Following are five, well-thought-out reasons why Medieval III: Total War should be the next installment in the Total War series. I understand Creative Assembly is working on a free-to-play project called Total War: Arena, but I hope that turns into a side project so they can start working on the next, full installment. Also, this list is not ranked – the numbers are just for clarity.
1.Time since Medieval II: Total War
It has been 7 years since Medieval II: Total War came out. This is too long to wait for another sequel to the best Total War game. All of the other games in the Total War series have had a release within the last 5 years. Rome was released in 2013, Shogun in 2011, Napoleon in 2010, and Empire in 2009. Medieval was last released in 2006.
2. Medieval Era
To many of us, the Medieval time period is the without a doubt the most fascinating period in the history of the world. It seems the developers agree, considering they have already made two games surrounding it. I think a lot of the fans are expecting to see a Medieval III: Total War. I think that Medieval II: Total War was the best in the series, and they could do so much more to bring the medieval theme to life with new graphics and gameplay mechanics.
3. New Fans
Since it has been so long since the last medieval themed Total War, not many new fans have experienced the theme. Some of them might not have experienced even Empire: Total War. With the release of Total War: Shogun 2, Creative Assembly earned many new fans who are young and search for the newer games in the series. Newer gamers want enhanced graphics and detailed scenarios, so they might just ignore the antiquated Medieval II. I realize it is not all about the newer fan. Sure there are veteran games who think we’ve had a little too much medieval and would prefer the Empire series. Honestly, I think it is more important to appeal to the new gamer than to worry about the veteran. The new gamers are the future. Beside, most old gamers probably secretly wish for another Medieval game.
4. Content
I have said it before and I am saying it again, I have had the most fun playing Medieval II. I love the religion and familiar nations. I love being able to start crusades, assassinate blasphemers, or make alliances with my favorite countries around Europe. I couldn’t do this in Rome: Total War or Shogun: Total War. In Medieval, when a crusade started, I put aside my differences with other Catholic nations and worked together to take back the Holy Land. This made it feel as if I was “in the game”. If Creative improves on this in a Medieval III, I’m sure it could be the most immersive game ever.
5. Familiarity
This sort of goes with number 2, but it still is a point I need to speak about. Everyone knows about the medieval era, but no one knows about Medieval II: Total War. Everyone knows about knights, castles, princesses, kings etc., but it has been years since we have had a new game in this era. Unlike Shogun: Total War or Rome: Total War or maybe even Empire: Total War, gamers of all ages are used to a medieval theme. With games like Skyrim, Mount & Blade (which, in case you didn’t know, is a game I recently did a review on), and Runescape, they know what to expect from a medieval game. If anyone else is like me, and they see a Medieval game on Steam, they are bound to check it out to see if it is any good. I think a medieval title would mean more interest from fans and more money in the pocket for Creative Assembly.
Well, that is all for now. I hope to write a review for Medieval II: Total War soon so I can share why I like the game so much. Brutally honest! Now spread the word!
Top 5 Reasons We Need Medieval III Total War