The Total War series has provided a number of great moments for strategy fans. Each release creates debate over where it fits in the series. A gamer took their time to reflect on recent titles and the impact they’ve had. So, they went back to some old entries in the series and newer ones. In the end, we got a full ranking of the God of War video game series.
Ranking Criteria: What Makes a Total War Game Stand Out?
This tier list has been based off enjoyment and the re-playability of the games. Considerations include.
- How the game has held up over time.
- Release quality and technical accomplishments.
- The series had a lasting impact, including new mechanics.
Each tier considers these criteria, from classics of near perfection at the top and most forgettable below.
Tier Descriptions:
- S Tier almost perfect and will go down as a classic.
- A Tier: Good quality but has minor issues
- B Tier- Decent enough but is held back by major flaws.
- C Tier: Fans of the setting may appreciate some aspects, but it has some issues.
- This tier is only for people who are fans of this era or theme.
- F Tier: Something you shouldn’t even bother with, with no redeeming qualities.
- Not in the rankings.
Honouring the Originals and Unranked Titles
Some items remained unrated because I didn’t feel able to comment on them personally, or they simply weren’t relevant enough. The original Shogun and Medieval, along with Thrones of Britannia and Warhammer 1, helped create the series, but they are absent from the tier list as more developed successors soon overshadowed their influence.
The Tier List – Chronological Journey Through Total War
Rome: Total War is surely A tier material. As a tech marvel in its time, it introduced moving army army fluidly, becoming a yardstick for future releases. This leaves a rich legacy across the strategy genre. Even if the graphics are a bit dated today, Rome is certainly a powerful influence.
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Medieval II: Total War – A Timeless Masterpiece
Medieval II: Total War earns the top spot, comfortably seated in the S tier. Taking Rome as its platform, it refined many of its gameplay elements. Despite how long ago it was released, it is still a popular choice with gamers thanks to its immersive historical setting.
Empire: Total War – Ambition Meets Its Limits
Empire: Total War is in the C tier, with a love/download divide. The leap to the 18th century introduced mechanization like decentralized provinces and naval battles. Regrettably, technical issues and an over-ambitious scope held it back from greatness.
Napoleon: Total War – A Focused Improvement
Napoleon: Total War is better than Empire, sitting easy in B tier. Focusing on Europe let it be more polished and cohesive in terms of battles, campaign structure, and performance. While it did not change the series, it is a good historical experience.
Shogun 2: Total War – Elegance in Simplicity
Shogun 2: Total War drops into the lower S tier for its balanced mechanics, stylish presentation and satisfying battles. Although the historical context suits the streamlined faction design, limited units decrease overall replayability. The inclusion of character skill trees was a new standard for the franchise.
Fall of the Samurai – Exceptional, Yet Overpriced
Originally an expansion for Shogun 2, Fall of the Samurai is placed in the B tier, just above C. The gameplay is entertaining thanks to the traditional and modern warfare mix. However, the standalone title isn’t cheap, and that has affected some impressions. Otherwise, the quality is excellent.
Rome II: Total War – A Rocky Release Finds Redemption
Rome II: Total War is rated B tier. Despite a notorious launch filled with bugs and performance issues, post-release support and content updates have improved its reputation. Even if some campaign mechanics remain controversial, its undiminished popularity says a lot.
Attila: Total War – Complexity Over Appeal
Attila: Total War is a C tier game that is deep enough to challenge the most hardcore strategies. The focus on late Roman history along with mechanics like religion and horde factions add depth, but a dull visual style and less engaging setting limit its wider appeal.
Warhammer II: Total War – Fantasy Brilliance
Warhammer II: Total War is an S tier game, falling just below Medieval II. The varying factions and creative campaign mechanics allow for endless play. The Mortal Empires campaign, featuring the maps from both Warhammer games, creates a scale not often seen in strategy games.
Three Kingdoms: Total War – Modern Historical Excellence
Three Kingdoms: Total War belongs in the A tier, being the best of all modern historical ones. The game stands out for its deep province management, engaging diplomacy, and fascinating character systems. The blend of history and mythology is suitable for the fan base.
Troy: Total War – Limited by Its Setting
Total War Troy finds itself in D tier. The new resources are a nice addition to the way game plays, but other mechanics need work. The Bronze Age setting is quite limiting in variety. If the era is not a particular favourite then there are stronger options in the series.
Pharaoh: Total War – Familiar but Forgettable
Total War Pharaoh also lands in the D tier, though it is better than Troy. The outpost system and an interesting apocalyptic endgame are not enough to elevate the repetitive battles and dull heroes. Due to these flaws, it is difficult to justify its full-price launch.
Warhammer III: Total War – The Pinnacle
Warhammer III: Total War is the best of the best and it even sits at the S tier. Through consistent updates, the game, which started with balance problems, has become a large, infinitely replayable experience. The Immortal Empires campaign by itself grants hundreds of hours of play, making it the Greatest Total War Game to date.
Reflections and Final Thoughts
No Total War game is without merit. Even the lesser-known games have brought in mechanics or have tried to innovate in some manner. The latest releases in the historical genre have not done that well. But the series is still the standard bearer for grand strategy experiences. Because the fans remain enthusiastic, the developers must deliver a great product with each iteration.
Which Total War game ranks highest for you? Every fan has their own favourites in this legendary franchise and the debate is far from being over.