Fresh off their success of Empire: Total War, Creative Assembly is looking to propel the series into a new direction and become more user-friendly for all gamers.  With such a wide range of time periods to choose from and heroic characters to showcase, none seems more fit than that of Napoleon Bonaparte and his famous expeditions of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Unlike Empire: Total War, one of the biggest new draws is that multiplayer will be available to play right as soon as the game is available in stores.  With the basis of the game revolving around player interaction and multiplayer battles, Napoleon: Total War also features a new drop-in mechanic that lets random players join your game and play against you whenever you start up a new multiplayer session.  Of course this option can be turned off, but it allows all players a chance to join flawlessly and not have to wait for matchmaking searches.

Similar to the past Empire games, there will be plenty of historical relevance to the topic matter, in this case that of Napoleon.  Many of the levels are modeled after his famous battles or places he visited during his expeditions, so naturally you will see yourself battling in Italy, France, Northern Africa, and even around Waterloo, where most remember as the final standoff where Napoleon eventually surrendered to the British Navy.

What makes these battles so intriguing is the wide range of effects that can now hamper the battle for both sides.  For example, wandering around in Northern Africa, players must take into account the extensive heat conditions and desert terrain, where foot soldiers cannot simply maneuver effectively.  Realism has been intensified so that players will have to keep track of their supply depots and not venture too far out of reach, or else face the possibility of being scarcely limited with supplies in the thick of battle.   Utilizing the terrain to your advantage (or disadvantage) has now become one of the major battle elements you need to look out for.  Weather has also been improved so armies react differently to rain, snow and other of the natural forces that could hamper your progress across the battlefield as well.

Look out for the new General characters on the battlefields also, as their inclusion in each battle is now much more important than it ever was before.  Not only do Generals give your armies special abilities, but some can determine the tide of the battle for either side.  Generals abilities usually involve giving armies better accuracy and health or helping them unveil the maps to uncover the enemy’s base, so naturally it is in your best interest to tracks these guys down and kill them as fast as you can.

With the game set to release next month, Napoleon: Total War is looking to be one of the best additions to the series yet, and with new weather effects, terrain elements that can hamper battles and Generals that can unleash hell upon your armies, there is plenty to keep you on your toes as you set out to relive Napoleon’s greatest military achievements.

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About This Author: Josh Schwartzman

Been into gaming for as long as I can remember and have enjoyed every minute of it. I enjoy playing with everyone and anyone online and I am an avid PS3 and Xbox 360 player.

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