Every once in a while a game comes along that makes you realize just how good games can be. Total War: Warhammer 3 is that game. It makes you feel stimulated by the game play, challenged by the diabolical AI, delighted with the emergent storytelling, and ultimately proud of your abilities as a general. (Or slightly ashamed for new players, because this game, while excellent, has one of the steeper learning curves in strategy games.) The game is the pinnacle of design and world building for the team at Creative Assembly. If you’re not playing it, you really should be.
Creative Assembly
The premise is ambitious: you control a small region of a fantasy world where factions vie for control of the map. Who you choose as your starting lord determines what units you have access to, where you begin, and often, who you can ally with. Politicking with other AI controlled faction leaders to trade, team-up, and fight against is a huge part of the game. Part of the game is done in “campaign”, building up your settlements, strengthening alliances, and moving your armies around a vast map. The other half takes place in real time strategy battles with incredibly detailed movements and complex character stats.
Creative Assembly