Total War: Rome II - Nervii (Belgian [Gaul-Germania]) Faction [Caesar in Gaul Campaign Pack]

Nervii


“Bravery, Austerity, Tradition”
A Celto-Germanic people, the Nervii were the most fierce – and fearless – of the Belgae tribes inhabiting northern Gaul, and renowned for their courage.

At the Battle of Sabis in 57BC, where their surprise attack almost defeated Caesar’s legions, they fought until only 500 of their original 60,000 warriors remained. Such bravery was at the heart of their culture, which was Spartan-like in both outlook and reputation. The Nervii would eschew all luxury, especially alcohol, which they perceived made the body and spirit weak. Instead, they pursued the traditions of their Celtic and Germanic origins, venerating the cult of the hero-warrior. As such, their kings and chieftains were chosen due to their martial prowess and wise leadership.
With such great emphasis placed on an individual’s skill and bravery in battle, the Nervii rarely used cavalry and missile weapons, apart from javelin-like lances. They instead favoured ambushes and lightning assaults to close quickly with their enemy and prove their mettle.
At the start of their campaign the Nervii have cordial ties to neighbouring tribes such as the Atrebates and Viromandui, as well as the wider Belgae tribal network stretching as far as Britannia. As such, they are in an excellent position to strengthen these bonds while moving deeper into Gaul. In fact, their fearsome reputation and skill in battle makes Nervii expansion further to the east or south highly probable…
Fearless warriors, the Nervii enjoy a boost to morale in friendly territories, and are also highly skilled ambushers. However, they lead an austere existence, resulting in lower industrial and commercial income than most.

Total War: Rome II - Galatia (Gaul-Asian Minor) Faction [Ceaser on Gaul Campaign Pack]

Galatia


“Raid, Focus, Dominate”

Celts of Gallic descent, the Galatians came to settle in and dominate areas of central Anatolia and Phrygia. Proud warriors, famed for their skill, loyalty, and ferocity in battle, they were highly prized as mercenaries throughout the Hellenistic world. It was 300 Galatian warriors that Julius Caesar gifted Cleopatra in 48BC as her bodyguard, such was their fearsome reputation.

Comprised of three tribes, the Tectosages, Tolistobogii, and Trocmi, the Galatians splintered off from Brennus’ Gauls during their invasion of Macedon and Greece in 279BC. Moving first through Thrace, they crossed the Bosporus into Asia Minor as allies of Nicomedes of Bithynia, in exchange for defeating his brother in their dynastic quarrel. After joining Nicomedes in a brief struggle against the expansionist Seleucids, they settled the area that would eventually become known as Galatia. The territory was divided between the three tribes, each maintaining its own capital and rule, but coming together in council at Drynemeton, a sacred grove of oaks situated southwest of Ancyra, the Tectosages’ capital. Leaving the indigenous Cappadocians relative control of their own lands in exchange for tithes, the Galatians became a military aristocracy. Much like the Spartans, this enabled them to focus on their martial skills. Fighting in the Celtic style, they made deadly use of swords, javelins, and oval shields.
Situated at the heart of Asia Minor, the Galatians have many choices before them. Extend their control over Cappadocia, or strike for the sea, through Pontus, Pergamon, or Bithynia and, with their position consolidated, sweep either east or west…
The Galatians are accomplished plunderers, gaining increased income from raiding and sacking, and their cultural affinity with Hellenic factions pays dividends at the diplomacy table. However, as a relatively isolated faction, they face heavier recruitment costs than most.

Total War: Rome II - Boii (Czechoslovakia faction) Faction [Ceaser on Gaul Campaign Pack]

Boii


“Earth, Pride, Herd”

A Celtic tribe, the Boii were fierce warriors and, at least originally, semi-nomadic herders. Their name itself derives from either the word for ‘warrior’ or ‘cow’, thus making them the ‘warrior people’ or ‘herding people’.
Although their exact origins remain unclear, by 390BC the Boii had taken part in the Celtic incursions into northern Italy. Moving south, over the Alps, they drove back the Etruscans and occupied their territory. At the same time, on the other side of the Alps, they also moved east, into modern day Eastern Germany and Bohemia, itself named for the tribe which settled there.
Leading a frugal lifestyle, Boii society was geared towards warfare and agriculture, their most prized commodities being gold and livestock. Status amongst their leaders was judged not only through military prowess, but the amount of cattle owned and retinue supported. Historically, the Boii allied with the other tribes of Cisalpine Gaul and the Etruscans against the rapidly-expanding Roman Republic. Defeated and driven back, in later years some of the tribe joined the Helvetii in the migration that sparked Caesar’s Gallic Wars, and later supported Vercingetorix at the Battle of Alesia.
In the east, their territories eventually fell to the Dacians. From their current central European position however, the Boii are well placed to strike south into either Italy or Greece, west into Gaul, or east against the Dacian tribes.
The Boii feel the urge to move and conquer, and as such, they enjoy a morale boost when in enemy territory. Accomplished farmers, they also benefit from greater income from agricultural buildings. However, their unique outlook and warlike nature mean they struggle to find common ground with other barbarian factions.

Playable factions on the Main Campaign by the Caesar in Gaul Campaign Pack

Reflecting Julius Caesar’s Gallic War from 58 to 51 BC, Caesar in Gaul takes place over a shorter timeframe than ROME II. We’ve therefore extended each year to 24 turns, and reintroduced seasons to the campaign game. As the turns tick by, each season can bring positive or negative effects to your game, and you’ll see some beautiful changes happening to the campaign map. This screenshot gives you a taster of just how atmospheric it can look.

Our upcoming Total War: ROME II Campaign Pack “Caesar in Gaul” introduces three new playable factions.
These factions are included in the Caesar in Gaul Campaign Pack, but are playable in the Main Campaign Game.

The Boii, a celtic tribe from Central Europe (Hercynia) and known for their military prowess, urge to move and conquer. As such, they enjoy a morale boost while being in enemy territories.

The Galatians, blending Gallic and Hellenistic culture, come with a unique starting position and are accomplished plunderers, they gain increased income from raiding and sacking.

The Nervii, fearless warriors, focus on ambush tactics and fast assaults to defeat their enemies in close combat. They also benefit from their network of friendly tribes and receive a morale boost on friendly territories. 

Caesar in Gaul Expansion Campaign Pack for Total War: ROME II

I've announced that is a brand new standalone campaign pack for Total War: ROME II - the Caesar in Gaul Campaign Pack - covering Julius Caesar’s war of expansion against the Gaulish tribes. Included will be a new campaign map, a greater focus on characters, compact focussed multiplayer design, new mid-game challenge mechanics and three new factions!

Description:
Caesar in Gaul is a standalone campaign pack for Total War: ROME II covering Julius Caesar’s war of expansion against the Gaulish tribes. Players can choose from four playable factions in this conflict: the Gallic Arverni, the Germanic Suebi, the Belgic Nervii and Rome, in a campaign inspired by Caesar’s Commentarii de bello Gallico (Commentaries on the Gallic war).
Offering a tighter scope in terms of time and geography than Rome II (58-51BC), the Caesar in Gaul Campaign Map is an expanded, more detailed vision of Gaul and the south coast of Britannia. Compared with ROME II’s map of Gaul, Caesar in Gaul contains more regions and provinces, more factions (both playable and non-playable), and a series of famous generals and statesmen from history which the player will employ or fight against depending on their chosen faction.
A war of great profit and glory for Caesar, this conflict made him extremely popular with the people of Rome… though less so with the senators, who saw him gathering power to himself in a series of events that ultimately lead to his ascension to Dictator! Caesar in Gaul differs from the core ROME II experience in a number of important ways:

1) New Campaign Map:
 The Caesar in Gaul campaign map is an enhanced, more detailed representation of Gaul, with players able to expand across 18 provinces dotted with resources, new settlements and new provincial capitals.

2) Greater focus on characters:
Many factions employ great generals and statesmen from history (for example, Rome fields Gaius Julius Caesar himself, Mark Anthony and others). Each of the four playable factions also has a faction leader who acts as the player’s avatar during the campaign.

3) 24 turns per year:
As Caesar in Gaul deals with a considerably shorter time-span (58-51BC) than the grand sweep of the ROME II campaign, each turn represents two weeks rather than a year. This means seasons make a return. The gameplay effects of these aren’t always predictable however, and may vary from province to province. A late autumn may bring a good harvest for example, but a long, dry summer may damage your food production.

4) Compact, focussed multiplayer campaign:
For those generals looking for a more rapid MP campaign game, Caesar in Gaul presents a series of interesting options. Due to the geographic scope and the opposing 48 factions, co-op or competitive 2-player campaigns are tighter, more focussed, and less time-consuming than a full Campaign.

5) New mid-game challenge mechanics:
For those players making it through to the mid-game, there will be new challenges to face as a more suitable replacement for the Civil Wars of ROME II. As a Gallic tribe, you’ll feel the mailed fist of Rome respond with heavy intervention forces, and as Rome, you’ll see the Gallic tribes rebelling and forming alliances against you.

6) New historical battle:
Caesar in Gaul adds the Battle of Alesia as a playable historical battle. Alesia marked the turning point of Caesar’s Gallic War, and resulted in the capture of Vercingetorix, who was later taken to Rome and executed at Caesar’s Triumph.

Set from Caesar’s perspective, Alesia tasks the player with maintaining the siege of Vercingetorix's Gallic stronghold. The battle begins with the Roman forces deployed within their own investment fortifications outside the hill-fort. The player must guide the Romans as they weather attacks from both a huge relief army and within the fort itself.
New Total War: ROME II full campaign playable factions: Alongside the factions playable within the new Campaign, Caesar in Gaul also adds three new playable factions to the main game; they are:

• Nervii (barbarian, Belgic)

The most fierce and powerful of the Belgic tribes, the Nervii are a melting pot of Celtic and Germanic heritage. Their unit roster reflects this mix of cultures, opening up the possibility of creating new, unique army compositions.

• Boii (barbarian, Gallic)

One of the largest of the Gallic tribes, the Boii occupied Cisalpine-Gaul, Pannonia, Bohemia and Transalpine Gaul. Their numbers make them a force to be reckoned with but they are somewhat disconnected from other the Gallic tribes geographically and are directly exposed to the ferocious Germanic clans and the Dacians.

• Galatians (barbarian, Anatolia)

The Gauls of the East, the Galatians migrated to Asia Minor following the Celtic invasion of the Balkans. They arrived through Thracia at around 270 BC, led by generals Lotarios & Leonnorios. As Celts deep within Hellenic territory and factions hostile towards them, the Galatians offer interesting and challenging new gameplay.

Edited to add: Total War: Rome 2: Caesar in Gaul is out December 12th 2013 for $14.99/£9.99/€14.99.

Total War: Rome II - Baktria Faction (Coming Soon)

Baktria


“Profit, pride, expansion”
Baktria was a gateway to trade between east and west, to India, and to the far-off lands of China. It lay in what is modern-day Afghanistan, and Kandahar itself was founded by Alexander the Great.
As a protectorate of the Seleucid Empire, Baktria was famed as a province of a thousand cities. It was wealthy thanks to those trade routes and the rich agricultural lands of its fertile valleys and plains. The land was a home to Greek colonists, Persians and many more peoples, and was a part of Alexander’s vast empire. Roxana, Alexander’s wife and the mother of his nominal heir who was born after his death, was a Baktrian princess.
In the confusion of wars that followed Alexander’s death, Seleucus I Nicator established his control over the eastern parts of Alexander’s empire, including Baktria. The region was heavily colonised by Greek settlers, more so than any other part of the east, and was largely Hellenised as a result, with Greek culture and influence paramount in all things. As such, Baktria’s armed forces brought a rich and varied blend of warriors to the field, with hoplites, peltasts and fierce swordsmen rubbing shoulders with Galatian legionaries and Gallic hunters.
With the Seleucid Empire locked in a series of wars against the other Successor states, Baktria was a satrapy with a degree of independence. During the rule of Diodotus, and sometime between the Second and Third Syrian Wars of the 3rd century BC, it became an entirely independent Hellenistic kingdom. Under their new kings, the Baktrians could be a vigorous military power, benefiting hugely from any breakdown in Seleucid authority and inattention from Parthia. Immense wealth, and tough warriors, could take their armies all the way to the shores of the Mediterranean…
As veterans of the Successor Wars, Hellenic states hold few surprises in battle for the warriors of Baktria. As a result, the Baktrian soldiery faces Hellenic armies with great confidence and courage. Well-situated for trade, they enjoy enhanced commercial and industrial income, and with their popular Hellenic outlook, they find it easier to spread cultural influence with others. However, the edge of the Great Steppe is a troublesome place for a Hellenic culture to settle; Baktria finds it difficult to curry favour with the aggressive nomad tribes.

Total War: Rome II - Massagetae Faction (Nomadic Tribes Culture Pack)

The Massagetae

“Power, Independence, Defence”
The Massagetae are a fierce nomad tribe with a long history of destroying civilized armies, as their utter crushing of Cyrus the Great and his Persian army attests. From their steppe homeland, they have the power to sweep down on nomad and settled enemies alike, taking what they will and moving swiftly on to new victories and new conquests. By using their strengths as horsemen, there is little they cannot achieve.

Historically, there is a good chance Herodotus was confused about the identities of the various steppe peoples. While he used the term Massagetae to describe these people, a word that translates as “great Getae", the original Getae were a Dacian tribe, not Scythian or nomadic. Herodotus also described them as living beyond the Caspian Sea. He did, however, say that they resembled the Scythians but with their own customs and practices. In particular, he mentions strange funeral rites that involve cooking and eating important men who die honourably. Quite sensibly, any who died of horrid diseases were not eaten…
As a nomadic people, The Massagetae are adept raiders, and capable of recruiting troops at a rapid rate from their home province. Their pastoral lifestyle leads to greater profit through an abundance of livestock, and their fierce sense of independence means they will fight hard to preserve their territory. At the diplomatic table however, they find it hard to curry favour with the Eastern Peoples, who frown upon their nomadic lifestyle.

Available in the Nomadic Tribes Culture Pack.

Total War: Rome II - Roxolani Faction (Nomadic Tribes Culture Pack)

The Roxolani


“Persistence, Commerce, Conflict”
The Roxolani or ‘Bright Alans’ are a Scythian-speaking collection of tribes of the Sarmatian people. As might be expected of steppe nomads they are fine horsemen, ruthless warriors, and merciless towards their enemies. Like all steppe nomads, there are many forces drawing them south and east away from the steppes: the prospect of easy pickings from soft and sedentary civilized people is foremost among these reasons.
The harsh reality of steppe life and tribal politics is that tribes have to be aggressive, or be crushed by other steppe tribes. The Roxolani were sometimes allies of the Dacians, and fought alongside them against the Romans. There are Roman claims that Legio III Gallicia and its supporting auxiliaries destroyed a 9,000-strong raiding force of Roxolani in 69 AD. This sounds more like the destruction of a complete cavalry army; however, the Roxolani took their revenge a generation later by wiping out Legio XXI Rapax. The Romans came to consider the Roxolani a threat and, while recruiting some as auxiliaries, fortified their frontiers against them. These masters of bow, lance and horse offer a significant threat to less mobile forces.

As a nomadic people, The Roxolani are adept raiders, and capable of recruiting troops at a rapid rate from their home province. Keen to expand, they are also accomplished traders and fierce warriors, and they fight with great zeal in foreign territory. However, as a result of their expansionist ways, they must work harder to gain the trust of other nomadic tribes.

Available in the Nomadic Tribes Culture Pack.

Total War: Rome II - Scythia Faction (Nomadic Tribes Culture Pack)

Scythia


“Craftsmanship, Pride, Might”
In their own eyes, the Royal Scythians are better than everyone else. This is not their problem, but a simple truth. All other tribes, even other Scythians, are no better than slaves and deserving of the same level of consideration, which is to say absolutely none: such is the fierceness of their pride.
According to legend, all Royal Scythians are descended from Colaxais, the youngest of three brothers, and the one who was given divine golden gifts. The favour of the gods has stayed with his descendants ever since. Golden they might be, but the Royal Scythians can still see that there are rich pickings to be had among the ‘civilized’ folk to the south and west of their steppes.

The Scythians were regarded as dangerous barbarians by the Greeks and other civilized peoples, and when faced with the crushing charge of the Scythian Royal Horse, few would disagree. The writings of Herodotus explain nearly all of Scythian culture by reference to Greek equivalents, and the Scythian versions are usually found wanting. To be fair, Herodotus was a product of his time and background. Nonetheless, the Scythians do seem to have been uniquely uncompromising in their approach to war and personal violence, and this seems to have added to their aura of dread.

As a nomadic people, The Scythians are adept raiders, and capable of recruiting troops at a rapid rate from their home province. They are noted for their craftsmanship and the profit this brings, and their skill with the bow is known far and wide. However, their culture lies at odds with that of the Hellenic States, resulting in a lack of common ground in parley.

Available in the Nomadic Tribes Culture Pack.

Total War: ROME II - How Far Will You Go? - Launch Trailer - [UK]

An incredible period of history, the creation of the world’s first superpower, the dominance of a people, a culture and a defining way of life that still has repercussions today.

Over 2,000 years ago the Romans set out on a path that culminated in the creation of an empire the like of which the world had never seen, and may never see again. A time of glorious victories and bloody defeats, heroic and despotic men and women, families that tore each other apart in pursuit of the eternal city and the power it represented.

Some attained that prize, but only fleetingly. Many more failed. 

Watch our launch trailer and perhaps you can answer the question; How far will you go for Rome?

Total War: ROME II is out tomorrow, Sept 3, activating from 00:00 PST.

How to Play TOTAL WAR: ROME II - The Basics

There’s now a 'How to Play' beginners guide on Total War Wiki. This guide will show completely new and existing players how to navigate the campaign map, command your army and how to advance your province financially and technologically. 
So if you've been itching to get your friends involved and they're new to the series, share this page and get playing! 

wiki.TotalWar.com/w/How_To_Play

• Getting Started
  • Choosing Your Faction
  • Basic Movement Controls
  • Researching Technology
  • Advanced Movement Controls

• Advancing in your Campaign
  • Minor and Major Building Management
  • Economy and Trade Basics
  • Political Management
  • Agents and Actions

• Armies, Battles and Unit Abilities
• Combat Controls
• Unit Actions
• Cavalry Actions
• Naval Attacks
• Fortifications
• Special Abilities 

Getting Started

Choosing your faction

When starting your game you must first select a faction, there are many options for you to choose from and they each have their own traits that can assist you throughout your game. Choose wisely and read carefully to pick the faction that is right for you. (Watch the articles on the playable factions and previously mentioned.)

Getting Started With the Campaign
The campaign in Total War: ROME II may seem very daunting to a new player but if you start here you will find it easier to navigate.

Campaign basic movement controls
The video below shows you how to move around and view your faction within the campaign.
(Watch the video of "Control Campaign Basics" on http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/How_To_Play_Total_War:_Getting_Started)

Researching Technology
This video demonstrates the importance of technological advances to your prosperity as a faction.
(Watch the video of  "Tecnology Research" on  http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/How_To_Play_Total_War:_Getting_Started)

Campaign Advanced Movement Controls
This video shows you how to manage your armies on your campaign map and how to issue orders.
(Watch the video of  "Controls Campaign Advanced 1" on  http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/How_To_Play_Total_War:_Getting_Started)

Advancing in your Campaign
Once you understand how to navigate the controls and the campaign map, you can begin to advance your armies, technology and trade relations to ensure your growth and development.

Minor and Major Building Management
This video shows you how to understand your province and its settlements. You can also see how, as you come to command a whole province, it will enable you to issue edicts that may be very important throughout your campaign.
(Watch the video of  "buildings majorminorsettlements" on  http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/How_To_Play_Total_War:_Advancing_in_your_Campaign)

Economy and Trade
The video below shows you how you can view your trade routes and how you use trade agreements to your advantage.
(Watch the video of  "Economy Trade" on  http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/How_To_Play_Total_War:_Advancing_in_your_Campaign)

Political Management
This video shows you how there are many ways in which to have a successful and powerful faction, including political strength and bargaining.
(Watch the video of  "management politicalpower" on  http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/How_To_Play_Total_War:_Advancing_in_your_Campaign)

 Agents Actions
Agents are an important part in shaping the outcome of your campaign. Their presence in your armies and cities can offer certain bonuses, or when deployed in an opposing army they can attempt to make them crumble from within and weaken morale.

(Watch the video of  "Agents Actions" on  http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/How_To_Play_Total_War:_Advancing_in_your_Campaign)

Armies, Battles and Unit Abilities
Next we have the battles themselves, where the outcomes of these engagements can change the entire look of your campaign map.

Special Abilities
This video talks about your military special abilities, both in battle and on the campaign map by researching military technology and furthering the success of your army.
(Watch the video of  "Abilities SpecialAbilities" on  http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/How_To_Play_Total_War:_Armies,_Battles_and_Unit_Abilities)

Combat Controls
It is importnat to know how to properly and efficiently use your army and how to quickly deploy groups or individual units.
(Watch the video of  "Controls Battle Advanced" on  http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/How_To_Play_Total_War:_Armies,_Battles_and_Unit_Abilities)

Unit Actions
This video will give you tips about strengths and weakness in unit actions and the way in which these actions can be exploited by you, and the enemy.
(Watch the video of  "Units Infantry Pike Spear" on  http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/How_To_Play_Total_War:_Armies,_Battles_and_Unit_Abilities)

Cavalry Actions
This video is an example of a specific cavalry unit that has different abilities than just your standard cavalry. It gives you advice how and when is best to deploy your unit to make the most of its advantages.

(Watch the video of  "Units Cavalry Shock 1" on  http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/How_To_Play_Total_War:_Armies,_Battles_and_Unit_Abilities)

Naval Attacks
Naval battles give you many attacking options. Larger ships allow you to ram your opponent and deploy a boarding party, while smaller ships move quickly and can often engage opponents from afar.

(Watch the video of  "Units Naval AssaultClass" on  http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/How_To_Play_Total_War:_Armies,_Battles_and_Unit_Abilities)

Fortifications
Defending your regions from attack is crucial. This video demonstrates how your armies can set up fortifications to prepare for incoming attacks. When in battle, this stance will allow to have many defensive advantages.

(Watch the video of  "ArmyStances Fortification 1" on  http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/How_To_Play_Total_War:_Armies,_Battles_and_Unit_Abilities)

ROME II Gets Technical...

While some technologies and advancements are familiar to all cultures, each faction in ROME II has its own tech tree with branches and advancements that allow you to tailor your empire’s approach to total conquest. Each tree starts with two main branches, Military and Civil, but you aren’t restricted to following just one.

Explore the Roman faction’s technological options in this gigantic graphic available through our panoramic viewer here on the Total War Wiki, and start planning your approach to ancient world domination. Will you exercise political or mercantile strength, or will you create the most incredible war machine the world has ever seen?


http://d3sfrpv2p43dtq.cloudfront.net/panorama6/index.html

Total War: ROME II - Legionary Kit with Mykel Hawke + Collector's Edition War Dog Unboxing

U.S. Army Special Forces ‘Green Beret’ combat veteran, Discovery Channel presenter and survivalist Mykel Hawke takes a look at the kind of equipment every Roman legionary was sent to war with over 1,500 years ago. How does it stack up to military standards today?

In this documentary short for Total War: ROME II, Hawke discovers exactly the sort of kit that would have kept the Roman army alive and fighting fit on the front line. From rations and footwear to swords and shields, each individual unit of eight fighting men represented the cutting edge of military might at the time and helped make the Roman Empire the first superpower.
http://youtu.be/f_fpOUQcAac


In what is surely the most anticipated unboxing in videogame history, Rally Point's Craig and Will attempt to unbox the Total War: ROME II Collector's Edition. There's one catch: they're being chased and attacked by trained war dogs. Trained... war... dogs.

Will they die? Will anything be left of them for the long drive home? Find out in the Total War: Rome II unboxing!
In what is surely the greatest (and funniest) unboxing in videogame history, Craig and Will attempt to show off the contents of the Collector’s Edition of Total War: ROME II while being attacked by war dogs. Trained war dogs, with teeth and everything. Welcome to “the unorthoboxing”! Video below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZt2BkutcYs

Total War ROME II: Tactical View

ROME II’s battles feature an entirely new feature called the Tactical View. This enables players to pull the camera seamlessly to a satellite view, in which the entire sweep of the battlefield can be taken in at a glance, and movement orders can be given where required.
Using the Custom Battles option in ROME II, we’ve recreated three of the most remarkable engagements in military history – Pharsalus, Zama and Raphia – to demonstrate how useful the tactical map can be.

The Battle of Pharsalus, 48 BC

Gaius Julius Caeser (yellow) VS Gnaeus Pompeus Magnus (red)
Pharsalus was the decisive battle of Caesar’s civil war. At Pharsalus, he defeated his former co-consul and took the reins of power in Rome, effectively ending the Republic and ushering in the era of the Roman Empire. After chasing Pompey’s army to Greece, Caesar found himself heavily outnumbered, and Pompey held the higher ground. When the armies met, Pompey’s cavalry charged Caesar’s at the flank and, as expected, Caeser’s cavalry turned tail. However, Caesar had hidden a fourth line of infantry behind his cavalry, who used their Pilum spears to attack and ultimately rout Pompey’s cavalry. This left Pompey’s flank wide open to attack, at which point Caeser rolled up his flank, and the fate of Pompey’s army was sealed.

The Battle of Raphia, 217 BC

Ptolemaic Egypt (yellow) VS The Seleucid Empire (red)
Depicting the early stages of the battle, this screenshot depicts the military disposition of Antiochus III of The Seleucid Empire and Ptolemy IV Philopater of Egypt. The two units at the front of Antiochus’ army are Indian war elephants which, in the early stages of the battle, panicked and routed Ptolemy’s smaller, North African war elephants. Ptolemy’s cavalry were also routed, but the Egyptian centre held, and he won the day.

The Battle of Zama, 202 BC

Scipio Africanus (yellow) VS Hannibal Barca (red)
Zama marked the end of the second Punic War, and the clash of two great generals: Scipio Africanus and Hannibal Barca of Carthage. In the years prior to Zama, Hannibal had run an startling military campaign throughout Italy, winning a number of key engagements against Rome. However, when the Romans changed tack and decided to attack Carthage itself, Hannibal was recalled to the city’s defence. As the battle began, Hannibal ordered his elephants directly into the front lines of Roman Hastati, but Scipio ordered the horns to be blown and, panicked by the noise, the elephants recoiled and smashed into Hannibal’s left flank. The Roman cavalry attacked the Carthaginian cavalry on either flank, and chased them from the field. This left the central core of Roman and Carthaginian infantry to fight a closely-matched and bloody engagement. The tide turned, however, when the Roman cavalry wheeled around from chasing Hannibal’s cavalry, and smashed into the rear of the Carthaginian forces, sealing the deal.

Faction thirteen - DLC: The Seleucid empire

The Seleucids

“Tolerance, diversity, strength”
Although eventually embracing many eastern customs, the Seleucids are renowned for their city building and civil engineering, driving Greek colonisation and Hellenization. Furnished with expert cavalry, including cataphracts, horse skirmishers and war elephants, Seleucid armies also sport a solid core of excellent spear and pike infantry provided by a growing number of Greek-speaking colonists.

As the campaign begins, such measures are a necessity when faced with the continuing threat from their Ptolemaic Egyptian neighbours and upheaval among the Seleucid's satrapies. Ever the opportunists however, the Seleucid kings may yet turn the tables, bringing much of Alexander’s former western empire under their sway.
Founded by Seleucus Nicator, or Seleucus the Victor, at its height the vast Seleucid Empire stretched from western Anatolia as far east as the Indus River. During the turmoil of the Wars of the Successors, the Seleucids were able to claim and expand Alexander the Great’s eastern empire, as well as parts of Asia Minor.

Seleucus sealed his overall victory at the Battle of Ipsus in 301 BC. Fielding 500 war elephants, gained through negotiating peace on his eastern border with the Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, his forces proved decisive. The territory under his control contained a diverse range of eastern subcultures, which rapidly became Hellenized by the ruling Macedonian elite and a flood of Greek settlers.

Despite a sometimes precarious position at home, the Seleucids now plan to expand. But where? Into Ptolemaic Egypt? Or beyond, to Alexander’s former western empire in Greece and Macedon? Influenced by their cultural assimilation of eastern culture, The Seleucids have little tolerance for the concept and practice of slavery. As a heavily multicultural society, they also suffer less from public order issues arising from foreign cultures entering their territories. In battle, the Seleucids have access to a wide-ranging roster; as such, they can field capable, balanced and incredibly diverse armies and navies.

Total War Rome II: Trade Routes of Campaign map

The Roman era wasn’t just a time of war and conquest: it was also a time of exploration, discovery, alliance, and of course, trade. This map depicts every trade route and hub in ROME II’s vastly detailed campaign map. Which faction will you play as? Start planning your trade empire now!

Total War: ROME II - Naval Warfare

“The barbarians are coming! ROW FOR YOUR LIVES!”
Join us as we take a closer look at some of the naval units in ROME II, and the tactics they employ.

Naval battles work much more like land battles than ever before. Smaller, faster-moving ships are capable of outflanking larger, slower ships, in a manner similar to the cavalry/infantry dynamic. 
We'll also be taking a look at ramming, boarding, and for the first time, we'll be introducing the Firepot Dieres assault ship, and the stout, oaken Heavy Raiders of the Barbarian navies!
This new video highlights some of the new naval units in Rome II and the tactics they employ. We also take a closer look at the Medium and Heavy Raiders of the Barbarian fleets. Stout oaken ships, for stout oaken folk! 

Total War Rome II: Capital Cities

Among all the settlements and cities to be found as you conquer your way across ROME II’s campaign map, five stand out as great wonders of engineering, seats of learning, and as the hearts of empires: Alexandria, Athens, Carthage, Babylon and Rome.
It’s only right that the battle maps for these mighty seats of ancient civilisation get the special treatment, so we’ve gone to town on making them the most intricate, stunning, authentic and of course epic cityscapes we’ve ever created.
These shots also show the kind of graphical glory the ROME II engine can achieve, with a huge range of environmental lighting variables, colossal amounts of detail, and high-end graphical techniques such as depth-of-field.

Babylon
Oldest city, cultural, thriving and vibrant, with 4000 years of existence. Ancient Capital of fragmented and destroyed the Persian Empire, the city continues with the same force and virtue of the great ancient empires that ruled the land and the rivers of Mesopotamia, which makes it a prize worthy of further expanding nations.


Athens
City-port with 2000 years of existence, the city of Athens was, is and will continue to be the pearl of the Aegean sea and the Greek world. Their story tells that the native people who lives there, was designed to be a center of more advanced philosophy and the most original artistic center, but also a warrior people, well trained and organized, either by land or by sea.


Alexandria
Alexandria, a city may be recent, but it inhabits the collision of two different worlds, which are respected and new civilization in a sea of ​​cultures on the rise. She knew by the Mediterranean's Bride, not a city it is in the Hellenism world, is more richer and influential than the heart of the domains of the Ptolemaic pharaohs. From there, concentrated many commercial fleets around the Mediterranean and more advanced knowledge of the ancient world, supported with a population so large and loyal.


Carthage
The first civilization that developed within the city's sphere of influence is referred to as Punic. The city of Carthage is located on the eastern side of Lake Tunis. According to Greek historians, Carthage was founded by Phoenician colonists from Tyre under the leadership of legendary Queen Dido of Tyre. It became a large and rich city and is a major power in the Mediterranean. Uniting all the Phoenician colonies since 60 years ago, by the fall of Phoenicia on the army of Alexander the Great, and his death, Carthage is a meeting point of various cultures, both Hellenistic, as barbaric, creating an army of loyal marcenários ready fight the new homeland of the heirs of the Phoenicians.


Rome

Since the year 753 BC the city of Rome was populated by different people from all over Italy from the barbarians to the north and the Etruscans (people who ruled Rome as a tyrant kings), and citizens of the Greek colonies in the south and the Samnites (warrior people and rival of Rome, and their warfare techniques are used by the Romans), making it not only the largest city in Italy, but also the heart of the republic and more organized military that the world has ever known.

Dynamic Campaign Map City Growth + Every Choise has a Consequence, not matter which culture

To showcase the incredible detail in ROME II’s campaign map, we've put together this awesome screenshot of city growth, showing off the walled city of Massalia in southern France.

Settlements and cities in ROME II grow in a very organic way, and can expand in a number of different directions, while reflecting some of your key building decisions.



In ROME II, every choice has a consequence, however great or small. Certain acts or events are accompanied with a description, and an artistic rendition of the scene. Here we've brought together four artworks from the game, depicting the same event for the Barbarian, Roman, Greek and Eastern cultures. Can you guess the nature of that event?

Let's Play - Total War: ROME II - Skirmish vs. A.I. - Macedon vs Rome

We’ve got more ROME II footage for you – this time our very own Al Bickham takes on the AI in a skirmish battle. In our latest Let's Play video, Studio Communications Manager Al Bickham's Macedonian forces take on the might of Rome in a straight-up, open terrain skirmish match. He's playing on Very Hard difficulty, so it won't be an easy task to supress the Roman war machine. 

We're playing from the defender's viewpoint, so it's very much a case of "Come at me, bro!" as the enemy assaults his position. See how they employ their abilities and hardened military tactics to wear down our very own hero's forces, with a sprinkle of cunning thrown in for free. 
Will Mr. Bickham survive? Will his Macedonian forces survive the onslaught of the Roman advance? Or is this the end of the Macedonians? There's only one way to find out...

Total War: ROME II -- "Find a Way" (dilemma and options trailer) + Panorama Alps Campaign View

He’s Rome’s greatest enemy and one of the finest military minds in history – but who is he, and how will he find a way to outfox the might of the Roman empire?

"I will find a way -- or make one." 

These were the words of Hannibal; Rome's greatest enemy, and one of the finest minds in military history. He would come to conquer much of Italy during his wars with the growing Republic, but before this, he achieved the impossible. In one of the most daring gambits the world has ever seen, he attacked Rome in her own backyard.

This new ROME II trailer uses Hannibal's remarkable achievement to illustrate the multitude of ways players can outfox their opponents, and demonstrates the breath-taking scope and variety of the campaign map. Find out in this brand new Total War: ROME II trailer, demonstrating just some of the millions of intriguing options available to you during your ROME II campaign.

Total War: ROME II launches worldwide on September 3rd 2013. For more information, visit www.totalwar.com

"Crossing the Alps? Ha! He would lose half his army!"
We’ve done it again – we’ve released another HUGE panorama, weighing in at a tasty 30000 x 6116 pixels, this time showcasing the Barbarian-held lands near The Alps in ROME II’s campaign map (click the link below to see it in all its glory).
http://tww-data.s3.amazonaws.com/panorama5/index.html
 

Let's Play - Total War: ROME II - Campaign - US (Demo)

In this episode, Patricia Ryniak and Dominique Starr are discussing factions, diplomacy and the campaign map. Dom talks us through some of the factions, families, and faction traits and what your choices could mean through the game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0GA_jDYfEs

New Panorama Imagens of Gameplay

All roads lead to...Rome!!!
For this phenomenally sized screenshot, we’ve taken to the map to give you a detailed look at a campaign in action. What are those Spartans up to? Are the Macedonians about to begin a full scale assault? What are all those new agent types up to?! Have a scroll though the newest panoramic to find out.
http://tww-data.s3.amazonaws.com/panorama4/index.html
There’s an elephant in the room!
And it’s angry. It’s been poked with sticks, and it’s ready to rumble.
We’ve done the impossible again and created a vast panoramic screenshot of the Battle of The Nile, complete with bellowing war-elephants, thundering Ballista and terrifying camel-charges, as the armies of Ptolemy and Caesar clash on Egypt’s shores. http://tww-data.s3.amazonaws.com/panorama3/index.html

Let's Play - Total War: Rome II - The Battle of the Nile

Introducing a new Let's Play video series, will be showing you an in-depth look into how Total War: ROME II plays. In this first video, will take you once again to the historic Battle of the Nile but this time; from the Roman perspective. Join Al Bickham and Joey Williams on their endeavor to destroy Egypt against all odds.

Campaign Map Planner

Keen to start planning your conquest in Total War: ROME II? 
Well, we have a little something in store for you now; our ROME II Interactive Campaign Map! This is the geo-political situation at the start of ROME II. Plan your conquest of the Ancient World by selecting your chosen faction from the below and then selecting regions which you expect to conquer in the game. You can also try to recret specific time periods or anticipate reactions to your conquest by selecting other factions and then regions. Don’t forget to share your vision of a world under your control by hitting the “Share Campaign” button below. Pick the faction of your choice, plan out your takeovers, share your plans with your friends and be ready to go for our release date on September 3rd!

http://maps.totalwar.com/rome2map

Campaign Maps of Total War Rome II, with the confirmed playeble factions and Proviences Names

TOTAL WAR: ROME II - E3 2013 STAGE DEMO - Battle of the Nile (47 BC)

After pursuing his former co-consul Gnaeus Pompey Magnus to Egypt in 48BC, Caesar found himself embroiled in the civil war between Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy XIIIth. Caesar, along with the 13th Legion of Rome, became besieged in Alexandria by Ptolemy’s forces. However, Caesar’s increasing support for Cleopatra led to Ptolemy fleeing the city.

Realizing he needed more armed forces, Caesar called on his ally, Mithridates of Pergamum, for assistance. Mithridates heeded the call and marched from Asia Minor with his army, crossing onto Egyptian soil in 47BC. Ptolemy sent a force to intercept them, but this was summarily defeated. Free now to maneuver , Caesar took the 13th, combined forces with Mithridates, and marched on Ptolemy’s position.

If you miss the Gamespot.com's look at E3 2013 show demo? I have got you covered - see the full walkthrough here:

http://www.gamespot.com/e3/total-war-rome-ii-e3-2013-stage-demo-6410148/