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Medieval II: Total War

Medieval II: Total War Game Cover
94%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
stability, grinding
96% User Score Based on 20,959 reviews
Critic Score 90%Based on 2 reviews

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Medieval II: Total War Game Cover

About

Medieval II: Total War is a single player and multiplayer tactical turn-based strategy game with warfare and historical themes. It was developed by Feral Interactive (Mac) and was released on November 15, 2006. It received positive reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

"Medieval II: Total War - Definitive Edition" is a real-time strategy game with a focus on warfare and expansive campaigns. It offers a single-player experience with a good story, delightful gameplay, and pretty visuals, as well as a multiplayer mode. The game includes all DLC and updates since its release and spans an epic era in Western history with hundreds of hours of absorbing gameplay, though it may have bugs and can be very grinding."

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96%
Audience ScoreBased on 20,959 reviews
gameplay459 positive mentions
stability136 negative mentions
  • The soundtrack is exceptional, widely regarded as the best in the Total War series, enhancing the immersive medieval atmosphere.
  • The gameplay offers depth and complexity, combining turn-based strategy with real-time battles, making it engaging and rewarding.
  • The game boasts exceptional replayability due to its extensive modding community and diverse factions, allowing for countless unique campaigns.
  • The game suffers from technical issues, including frequent crashes, bugs, and inconsistent AI behavior, which can detract from the overall experience.
  • Some mechanics feel dated and clunky, particularly in terms of pathfinding and unit controls, leading to a frustrating gameplay experience.
  • The monetization model has drawn criticism, with many players viewing it as a cash grab that fails to address longstanding issues while charging for a 'definitive edition.'
  • gameplay
    1,195 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Medieval II: Total War" is widely praised for its depth and complexity, offering a rich blend of turn-based strategy and real-time battles that many players find engaging and rewarding. While some mechanics feel dated and clunky, particularly in terms of AI pathfinding and unit controls, the game remains a favorite due to its historical immersion, diverse factions, and extensive modding community that enhances replayability. Overall, despite its age, the gameplay is considered solid and enjoyable, making it a classic in the strategy genre.

    • “The incredible amount of detail, from unique banter dialogue between every faction, a settlement system that encourages care and nurturing of your cities, the way units change visually when upgraded, the intense and epic scale of the battles, the grounded and realistic units, and about a dozen other mechanics, they all work together to create one of the most enjoyable and historically pleasing strategy games of all time.”
    • “Its grand-scale battles, atmospheric music, and satisfying campaign mechanics still hold up surprisingly well.”
    • “The gameplay is excellent, 10/10.”
    • “The AI can be inconsistent and some mechanics feel clunky compared to modern strategy titles.”
    • “The gameplay loops are incredibly repetitive.”
    • “The camera controls, in particular, come across as fairly clumsy, and the naval mechanics are little more than an afterthought.”
  • graphics
    1,158 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Medieval II: Total War" are widely regarded as dated, reflecting its 2006 release, yet many players find them surprisingly charming and serviceable for the time. While some reviews note that the visuals can feel clunky and simplistic compared to modern standards, others appreciate the game's artistic style and the immersive atmosphere it creates. Overall, despite the age of the graphics, the gameplay remains engaging, and the modding community has helped enhance the visual experience for many players.

    • “The graphics hold up surprisingly well, and the blend of real-time battles and turn-based strategy continues to be captivating.”
    • “Despite the dated graphics, the battles are still some of my favorite in the series, this was also around when CA figured out how to make AI navigate cities, so it is much more playable on large/ultra size armies than Rome.”
    • “The graphics, despite their age, are still excellent, with a degree of randomization that helps make the various soldiers in each unit look different from each other, rather than having them all be clones of each other.”
    • “The graphics are dated, no doubt, and for some you might have to do the same trick for rome to get the map speed from 'my potato just died' to 'hey this is pretty smooth'.”
    • “The graphics are old-fashioned, the gameplay is sometimes not super responsive, pathfinding is meh and the diplomacy is a bit broken.”
    • “The graphics may be dated and horrible unit placement/pathfinding in towns/castles, but there is something about this older style of the total war game that makes this one stick out from the rest that come after it.”
  • music
    284 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Medieval II: Total War" is widely praised for its exceptional quality and immersive atmosphere, with many reviewers considering it the best soundtrack in the Total War series. Composed by Jeff van Dyck, the soundtrack effectively enhances the game's medieval setting, featuring a mix of atmospheric tracks for the campaign and intense battle music that elevates the gameplay experience. Players often find themselves captivated by the music, which not only complements the action but also lingers in their minds long after playing.

    • “The best soundtrack of any Total War game, hell... maybe even any strategy game, and it's not even close.”
    • “Long after the final trumpet hath sounded, thy echoes linger, calling once more unto 'just one turn more,' a siren song no strategist can deny.”
    • “The soundtrack is simply legendary and the game wouldn't have been the same without it, and that also is the case for the overall aesthetic.”
    • “The only thing I don't like about this game is the Danish having the Slavic soundtrack; since I know Scandinavian languages, I'm just a bit disappointed about this.”
    • “Its a good game and worth buying, although I think that it has quite a boring and depressing atmosphere, especially with the music.”
    • “The soundtrack might be worth listening to on its own, but the music ranges from pleasing and subtle throughout the campaign map to bombastic and pompous during battle.”
  • replayability
    277 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game boasts exceptional replayability, largely attributed to its extensive modding community and the variety of factions and strategies available. Players report countless hours of enjoyment, with many returning to the game for years due to its rich content and the ability to experience unique campaigns each time. Overall, it is considered one of the most replayable titles in the strategy genre, often rated 9/10 or higher for replay value.

    • “I can't believe I've sunk over 4000 hours into this game over the last 20+ years, but I think it shows its timeless beauty and replayability, especially when extended with the KGCM mod.”
    • “The vast roster of factions, units, and technologies ensures countless hours of replayability.”
    • “With strong mod support and endless replayability, it's no wonder this game remains a fan favorite.”
    • “While the variety of factions and strategies adds replay value, the core loop rarely changes, leading to a sense of repetition over time.”
    • “Feel cheated due to lack of replayability, but I feel the experience is a net positive overall.”
    • “The game has near endless replayability because of the loving community of modders who make the game even more enjoyable to play.”
  • story
    192 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story aspect is largely player-driven, with no fixed narrative, allowing players to create their own unique experiences through various missions and campaigns. While some players appreciate the historical flavor and dynamic storytelling elements, others criticize the lack of a cohesive storyline and the sometimes frustrating mission system. Overall, the game offers a sandbox experience where the unfolding events and player choices shape the narrative, making each campaign feel distinct.

    • “Rich campaign filled with historical flavor and dynamic storytelling.”
    • “This game has it all and allows you to make your own storylines with your faction's royal families, using real-life people whose bonuses like leadership and trade matter more than their names.”
    • “Every campaign through this game is a story in itself.”
    • “There isn’t really a fixed story; you create your own.”
    • “The grand campaign is boring beyond belief, late game is lackluster, and boils down to you forcibly having to enjoy getting overwhelmed by the pope's horrible mission choices.”
    • “The campaign mode has no story, like every other Total War game; based on the situation of your nation and other nations, plans and ambitions, you make your own story.”
  • stability
    150 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is frequently criticized, with many users reporting constant freezes, crashes, and various bugs that significantly impact gameplay. While some players appreciate the nostalgic charm and modding potential, the overall consensus is that the game suffers from numerous technical issues, particularly in AI behavior and unit pathfinding, making it a frustrating experience for many. Despite these problems, some still find enjoyment in the game, citing its engaging mechanics and depth, albeit with the caveat of its buggy nature.

    • “Runs great on Steam despite being an older game.”
    • “It runs great on computers new and old too, avoiding the problems of Rome: Total War.”
    • “It runs great with huge units, even on my terrible $250 laptop.”
    • “Great game, but it freezes/crashes constantly these days.”
    • “19 years and this is still a buggy mess.”
    • “The game became buggy and keeps freezing and also sometimes crashes.”
  • optimization
    68 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its ability to run smoothly on both modern and older hardware, handling large battles without significant performance drops. However, others have reported issues such as crashes, lag, and poor optimization compared to newer titles in the Total War series. Overall, while many users find it playable and enjoyable, there are notable concerns regarding its optimization, particularly for newcomers and those using lower-spec PCs.

    • “Handles 10,000+ soldiers on screen without performance drops on modern rigs.”
    • “Stable and well optimized, perfect for potato computers.”
    • “Having played for roughly 100 hours, I can say that this game has excellent optimization, with graphics that are over 12 years old and are still quite charming, allowing for fluid, pleasant gameplay.”
    • “Good game, but terrible optimization that makes campaigns crash every few turns with 'unexpected errors'.”
    • “The game feels like it's stuck in a past era, with performance issues that significantly detract from its enjoyment, especially compared to more modern strategy games.”
    • “And since I bought this game merely to play online battles, bugs, insufficient optimization, and excessive amounts of lag literally ruin the whole experience.”
  • humor
    65 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised, with players enjoying the hilarious pre-battle speeches, quirky character interactions, and amusing cutscenes that add a lighthearted touch to the strategic gameplay. Many reviews highlight the comedic elements, such as the absurdity of certain scenarios and the entertaining voice acting, which contribute to a fun and engaging experience. Overall, the game's humor is seen as a significant factor that enhances its charm and replayability, making it a memorable title even after many years.

    • “Everything in that game had character—the way characters told you to shove off in stereotypical accents, the funny pre-battle speeches, the goofy UI.”
    • “From bumbling advisors to unexpected plot twists, the game is full of hilarious moments that will have you chuckling as you conquer kingdoms.”
    • “When you engage in battles, make sure you wait to hear the general's speeches, because they're either inspiring or incredibly hilarious—depending on their traits.”
    • “It's not funny anymore; all of your Total War games that I have are like this.”
    • “The humor feels forced and falls flat, making the experience less enjoyable.”
    • “I expected clever jokes, but instead, I got tired clichés that didn't make me laugh.”
  • atmosphere
    59 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive medieval setting, enhanced by a rich soundtrack, detailed unit designs, and engaging campaign mechanics. Players appreciate the grand-scale battles and the unique aesthetics of each campaign, which collectively create a captivating experience that draws them back repeatedly. Overall, the combination of music, visuals, and historical accuracy contributes to an exceptional and memorable atmosphere that stands out in the genre.

    • “The medieval atmosphere is rich and engaging, with detailed units and beautiful landscapes that pull you right into the action.”
    • “The campaign is immersive, the battles are intense, and the atmosphere — from music to visuals — truly brings the era to life.”
    • “The game has a powerful atmosphere that is hard to detach from; moreover, it has a lot of historical facts right from historical events to army units.”
    • “A new graphics engine replaced the 'technicolor' effect of Rome, doing justice to the metallic effect of armor and ever-sharpening detail; Medieval 2 appears darker, gritty, alongside a menacing atmosphere.”
    • “The game's medieval atmosphere is further boosted by a provocative musical score, accurate sound effects, and nation-themed voice dialogue.”
  • grinding
    56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious and slow, with many players noting that the micromanagement and repetitive mechanics can detract from the overall enjoyment. While some appreciate the complexity and strategic elements, others find the pacing frustrating, particularly in battles and town management, leading to a sense of it feeling more like work than play. Overall, the game offers engaging moments but is often marred by a grindy experience that can test players' patience.

    • “This game is amazing, one of the greatest games of the Total War franchise by far, bringing a huge amount of micromanagement (not too tedious) allowing you to command virtually every aspect of your chosen faction right down to choosing heirs to inherit your royal lineage.”
    • “The battles are fun, but have a tendency to be slow and grinding; some factions start in large regions, making progress painfully slow.”
    • “Gameplay seems great at first, but there is zero diplomacy; after a number of turns, every AI faction will declare war on you and will never accept peace, making every campaign the same slog of constantly fighting enemy stacks. It's uninteresting, not fun, and very tedious.”
    • “I found it quite tedious to watch every small army or merchant of other factions move.”
  • monetization
    18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many users labeling it a cash grab that fails to address longstanding issues while charging for a "definitive edition." Players express frustration over the prevalence of microtransactions and DLCs in newer titles, contrasting them unfavorably with the complete experience offered by older games like Medieval II: Total War. Overall, there is a strong desire for a return to a model where expansions are meaningful and not laden with additional costs for content that should be included in the base game.

    • “Medieval 2 Total War reeks of Creative Assembly's past passion for the genre and their games, before waves of DLC entered the fray and corrupted its newly released games with microtransactions for stuff that should already be in the game.”
    • “You pay for the full game and you get the full game back in the days when microtransactions and DLC didn't really exist unless it was an expansion.”
    • “All factions are available, the DLC packs are actual expansions, and nothing was locked behind microtransactions.”
    • “This isn't a negative review of the game; it's a negative review of a 'definitive edition' that, despite asking for more money, doesn't fix half of the things that make an old game annoying to play on modern hardware. This is just a cash grab.”
    • “Look how they massacred my boy. They turned the new ones into a glorified Clash of Clans game, selling us cheats and faction unlocks on top of bare-bones DLCs and microtransactions.”
    • “This game is nothing more than a cash grab, a definitive edition that changes nothing, fixes nothing, and runs terribly on high-end computers.”
  • emotional
    16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, highlighting moments of triumph and loss, such as the death of beloved generals and the intense feeling of battle. The game's strategic depth and immersive elements evoke feelings of power and nostalgia, while some players lament the lack of a sequel and the frustrations caused by technical issues. Overall, the emotional weight of the gameplay, combined with its political and personal narratives, creates a memorable experience that resonates deeply with fans.

    • “A true classic... still touching.”
    • “When generals inevitably die, in combat or of old age, it can be emotional, because you were there with them from the start, built them up from nothing, and watched them conquer, only to have to watch them die.”
    • “A heartwarming game that teaches you that a few very special individuals are a lot better than hordes of the same type of boring civilian people :)”
  • character development
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is highly praised, with users highlighting its depth and engagement, particularly through well-crafted traits and character designs. The narrative and strategic elements enhance the overall experience, making it appealing to both single-player and online gamers. Players express a strong emotional connection to characters, wishing for more significant roles, such as Ayyub becoming a sultan.

    • “Here is history, here is empire/character development, here is a masterpiece for history and strategy buffs!”
    • “General speeches, character development, and traits are just so engaging that no other turn-based game comes even close.”
    • “From its character design to its performance, it's a fun and engaging experience in single player as well as online.”
    • “Character development - I wish Ayyub could be sultan. I love him :'(”
    • “General speeches, character development, and traits are just so tasty that no other TW game comes even close.”
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90%Critics’ scoreBased on 2 critic reviews
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168h Median play time
405h Average play time
31h Main story
132h Completionist
27-573h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 90 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Medieval II: Total War is a tactical turn-based strategy game with warfare and historical themes.

Medieval II: Total War is available on PC, Mac OS, Phone, Windows and others.

The main story can be completed in around 31 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 132 hours to finish. On average players spend around 405 hours playing Medieval II: Total War.

Medieval II: Total War was released on November 15, 2006.

Medieval II: Total War was developed by Feral Interactive (Mac).

Medieval II: Total War has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its stability.

Medieval II: Total War is a single player game with multiplayer support.

Similar games include Rome: Total War, Empire: Total War, Total War: Rome II, Medieval II: Total War™ Kingdoms, Total War: Shogun 2 and others.