Empire Total War 2: What We Know And Hope For

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Hey there, strategy game enthusiasts! Let's talk about something we're all hoping for: Empire Total War 2. The original Empire: Total War (ETW) captured our hearts with its vast scope, naval battles, and the thrill of global domination during the 18th century. Now, years later, the yearning for a sequel is palpable. So, what would we want to see in a hypothetical ETW 2? Let's dive in, shall we?

The Allure of Empire: Total War's Grand Strategy

First off, let's appreciate why the first Empire: Total War still holds such a special place in our hearts. The game's grand strategy gameplay was a huge draw, allowing players to manage their empires across continents. The map stretched from the Americas to India, and the sheer scale of the campaign was impressive. You could build your economy, forge alliances, and, of course, crush your enemies on the battlefield. The ability to control so many different factions, each with unique units, technologies, and objectives, made for endless replayability. The game also included a robust diplomacy system, allowing players to negotiate treaties, declare war, and form alliances. This added another layer of depth to the strategic gameplay.

The game's historical setting was another major factor in its success. The 18th century was a time of great change, with the rise of empires, the expansion of trade, and the development of new technologies. The game's developers did a great job of capturing the atmosphere of this era, with its detailed units, accurate weaponry, and realistic political landscape. The period itself, encompassing the Age of Sail, the American Revolution, and the rise of powerful colonial empires, provides a rich backdrop for a strategy game. The ability to lead nations like Great Britain, France, Prussia, or the emerging United States of America offered players a chance to rewrite history or at least, have a lot of fun trying. The strategic depth was considerable, from managing trade routes to researching technologies and balancing your budget. The game provided a comprehensive simulation of 18th-century warfare and politics, making it a compelling experience.

Then there were the naval battles. These were truly a highlight. The sight of massive warships exchanging broadsides, the strategic maneuvering, and the thrill of victory were exhilarating. They added a unique dimension to the gameplay that set Empire apart from other Total War games. The integration of naval combat into the grand campaign was seamless, allowing players to control the seas, disrupt enemy trade, and support their land forces. Naval battles were not just a side activity; they were an integral part of the overall strategic picture.

What We Want in Empire Total War 2: Our Wishlist

Now, let's get into the good stuff. What would make Empire Total War 2 an absolute must-have? Here's my wishlist, guys:

  • Enhanced Naval Combat: Empire had great naval battles, but imagine the possibilities with improved graphics, more realistic physics, and even more detailed ship models. Consider dynamic weather effects, ship damage that affects performance, and more tactical options, such as boarding actions. Naval combat was a standout feature in the original, and it deserves to be even better this time around. Perhaps we could see more diverse ship types, representing the evolution of naval technology throughout the period. Things like different formations, and the ability to focus fire on specific parts of an enemy ship could provide a deeper tactical experience.

  • Deeper Campaign Gameplay: The original's campaign was fun, but there's always room for improvement. I'm talking about more intricate diplomacy, with dynamic relationships between factions. Think about the possibility of emergent alliances, betrayals, and shifting political landscapes. Also, how about more in-depth economic systems, where trade and resource management have a greater impact on your empire's success? Adding new mechanics to govern your colonies, and improve the internal management of your empire, could add new depth to the strategic experience. This could include aspects like public order, religious influence, and cultural assimilation. This would allow for a more immersive and rewarding campaign experience.

  • More Factions and Regions: The original game already had a decent selection of factions, but the more, the merrier, right? Maybe we could see more playable factions, including more Native American tribes, and factions from Asia and Africa. A more detailed map, with more regions and provinces, would make the campaign feel even more expansive and immersive. This would give players even more variety in their campaigns. Each faction should have unique units, technologies, and objectives, providing a unique gameplay experience. The goal would be a more diverse and vibrant world.

  • Improved Unit Variety and Customization: The unit roster in the original Empire was pretty good, but it could be expanded. Imagine more diverse unit types, with unique strengths and weaknesses. Also, what about more detailed customization options, allowing you to personalize your units with different uniforms, weapons, and equipment? This would allow players to create unique armies, and provide a greater sense of immersion. More unit types, and further customization, would provide a richer and more engaging experience.

  • Better AI: Let's face it, the AI in Empire wasn't always the sharpest tool in the shed. We need an AI that can handle complex strategies, and provide a real challenge. The AI should be able to manage its economy, build up its armies, and conduct effective diplomacy. Better AI would make the campaign experience more dynamic and engaging. It should be able to adapt to your strategies, and provide a real challenge.

  • Enhanced Graphics and Performance: This is a no-brainer. The original Empire was a beautiful game for its time, but with today's technology, we could have even more stunning visuals, with detailed environments, realistic unit models, and impressive special effects. Also, optimization is key. We need a game that runs smoothly, even during massive battles, and on a wide range of hardware. A better graphical experience would improve immersion and overall enjoyment.

The Uniqueness of Empire: Total War: A Reflection

What truly sets Empire: Total War apart, even today, is its ambitious scope. No other Total War game has attempted to replicate such a wide geographical area. The sheer number of factions, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses, added incredible depth to the game. It wasn't just about conquering Europe; you had to manage colonies, engage in global trade, and deal with complex diplomatic relationships. The ability to shift your focus from Europe to the Americas, or to the Far East, kept the game fresh and exciting. No other Total War game at the time offered this level of freedom.

The game also had a unique atmosphere, helped by its historical setting. The 18th century was a time of great change, with the rise of empires, the expansion of trade, and the development of new technologies. The game's developers did a great job of capturing the atmosphere of this era, with its detailed units, accurate weaponry, and realistic political landscape. The period itself, encompassing the Age of Sail, the American Revolution, and the rise of powerful colonial empires, provides a rich backdrop for a strategy game. The ability to lead nations like Great Britain, France, Prussia, or the emerging United States of America offered players a chance to rewrite history or at least, have a lot of fun trying. The strategic depth was considerable, from managing trade routes to researching technologies and balancing your budget. The game provided a comprehensive simulation of 18th-century warfare and politics, making it a compelling experience.

Even with its flaws, Empire: Total War delivered an amazing experience. It was a bold step for the Total War series, and it's something that we'd all like to see brought back. The naval battles, strategic depth, and historical setting combined to create something truly special.

Potential Challenges and Considerations for ETW 2

Of course, bringing back Empire: Total War would come with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles would be balancing historical accuracy with gameplay. The 18th century was a complex period, and accurately representing its political, economic, and social dynamics could be a daunting task. Furthermore, finding the right balance between realism and fun is always crucial. The developers would need to ensure the game is historically grounded without sacrificing playability. There are always trade-offs that have to be made.

Also, there's the issue of scope. Empire: Total War was already a massive game, and a sequel would likely aim to be even bigger. This means the developers would have to deal with a larger map, more factions, and more complex systems. This could lead to performance issues, or a steep learning curve. The developers would need to ensure that the game is accessible to new players, while still offering enough depth for veterans. The scale of the game is one of its biggest strengths, but it also presents a significant challenge.

Finally, there's the expectation of modern gamers. Players have become accustomed to high-quality graphics, advanced AI, and intuitive user interfaces. The developers would need to meet these expectations while still delivering a unique and engaging experience. This means incorporating modern features, without sacrificing the spirit of the original game. The game needs to appeal to both veterans of the original, and newcomers to the series.

The Future of Empire: Total War 2

So, will we ever see Empire Total War 2? Honestly, it's hard to say. There have been no official announcements, but the demand is definitely there. The game's setting, the gameplay, and the community that continues to love it all make the idea of a sequel very appealing. If Creative Assembly ever decides to revisit this period, I, for one, would be ecstatic.

Until then, we can only dream. But hey, dreaming is half the fun, right? We can re-visit the original game and mods, discuss our hopes for the future, and stay optimistic about the possibility of Empire: Total War 2. Let's hope that one day, we will be able to relive the glory of the 18th century with a modern, updated Total War experience!

What do you guys think? What are your hopes for Empire: Total War 2? Let me know in the comments! Let's get the conversation going and keep the dream alive! Maybe, just maybe, if we're loud enough, the developers will hear us! Keep gaming, and keep those strategies sharp!