This is something that I don't imagine too many here would be into. It's multiplayer up to four in a group of a total of 10 people vs 10. It is a little like world of warships with pokey sticks. It uses the wargaming.net client. You cannot pause it. I enjoy it. So I thought I would post here as this is the grand opening basically. No more wipes and anybody can play for free.
"Starting today, February 22, we welcome all players, new and experienced, to the massively multiplayer online battlefield of TWA.
For those who are venturing onto the battlefield for the first time, we invite you to take up the swords and shields of history's most influential commanders; whether you choose the unfaltering Greek heroe Leonidas, the legendary Roman tactician Julius Caesar, the revenge-driven Barbarian queen Boudica, or the destructive Carthaginians lead by Hannibal Barca himself, glory and honor await you on the fields of war!"
https://totalwararena.com/en/news/latest-news/total-war-arena-enters-open-beta-february-22/
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Wanting to give this a try, but it won't even start downloading the files in the Wargaming launcher. Just sitting there, "no connection". #:-)
I am using the wargaming.net game center (north american) rather than the single game stand alone game client. I had no trouble. Nor did 2 of my friends. However we just needed a patch.
Sorry to hear you are having problems Nefaro. Maybe too many people are trying to download it at once?
I just checked and IO can login.
P.S. I just remembered. One of my friends anti malware programs did flag the program as it started to download and set it to about 12kb a second before he flagged it as ok and went back to 350kb a second. Could it be your Anti Virus or Anti Malware software?
My internet connection issue was due to... Windows f'n 10.
Windows update nixed it's internet connection until I restarted and got the update to apply. ::)
Wasn't even the first time it did this. Lesson learned; relinquishing more behind-the-scenes control is always worse. :knuppel2:
Cool. What did you think?
Quote from: Destraex on February 24, 2018, 10:14:29 AM
Cool. What did you think?
Haven't tried it yet. Hope to sometime today.
Cool Bananas.
Did some Tier 1 PvE while getting a feel for the various types and skills.
Did some Tier 2 PvP with Leonidas cmdr and a full set of 3 spearmen. Been scoring pretty highly, on the team, with them. However, my map awareness is almost nil what with having to micro-manage the phalanx ability's 'fatigue shuffle' and toggling it on & off when friendlies get nearby (which happens all the damn time).
Been doing pretty well with 3 Barbarian Cav in PvE but dunno if that will translate to PvP yet. I saw people mentioning that running cavalry is a bit OP in the early tiers, but becomes much more difficult in the latter half. Of course, the Barbs get Falxmen in the last half, so at least there's an interesting alternative up there.
My first few games were actually with archers. Did fairly well in PvE, but it was often pretty hairy when anything got around our front line. Your infantry-running teammates certainly don't prioritize your welfare, and are probably often too busy to notice you being chases back & forth nearby.
Having a good time. Feel like I need to really improve in some areas, but I've only hit Tier 2.
Nefaro, it gets even better in a team of friends. I think you can have up to 4 players in each friends group out of the 10 on each side. You can then get some pretty nice support and co-operation going tactics wise.
Sounds interesting, be good with group of friends on VOIP
Quote from: Destraex on February 25, 2018, 05:24:05 AM
Nefaro, it gets even better in a team of friends. I think you can have up to 4 players in each friends group out of the 10 on each side. You can then get some pretty nice support and co-operation going tactics wise.
I noticed that teaming up gives +10% bonus.
You can have up to 4 players in a TWA team? :o I recall the other WG games limiting it to 3.
Is this game PVP only? If not, can PVE be played even after the tutorials, like World of Warships? Thanks in advance.
Quote from: DennisS on February 25, 2018, 06:41:11 PM
Is this game PVP only? If not, can PVE be played even after the tutorials, like World of Warships? Thanks in advance.
It's like World Of Warships as far as I know.
I saw someone mention Co-op vs the AI team only allowed for up to Tier 4 units, but I can't confirm that. Only got to T2 thus far; can still do PvE co-op there.
Unfortunately the AI opponent is usually a cake walk unless half your team screws the pooch.
Quote from: Nefaro on February 25, 2018, 07:54:30 PM
Quote from: DennisS on February 25, 2018, 06:41:11 PM
Is this game PVP only? If not, can PVE be played even after the tutorials, like World of Warships? Thanks in advance.
It's like World Of Warships as far as I know.
I saw someone mention Co-op vs the AI team only allowed for up to Tier 4 units, but I can't confirm that. Only got to T2 thus far; can still do PvE co-op there.
Unfortunately the AI opponent is usually a cake walk unless half your team screws the pooch.
I have played six matches now, all as Germanicus, and all with basic infantry. They're level 2, as is Germanicus. So far, only battles with the AI.
In my six matches, I have two fifth places, a fourth, a third, and two firsts. Guess I must be doing something right. My basic strategy is to serve as the anvil, and let others do the flanking. I am fully upgraded with armor and melee attack power, and my plan seems to be working quite well.
Agreed with the cakewalk...to this point, fights have been pretty easy...but if you let yourself get pinned by ranged fire, you can get hurt quick.
If you see me in game, I am DennisS, just like here in these forums. I would very much like the extra 10%!
I've just been PvP'ing lately. ^-^
Quote from: Nefaro on February 25, 2018, 10:32:29 PM
I've just been PvP'ing lately. ^-^
I played the total war series from the very, very beginning. Medieval Total War 2:Kingdoms was my favorite, easily in the hundreds of hours. I should be competitive in PvP. I'll see you there when I get to a higher level.
Quote from: Tuna on February 26, 2018, 06:45:40 AM
Quote from: Nefaro on February 25, 2018, 10:32:29 PM
I've just been PvP'ing lately. ^-^
hmmm
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Downloaded before heading to work. Which class is needed the most?
Hey no Steam, maybe 2nd would take the hook as well.
I still want to finish the first They Are Billions map though.
Quote from: Tuna on February 26, 2018, 11:13:53 AM
Downloaded before heading to work. Which class is needed the most?
Hey no Steam, maybe 2nd would take the hook as well.
I still want to finish the first They Are Billions map though.
Given my limited play experience, I would say that archers are in short supply. They also appear to be the toughest unit to play. Doesn't help that all the soldiers, even those with shields and armor run like Usain Bolt. I appreciate that they want a quick game, but DAMN these guys are fast.
This means that surges and swings happen very quickly. If you have archers, you need to micro the hell out of them to keep them in range to fire, but far enough away from the spears and swords to survive. Not easy. There are locations and overlooks where you can fire down upon the enemy. I am assuming that these perches will become well known over time..and if you can get a shield wall to protect you in these areas, you can snipe the hell out of the enemy, and do disproportionate damage.
This is a good game. My straight up melee is fun to play, and I subscribe to Lord Nelson's instruction to his Trafalgar navy...put your guns alongside of an enemy, or in this case, get in there and hit somebody!
Quote from: Tuna on February 26, 2018, 11:13:53 AM
Downloaded before heading to work. Which class is needed the most?
Hey no Steam, maybe 2nd would take the hook as well.
I still want to finish the first They Are Billions map though.
The only type I see people playing most often are the Roman legion infantry. Matchmaking seemed to take longer when I queue up with them because of it.
I guess that makes sense because the Roman infantry are the most straightforward to run. Spearmen have a Phalanx skill that you have to micro-manage more while in combat; the fatigue management "shuffle" back & forth, and will cause friendly casualties if they're in front while on. The skirmisher types (archers, javelinmen, slingers) are squishy as all hell so you have to keep aware of what's happening around you, and often have to kite around to avoid getting killed quickly. Cavalry require you to be quick, sneaky, and not run into the front of infantry or get stuck in melee for long, so even more clicking than usual.
I've been running a Greek infantry phalanx commander (T2 almost T3), and a Greek Archer one (T2) for the most part. Also enjoying some Barbarian cavalry on occasion, although I may switch over to Alexander + Greek Cavalry after I unlock him as a general and grind him up.
All the different types are enjoyable in their own way. That definitely helps the enjoyment. It's still a very team-oriented game, so if you get some yahoos who don't know what they're doing your team could still end up losing despite your good performance. Like any other Wargaming arena style games.
It's common knowledge that the recently released War Elephants, in the Carthaginian faction, are OP right now. They available until around Tier 5 though. Assured to get the nerf bat soon, so I probably won't get to that tier of battles before they get the dev axe.
One thing to note, regarding tiers compared to other WG games, is that you not only have to unlock the individual troop units for a specific tier with XP, but also advance the Generals to same tier to be able to use them together. Both types make XP on each battle, so it's just a matter of using them.
Also.. the battles only last a maximum of 15 minutes. Often less when a cap or complete wipe happens. So the matches take less time than other similar games.
Quote from: Nefaro on February 26, 2018, 03:42:54 PM
The only type I see people playing most often are the Roman legion infantry.
In WW2, everyone wants to play Germans. In ancient times, everyone wants to play Roman.
Quote from: jomni on February 26, 2018, 05:10:50 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on February 26, 2018, 03:42:54 PM
The only type I see people playing most often are the Roman legion infantry.
In WW2, everyone wants to play Germans. In ancient times, everyone wants to play Roman.
Except me! <:-)
Although I like the stats on the Roman cavalry, so I'll end up having to do the legions to unlock that line anyway.
btw.. my user name is 'NefariousK'.
Same as in the other WG games.
Have you ever been tempted to spend money on the game?
Added you as a friend Nef.. Hancock's been playing Rome II. .maybe he'd be into it..
Quote from: jomni on February 26, 2018, 05:10:50 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on February 26, 2018, 03:42:54 PM
The only type I see people playing most often are the Roman legion infantry.
In WW2, everyone wants to play Germans. In ancient times, everyone wants to play Roman.
Ummm...for a reason. Rome had the best military for about four hundred years.
Dennis, the game spans a long time frame. So you get the various dominant militaries of the ancients thrown against each other. A good example is the Alexander the Great Commander and his macedonian phalanx and companion cavalry. Historically the Romans still found the macedonian style phalanx hard to beat and were even beaten by it in at least one battle iirc. Also Carthaginian armies were often led by Greek generals and had huge Greek Hoplite elements and won. I would say their are more Barbarian victories than we know of as well, not just the battles that Rome sent huge armies into.
Also remember that the victors write the history. There may be battles we do not know of that the Romans lost.
I play all factions and find that most are fairly well balanced in thier historical fighting style to mirror what the historical counterparts did. This goes for the Generals as well. In general terms these battles could mirror any total war force match up or even historical army.
The most interesting aspect of the game is the combinations of forces you can have with friends. Some support generals can buff friendly forces nearby!
I am only just at tier 3 now with my Carthaginians.
Is this related to the Total War games that we already play and love? It does seem to be different with regards to handling the troops. Also like someone else said, I do think they move way too fast!..
But had fun the three games I played. Kind of stunk that all three games were on the same map. Look forward to playing some more tonight.
Yes. The creators are CA (creative assembly) but the publishers are now Wargaming.net for the platform at least. Also I think wargaming.net probably do a lot of the WOWs style balance work and F2P style stuff.
Quote from: Destraex on February 27, 2018, 04:27:12 AM
Dennis, the game spans a long time frame. So you get the various dominant militaries of the ancients thrown against each other. A good example is the Alexander the Great Commander and his macedonian phalanx and companion cavalry. Historically the Romans still found the macedonian style phalanx hard to beat and were even beaten by it in at least one battle iirc. Also Carthaginian armies were often led by Greek generals and had huge Greek Hoplite elements and won. I would say their are more Barbarian victories than we know of as well, not just the battles that Rome sent huge armies into.
Also remember that the victors write the history. There may be battles we do not know of that the Romans lost.
I play all factions and find that most are fairly well balanced in thier historical fighting style to mirror what the historical counterparts did. This goes for the Generals as well. In general terms these battles could mirror any total war force match up or even historical army.
The most interesting aspect of the game is the combinations of forces you can have with friends. Some support generals can buff friendly forces nearby!
I am only just at tier 3 now with my Carthaginians.
I get that the Romans were beatable..of course they were. Heck..they lost to the Germanic hordes in the fifth Century. But...for one hell of a long time, they won far more than their share of battles.
My own experience in this game has been small. I haven't unlocked the Carthaginians, or any other army. I will play the Roman infantry model until I feel comfortable, then I will branch out.
Quote from: jomni on February 26, 2018, 07:59:26 PM
Have you ever been tempted to spend money on the game?
On these types? Sure. It just lets you advance faster.
I think of spending money on Multiplayer games as I did for MMOs, years ago, when I played those. Like a monthly entertainment subscription fee, if I decide to spend a little.
I justify it because when I get on an MMOA kick, I tend to just play one for a couple months straight and it keeps me from running around, purchasing other games willy-nilly, in the hopes I'll find THE ONE that keeps me interested for a long time. Ending up not playing many of them. These, at least, keep me focused for a time, and refrain from widespread game purchasing.
Quote from: Tuna on February 26, 2018, 08:51:42 PM
Added you as a friend Nef.. Hancock's been playing Rome II. .maybe he'd be into it..
Send me your s/n. I probably have to add you manually, if it doesn't offer.
Hopefully be on tonight. :cowboy:
I definitely put a lot of hours into World of Warships.. I don't think I spent nearly as much 'money' as nef.. but I did get a ton of playing time in there and could definitely go back.
A review:
https://www.pcgamesn.com/total-war-arena/total-war-arena-review-pc
Quote from: Tuna on February 27, 2018, 05:15:26 PM
I definitely put a lot of hours into World of Warships.. I don't think I spent nearly as much 'money' as nef.. but I did get a ton of playing time in there and could definitely go back.
I will eventually. Need an extended break so it feels fresh when I return. I started getting that "not so fresh feeling" after so much WoWs grinding.
Hopefully TW Arena will keep me interested until that time. Nice to have other alternatives to switch between.
Quote from: Destraex on February 27, 2018, 05:19:23 PM
A review:
https://www.pcgamesn.com/total-war-arena/total-war-arena-review-pc
Haven't read yet, but my two biggest complaints are:
1) Elephants are apparently OP in later tiers.
Judging from vids, it looks that way to me. I'm sure they'll get a proper nerfing, but don't know how long it will take to get it done as it's still technically Open Beta. So they're probably going to farm more data and feedback for a bit.
2) The matchmaking doesn't differentiate much regarding distribution of troop types.
You could have one side filled with an unusually high amount of archers, and the opposing side with no archers but a high amount of cavalry. It can lead to the occasionally strange lop-sided battle.
The troop type matchmaking thing isn't unusual for WG's games. They never seem to tighten up the matchmaking code until after their games go public. It was the same with WoWs and took them quite awhile to refine to the decent point it is now. Of course, it's more reliable when there is a higher population on, too.
I noticed the same thing about the match maker.
I actually like having lopsided match ups. It makes battles feel less cookie cutter and more interesting. But I am sure it will become like warships, where every battle is like a perfect mirror. :(
Quote from: Destraex on February 27, 2018, 05:41:37 PM
I noticed the same thing about the match maker.
I actually like having lopsided match ups. It makes battles feel less cookie cutter and more interesting. But I am sure it will become like warships, where every battle is like a perfect mirror. :(
I actually enjoy the types being a bit off, too.
But I've had matches where my team had zero cavalry, and the enemy had a few players using them. We couldn't do anything about their cav, since they were doing circles around us and eventually (notably!) just capped us out with ease, once the infantry got stuck in.
Another example is having no cav while the enemy had quite a few archers. Our infantry were getting slowly whittled down while attempting to engage and those archers had nothing to worry about from other directions, having their infantry just waiting in front to repel the weakend attack.
I suppose that I just want SOME amount of each basic unit type for each team. Being altogether without a type unbalances the "combined arms" flexibility of the team.
Tier 2 through Tier 5 units from Greek, Roman, and Barbarian factions are -30% upgrade cost for the next couple days.
Will add you guys to my Friends List if you left your TWA screen name here.
Quote from: Nefaro on February 27, 2018, 05:53:48 PM
But I've had matches where my team had zero cavalry, and the enemy had a few players using them. We couldn't do anything about their cav, since they were doing circles around us and eventually (notably!) just capped us out with ease, once the infantry got stuck in.
Another example is having no cav while the enemy had quite a few archers. Our infantry were getting slowly whittled down while attempting to engage and those archers had nothing to worry about from other directions, having their infantry just waiting in front to repel the weakend attack.
I suppose that I just want SOME amount of each basic unit type for each team. Being altogether without a type unbalances the "combined arms" flexibility of the team.
That's how Rome lost to Parthia.
Quote from: Nefaro on February 27, 2018, 08:05:22 PM
Tier 2 through Tier 5 units from Greek, Roman, and Barbarian factions are -30% upgrade cost for the next couple days.
Will add you guys to my Friends List if you left your TWA screen name here.
Htuna