Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Total War: Eras presents an unprecedented trove of turn-based strategy and real-time tactics by bundling all seven classic Total War titles into a single collection. From Shogun: Total War’s feudal Japanese clans vying for supremacy to Rome: Total War – Alexander’s focused, character-driven conquest, each campaign retains its original depth and strategic nuance. You’ll manage diplomacy, economy, and army recruitment on the grand campaign map before directing thousands of soldiers across varied terrain in real time.

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Each installment introduces its own gameplay twist. Shogun’s limited provinces and clan politics give way to Medieval: Total War’s sprawling European theatres, complete with chivalric orders and crusades. The Viking Invasion expansion enhances coastal raids and ship-borne assaults, while Barbarian Invasion dramatizes the twilight of Rome with hordes of migrants and decaying infrastructure. Despite their age, these systems remain remarkably engaging, offering diverse approaches from heavy cavalry charges to siege engineering.

The compilation also includes exclusive preview material for the upcoming Medieval II: Total War, giving veterans a sneak peek at new features and engine upgrades. This bonus content helps bridge the gap between the older titles and future releases, letting you compare evolving unit rosters, settlement mechanics, and AI behaviors side by side. Although AI quirks and interface relics persist in the oldest games, the unified launcher and quality-of-life improvements—such as adjustable camera settings and modern resolutions—go a long way toward smoothing out the experience.

Graphics

Graphically, Total War: Eras spans the full evolution of the series’ engines, from the comparatively rudimentary polygonal models of Shogun to the more detailed crowds and dynamic lighting found in Rome: Total War expansions. While you can’t retroactively overhaul textures or animations, the compilation includes updated widescreen support and optional post-processing filters to give each battle a touch of modern polish. On high-end systems, even the older titles feel surprisingly crisp when supersampled.

The art booklet and five full-color art cards spotlight concept sketches, unit designs, and fortress renderings from every era, providing context to the visual changes over time. In-game cinematics in Alexander and Barbarian Invasion still impress with dramatic camera sweeps, though they look dated compared to today’s AAA standards. Nevertheless, the ability to compare artwork from Shogun through Medieval II in one place underscores how Creative Assembly’s aesthetic vision matured alongside hardware advances.

One highlight is the glossy A2 poster for Medieval II: Total War, which doubles as both collector’s memorabilia and a handy reference for unit icons and campaign map regions. While the in-battle terrain textures and weather effects vary in fidelity, the grand scale of each engagement remains undiminished. Overall, the compilation embraces its legacy with minimal visual sacrifices and thoughtful presentation of each title’s original look and feel.

Story

Unlike narrative-driven RPGs, Total War’s “story” unfolds through player-driven campaigns and emergent events. Each game situates you within a distinct historical period, from the rise of the samurai class in Shogun to the fragmentation of Western Rome in Barbarian Invasion. Campaign objectives—such as uniting Japan, reclaiming Jerusalem, or reaching the Indus—provide a loose narrative framework, but the real drama emerges when alliances shatter, rival generals betray you, or plague decimates your armies.

The included 40-minute documentary, “The Total War Story,” deepens that narrative by tracing the series’ development. Interviews with designers, archive footage, and concept art discussions interweave behind-the-scenes anecdotes with commentary on Medieval II’s innovations. This film enriches the historical immersion by revealing the creative challenges behind representing siege warfare, naval battles, and period-accurate uniforms.

Supplemental materials—like the art booklet and preview snippets of Medieval II—further situate the player within the Total War universe. They chart the evolution of faction identities and unit archetypes, illustrating how a Mongol horse archer in Shogun laid the groundwork for later age-of-knights confrontations. While you won’t encounter a linear storyline, the compilation’s extras create a meta-narrative about the series itself, celebrating nearly a decade of strategic innovation.

Overall Experience

Total War: Eras stands out as both a historical compendium and a celebration of one of strategy gaming’s most enduring franchises. For newcomers, it’s a chance to experience each title in chronological order, witnessing firsthand the series’ mechanical refinements. For veterans, it’s a nostalgia-packed journey through battles you’ve led a dozen times, now unified under a polished launcher with modern display options.

The value proposition is compelling: seven full campaigns, multiple expansions, a documentary, art booklet, poster, and collectible cards all for the price of a single premium release. Whilst some of the oldest titles may feel rough compared to contemporary standards, their inclusion is absolutely essential to appreciate how far the Total War formula has come. The preview material for Medieval II stokes excitement for future battles, and the packaged physical goodies will be treasured by fans and collectors alike.

Ultimately, Total War: Eras delivers an expansive strategic sandbox enriched by context and nostalgia. Whether you’re rallying samurai under a crimson sun or crushing barbarian warbands at the gates of Rome, the compilation offers hours upon hours of deep, varied gameplay. With its blend of historical breadth, tactical complexity, and behind-the-scenes insight, Total War: Eras is a must-have for any strategy enthusiast looking to command empires across the ages.

Retro Replay Score

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