that it will be the Warhammer: Total War game. No idea on a possible release date.

That can't be right. GW hasn't let anyone competent touch their IP outside of Relic. :) Nice, if true though.

Edit: I guess they did decide to let Slitherine/Matrix do the WH40k/Panzer Corp mash up, so maybe they are making some good decisions again.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: GDS_Starfury on June 26, 2014, 10:42:42 PM
Quote from: Toonces on June 26, 2014, 10:22:54 PM
Who me?  I got the whole official smack, but nothin' from TWCenter if that's what you mean.

Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Yskonyn on June 27, 2014, 03:22:48 AM
I freaking love the wardogs in this game!

It reminds me of what my dog could have been, had we both lived centuries ago. Now he's just a pile of laziness watching football on the couch. Funny how pets and masters are alike.
On the other hand; I don't think I would've looked good on sandals.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: ArizonaTank on June 27, 2014, 04:43:12 AM
I agree with the crowd....  Great game, the best of the series.  But if money plays into it...I would guess based on what happened with Shogun 2, that you'll see more discounts if you are willing to wait another six months or so.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Gusington on June 27, 2014, 07:17:32 AM
There was a huge contract signed between GW and CA for a Warhammer TW last year some time...Google it up and you should find much on it.

Shogun 2, to me, is the best of the entire series, notwithstanding some tech issues that people have (but I don't). Rome 2 is excellent but not as well done as Shogun 2. IMHO of course.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Nefaro on June 27, 2014, 08:53:39 AM
Quote from: Gusington on June 27, 2014, 07:17:32 AM

Shogun 2, to me, is the best of the entire series, notwithstanding some tech issues that people have (but I don't). Rome 2 is excellent but not as well done as Shogun 2. IMHO of course.

Agreed.

Not for the subject matter, but for the condition of the game. 

Rome 2 is a fun game, especially for the historical period.  However, I was still finding occasional issues the last time I played.  I noticed at least one was supposed to have been addressed in a later patch, after reading the patch notes, but I've not gotten back to it just yet. 

They've been patching the hell out of it to get it up to speed, so that's good.  There's been a BIG improvement from that.  I dunno why they tried to reinvent the wheel with Rome 2 when Shogun 2 was in such good shape even at release.  I don't think all the new changes in Rome 2 are that great either but it's doable. 

If someone likes the period, then they should go for it.  The big problems have been patched out by now, so it's at least up to the normal CA standards regarding Total War games (pre-Shogun 2 anyway).
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Sir Slash on June 27, 2014, 09:21:59 AM
Couldn't agree more Nefaro. Shogun2 was near perfect but CA had to try to make the perfect better and put out a lesser game in my opinion. They could've just re-done Rome 1 and had a great game. I like Rome 2 but less than any other TW title I've played. The game is dumbed down to help the AI along in my opinion and has much less strategic play. It kind of forces you to build armies and conquer places( not a bad thing) but early on it gets boring quick for me. However at the point where you have something like a real nation the flavor of the game changes. The other factions notice you and either want you for an ally or see you as an enemy. Then it gets a little of the Total War magic back and becomes a lot more fun. Don't give up on the game until you've got maybe 4-6 cities. I've had the most fun playing as the Seleucids as they start as a real power and you've got to prepare to meet threats... and opportunities, in all directions. The patches and mods have made it a better game.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Gusington on June 27, 2014, 01:21:47 PM
I have the most fun burning down everything in my path.

It's truewhat Nef and Slash have said...if you like the period you will like Rome 2, if you have no tech issues.

I too wish they built Rome 2 using the Shogun 2 engine, though...gotta be honest.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Sir Slash on June 27, 2014, 02:10:49 PM
Playing as the Suebi was boring chasing the other German tribes around but when we got big enough to confederate, then the game really picked up. Suddenly tribes as far away as Spain wanted to trade or be allies. And the long term changes from the Tech Tree can have you wanting to go back 50 turns and take another path. Still nothing compares to the Gatling Gun from FOTS for fun.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Gusington on June 27, 2014, 05:03:15 PM
^In first-person mode of course.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: solops on June 27, 2014, 09:32:53 PM
Buy - yes. Just got a copy for my son.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Sir Slash on June 27, 2014, 09:36:25 PM
First person of course. Is there another way to do Gatling?
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Gusington on June 27, 2014, 10:27:27 PM
^Yes the way uncool way.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Toonces on June 28, 2014, 02:04:54 AM
I've decided to hold off on any DLCs until Xmas...I need to get my feet wet with the main game still.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Yskonyn on June 28, 2014, 02:16:38 AM
I have started my Ceasar in Gaul campaign as... Ceasar! ;)
What I keep finding difficult with the army limit is to have a proper defense back home when you're on the offense at the front; in other words I keep stretching my armies too thin.
How do you guys manage this?
My game often ends in wack a mole where I took one settlement, need to press on to the next and then the first settlement gets taken again by the AI.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Nefaro on June 28, 2014, 10:25:34 AM
Quote from: Toonces on June 28, 2014, 02:04:54 AM
I've decided to hold off on any DLCs until Xmas...I need to get my feet wet with the main game still.

The vanilla game will do just fine for single-player.

The DLCs only add some odds & ends.  I think they're mainly focused on providing a smaller more focused campaign (& campaign map) for those who want to play a multi-player campaign in a reasonable time span. 
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Gusington on June 28, 2014, 04:24:23 PM
There's a certain critical mass in Rome 2 when you have your settlements pacified and then growing more happy when it is safe to switch from defense offense. It's been different in each game I've played and each faction.

With Carthage in Hannibal at the Gates I am now allowed 10 armies. I have 8 on 'the front' actively smashing the Romans, Veneti and Syracuse. I keep two armies in the rear just in case but haven't used them at all.

Also don't forget to use agents to keep the peace, they are very helpful.

How are you liking Caesar in Gaul otherwise?
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Yskonyn on June 29, 2014, 05:52:25 AM
I like the setting.
The Helveti were soon to be crushed and their Eastern neighbours sued for peace right after having shown my fist. I declined and now they start handing over large sums of money to buy me off.
We'll see wether I'll let them live once their coffers are empty.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Greybriar on June 29, 2014, 01:07:08 PM
Last chance for anyone who is considering buying Total War: Rome II while it is on sale at Steam, so don't delay if you have decided to take the plunge. For another 23 hours it and most of its DLC are marked down 66% as Steam's Summer Sale winds down.

Total War: Rome II - Pirates and Raiders (http://store.steampowered.com/app/273381/) is also available, but it is not on sale and is priced at $7.99.

As for me, I have too many games in my backlog already to add another. So I'll probably wait until it and all its DLC is sold as a package deal for $10...if I buy it at all.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Rayfer on June 29, 2014, 02:17:57 PM
Quote from: Greybriar on June 29, 2014, 01:07:08 PM
Last chance for anyone who is considering buying Total War: Rome II while it is on sale at Steam, so don't delay if you have decided to take the plunge. For another 23 hours it and most of its DLC are marked down 66% as Steam's Summer Sale winds down.

  • Total War: Rome II (http://store.steampowered.com/app/214950/) - $20.37
    Total War: ROME II – Hannibal at the Gates (http://store.steampowered.com/app/273380/?snr=1_5_9__405) - $5.09
    Total War: Rome II - Greek States Culture Pack (http://store.steampowered.com/app/212301/?snr=1_5_9__405) - $2.71
    Total War: Rome II - Nomadic Tribes Culture Pack (http://store.steampowered.com/app/258270/?snr=1_5_9__405) - $2.71
    Total War: Rome II - Blood & Gore (http://store.steampowered.com/app/259800/) - $1.01
    Total War: ROME II - Caesar in Gaul (http://store.steampowered.com/app/261050/?snr=1_5_9__405) - $5.09
    Total War: ROME II - Beasts of War (http://store.steampowered.com/app/267630/?snr=1_5_9__405) - $1.01

Total War: Rome II - Pirates and Raiders (http://store.steampowered.com/app/273381/) is also available, but it is not on sale and is priced at $7.99.

As for me, I have too many games in my backlog already to add another. So I'll probably wait until it and all its DLC is sold as a package deal for $10...if I buy it at all.

+1...probably at the end of the year holiday sales which are not that far off.  There is more than enough to keep me busy until then.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Cougar_DK on June 29, 2014, 03:43:39 PM
I also think I will wait. I can't really decide what to make of the different opinions of the game. Here some of you love it. At work one co worker has played it more than 150 hours and another says its the worst game CA ever has released. At steam and the official forum it seems that people think its broken...

Good to have a backlog of other games, even though it shines....come to me my precious... :uglystupid2:
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Gusington on June 29, 2014, 03:51:22 PM
^HA!
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Cougar_DK on June 30, 2014, 07:59:13 AM


Hmmm some of this has maybe been solved by patches, but the close combat sure looks better in the old engine.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Cougar_DK on June 30, 2014, 08:02:54 AM
And there is a part two, I have not seen it yet....

Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Rayfer on June 30, 2014, 08:23:40 AM
Quite condemning...extremely bitter...trashes the game from top to bottom. I don't own it but have considered getting it if the price drops in the end-of-year holiday sales.  Would love to hear from the many on these forums who give this game high marks.  Is this guy off his rocker or are his points valid?
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: solops on June 30, 2014, 09:19:15 AM
Sure. It has problems. Most games do. Still, it is a lot of fun. And the battles are a hoot. Much more entertaining than watching two NATO icons bump. Right now I am playing Arsenal of Democracy. After reading all of this criticism I think I'll play some RTW2 after I finish.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: MengJiao on June 30, 2014, 09:20:00 AM
Quote from: Rayfer on June 30, 2014, 08:23:40 AM
Quite condemning...extremely bitter...trashes the game from top to bottom. I don't own it but have considered getting it if the price drops in the end-of-year holiday sales.  Would love to hear from the many on these forums who give this game high marks.  Is this guy off his rocker or are his points valid?

  What points does he make?  I like the game and I have yet to see any coherent arguments for not liking it (other than the fact that
some people have technical problems getting it to run at all).
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: Rayfer on June 30, 2014, 10:02:18 AM
Quote from: MengJiao on June 30, 2014, 09:20:00 AM
Quote from: Rayfer on June 30, 2014, 08:23:40 AM
Quite condemning...extremely bitter...trashes the game from top to bottom. I don't own it but have considered getting it if the price drops in the end-of-year holiday sales.  Would love to hear from the many on these forums who give this game high marks.  Is this guy off his rocker or are his points valid?

  What points does he make?  I like the game and I have yet to see any coherent arguments for not liking it (other than the fact that
some people have technical problems getting it to run at all).

Seems like he made numerous points, nearly an hour's worth....two come to mind; the change in info displayed on the unit boxes and the loss of covered arc when clicking on an archer unit.  Again, I'm not agreeing with him, I don't own the game so I can't comment one way or the other. Just asking.
Title: Re: Should I buy Rome II now before the Steam sale ends
Post by: MengJiao on June 30, 2014, 10:48:37 AM
Quote from: Rayfer on June 30, 2014, 10:02:18 AM
Quote from: MengJiao on June 30, 2014, 09:20:00 AM
Quote from: Rayfer on June 30, 2014, 08:23:40 AM
Quite condemning...extremely bitter...trashes the game from top to bottom. I don't own it but have considered getting it if the price drops in the end-of-year holiday sales.  Would love to hear from the many on these forums who give this game high marks.  Is this guy off his rocker or are his points valid?

  What points does he make?  I like the game and I have yet to see any coherent arguments for not liking it (other than the fact that
some people have technical problems getting it to run at all).

Seems like he made numerous points, nearly an hour's worth....two come to mind; the change in info displayed on the unit boxes and the loss of covered arc when clicking on an archer unit.  Again, I'm not agreeing with him, I don't own the game so I can't comment one way or the other. Just asking.

  Sadly, I never noticed those aspects of the game.  They relate to a level of micromanagment that I generally avoid in games.  When I fight a battle in Rome II, I:

1) check the overall deployment of forces and if I have the luxury of setting up a defense I:
    a) deploy spears as needed to cover against cavalry
    b) set any low morale troops up for maximum defense (shield walls or whatever)
    c) put missile troops behind the main line and shut off their skirmish mode
    d) mass a hidden reserve to finish off the enemy
(that all often works and I have never neede to check firing arcs)
2) If on the offense, ready scouts and skirmishers, mass the main body and get a shock group ready

Naval battles are different and I seem to remember some way of estimating range to fire.

I tend not to notice the interface that much since I'm busy fighting the battles and often going in with the cinematice view.