Pharaoh - Total War

[Marshal Lannes]

Oh Good ! - Narcissistic megalomania catered for in Ancient EGYPT......I am all for it.......so this is what the beetles at Total War have been dunged up with. People have been clamouring for Medieval 3......a return to historicity over fantasy, and this will be the sacrificial offering to appease the Gods and people. The only trouble is;.... how many bulls and birds will be chosen for Amun - RA.

From a personal perspective; this is an intriguing and interesting proposition. The backdrop, in terms of historicity and buildings/terrain is definitely eye candy. I will hazard a guess and assume that they will choose the Ramesside Dynasty as a focal piont for territorial conquest and power. You will have to keep the priesthood happy with donations of booty, so that they support your power and governance for the duration.

This definitely is a good idea.....you can have great mood music and explore a world which is mostly confined to documentaries and books.

They do not disclose much in the video.........maybe testing the Nile water....seeing the initial impact and response from people........and then , possibly claiming that it is an add on scenario for Rome 2, rather than a full blown title.........sneeeeeeky. !...

My only hope is that it will not have fantasy elements.........or be a Thrones of Britannia hash up............in which case ; the developers will suffer the Homdai and be mummified alive, buried in a sarcophagus for the rest of time........seems reasonable...

 

[Marshal Lannes]

Looks like a recent large poll shows a bit less than a third of people are excited about Pharoah/ Total War. Apathy has taken hold, which is not surprising as people believe that the franchise has lost it's roots by delving into the Warhammer /Fantasy genre. Apparently there has been a mass exodus from forums after the release of Rome 2 which is about 9 years ago.

Note to self - get Rome Remastered...................big and historical and fan driven rather than profit driven...............or you will get desertion in the ranks. I am not a die hard Total War player as I eventually get tired of it but definitely can see why true fans are not overawed by the latest offering or those in the last 9 years.

 

[Pfc TAZ]

I think one of the reasons people aren't too excited is that they are releasing so many games that don't really differ substantially from one another, just uses a different theme.

 

[Marshal Lannes]

think one of the reasons people aren't too excited is that they are releasing so many games that don't really differ substantially from one another, just uses a different theme.

Unfortunately for big game developers.....they should take heed of the age of cancel culture, as consumers can easily boycott brands based on any perceived dissatisfaction.......that includes not getting the games they want............the apathy with Pharaoh should be a warning signal.......and of course as you said.......trotting out the same substance is not good either...............

 

[Marshal Lannes]

Eye Candy............ratcheting it up.......an invasion of Egypt by the Sea Peoples who come from nowhere, ( at least , they are being historical ).......and so far the Campaign map is being slowly revealed.

This stuff was going on long before Alexander or Caesar were in their diapers........as someone once said; " we are just passing through history,........Jones,..........This is History ! ".

And there are no other relevant games dealing with this........so it has an extra purchase notch.....if the music , atmospherics are outstanding.....then we have a buy and not a Bye bye !..................
.

 

[Marshal Lannes]

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Good stuff -

1. Slower paced battles.
2. 25 unit/formations can be controlled.
3. Stunning battlefield/backdrops - mountains rivers etc
4. Sweltering heat effect, rain, thunderstorms; sandstorms of varying degrees
5. Multiple settlement locations have to be taken to win control; each taken forces morale effect on defenders
6. Buildings, trees, wooden stuff burns.
7. Unit pictures are good and clear.
8. Walls nice and big.
9. Music - Too limited to make comment....seems OK.
10. UI Navigation seems to be clearcut.

" Kill !............ Kill them all,......let none live..........let the sand drink their blood...........this is the price of defiance...........................this is the sacrifice,.................. to Horus ! ". .

 

[Marshal Lannes]

This may turn out to be an unexpected success...........the game system is definitely more primed for bow, sword and spear action................and little touches to atmospherics can make all the difference.
Can't wait to see the Canaanite, Hatti and Sea People factions.................looking good so far..

 

[Marshal Lannes]

Rebooted my Shogun Total War 2 game. Forgot how time consuming and immersive it is. Never played as the Oda clan.......and am having a blast with difficulty even getting a good starting position......the A.I. shows no mercy at the beginning on Hard difficulty. I can only imagine the nightmare on Very Hard and Legendary.

I prefer it to Rome.........always a good idea to leave a game for a long while and then come back to it, as it is more challenging as you have forgotten stuff and make mistakes......which starts the learning curve all over again to become a Master of Warfare and SHOGUN of all Japan....Hai ! ...... .