November 10, 2006 - The Total War series has yet to let us down. Through three different iterations and a handful of expansions, the series has consistently delivered some of the most exciting and visually appealing tactical action in any strategy game, historical or otherwise. It should come as no surprise then that the latest in the series, Medieval II: Total War, is an undeniably thrilling strategy experience.

Be warned, however. This is not the revolutionary leap forward we saw in Rome: Total War. The new sequel takes the basic package of Rome and revisits the basic campaign setting of the original Medieval: Total War. In terms of the overall gameplay, there aren't that many surprises here for fans of the series. There are a few new touches here and there that are worth investigating, as well as some substantial improvements in the graphics department.

The Total War series gives players the best of both worlds. On the one hand, it offers a turn-based strategic game where you manage the development of your settlements, handle foreign relations, create and move armies around the map. On the other hand it offers intense real-time battles that capture the cinematic pageantry and intense savagery of warfare. What's more impressive is that both aspects of the game are well integrated into a cohesive whole.

This time around players will be returning to the Age of Chivalry -- when knights went crusading in the Holy Land, when Italian city-states warred against each other with hired mercenaries, when succession crises provoked kings to make war upon their neighbors. The grand campaign covers several centuries, from longbows to cannons, and lets fight and conspire with nations from England to Egpyt, Portugal to Poland. There's even a small side trip you can take to battle the Aztecs in the Americas.

One of Medieval II's most important new concepts is the distinction it draws between castle and town settlements. Where the previous game offered a single generic settlement type, Medieval II requires players to plan out what types of settlements they'd like to develop. Towns are large, open areas, very susceptible to attack but capable of producing a greater financial benefit to your empire. Castles are much easier to defend and can produce more elite troops but they can't sustain themselves economically. Striking the balance between the two and knowing where to place them adds another interesting layer to the overall campaign game.

Religion plays a larger role this time around. While it's been present in previous games, it was never really as fully integrated into the overall experience. This time around the Pope plays a powerful political role, calling crusades down on the unbelievers, excommunicating uncooperative Christian rulers, and generally making sure everyone makes war against the right people. Particularly savvy players can even gain control of the Papacy and use it for their own personal gain. The different faiths in the game also makes conversion of conquered provinces a higher priority.

The new game also opens up new economic strategies with the addition of merchants who can claim resources scattered around the map. While not a game winning strategy, the careful placement of merchants can provide a modest boost to your income that can begin to make a small difference in the longterm.