R:TW Barbarian Invasion

[Levski 1912]

I'm considering buying the Barbarian Invasion expansion, and I have a question for all Codexers- is the gameplay improved in any way over vanilla Rome (or RTR mod)? Graphics don't matter, as I'll be changing all the unit textures anyway if I do buy it.

 

[Balor]

I heard not quite. At least, much less then, say, in Total Realism. Mostly graphics goodness like night battles and whatnot, plus new campaing.
However, since I didn't play it myself - ony heard from people that did...

 

[Trash]

Barbarian invasion really does improve on rome. The hordes make for a rather vibrant gameplay (you never know whom will come knocking at your gates) and playing as the roman factions now poses some serious challenges. The ai seems a lot better on both the campaign map and the battle map. Sieges are challenging and the ai seems to enjoy making amphibious landings when you least aspect it. Other fun things are rebelling generals, the inclusion of religion and a shitload of new units. Personally I can't stand playing the vanilla rome anymore, mostly sticking to bi or rtr. But I'm anxiously awaiting what people will do with the expansion.

 

[Levski 1912]

Barbarian invasion really does improve on rome. The hordes make for a rather vibrant gameplay (you never know whom will come knocking at your gates) and playing as the roman factions now poses some serious challenges. The ai seems a lot better on both the campaign map and the battle map. Sieges are challenging and the ai seems to enjoy making amphibious landings when you least aspect it. Other fun things are rebelling generals, the inclusion of religion and a shitload of new units. Personally I can't stand playing the vanilla rome anymore, mostly sticking to bi or rtr. But I'm anxiously awaiting what people will do with the expansion.

I have one question- are there more field battles? Because the constant sieges in vanilla Rome piss me off to no end.

 

[Balor]

Well, dunno about BI vs TR, but BI + TR would surely be better then just vanilla TR or BI .
I do with they'd make it possibe to properly implement blood and gore, btw.
Talking about realism.

 

[Trash]

I have one question- are there more field battles? Because the constant sieges in vanilla Rome piss me off to no end.

Well, that depends on your playing style eh? The campaignmap has some fewer territories, something that seems to make the fighting and aggression quite a bit harder. That and after awhile the hordes tend to come around. Personally I like to send armies out to destroy the enemy before they reach my walls, but if you're more of a turtle the sieges are probably the same.[/quote]

 

[aweigh]

I always found the sim-management side of Total War to be utter bullshit. The battles were enjoyable in a mindless, kill-your-framerate kind of way, but building your empire was akin to having your testicles smashed with a crowbar.