The Total War series has been a staple of the strategy gaming genre for over two decades, with a loyal fan base and critical acclaim. Developed by Creative Assembly, the series has seen numerous titles, each with its unique setting, gameplay mechanics, and historical context. In this article, we will delve into the world of Total War, exploring the best-selling title in the series and what makes it stand out.
A Brief History of the Total War Series
The Total War series debuted in 2000 with the release of Shogun: Total War, set in feudal Japan. The game was a groundbreaking title that combined turn-based strategy with real-time battles, a formula that would become the hallmark of the series. Since then, the series has expanded to include various settings, such as ancient Rome (Rome: Total War), medieval Europe (Medieval II: Total War), and even fantasy worlds (Total War: Warhammer).
Evolution of the Series
Over the years, the Total War series has undergone significant changes, with each new title introducing new features, mechanics, and improvements. Some notable developments include:
- The introduction of 3D graphics in Medieval: Total War (2002)
- The addition of naval battles in Empire: Total War (2009)
- The incorporation of fantasy elements in Total War: Warhammer (2016)
- The use of advanced AI and physics engines in Total War: Three Kingdoms (2019)
The Best Selling Total War Game
According to various sources, including Steam Spy and the NPD Group, the best-selling Total War game is Total War: Warhammer. Released in 2016, the game has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, making it the highest-selling title in the series.
Why Total War: Warhammer Stands Out
So, what makes Total War: Warhammer the best-selling title in the series? Here are a few reasons:
- Unique Setting: Total War: Warhammer is set in the Warhammer Fantasy universe, a rich and immersive world created by Games Workshop. The game’s fantasy setting, complete with magical creatures, legendary heroes, and epic battles, appeals to fans of the Warhammer franchise and newcomers alike.
- Engaging Gameplay: The game’s gameplay mechanics, including the combination of turn-based strategy and real-time battles, are both challenging and rewarding. Players must manage their armies, build and maintain cities, and navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries.
- High-Quality Graphics and Sound: Total War: Warhammer features stunning graphics and sound design, with detailed character models, environments, and special effects. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Richard Beddow, is equally impressive, perfectly capturing the mood and atmosphere of the Warhammer universe.
Reception and Reviews
Total War: Warhammer received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many reviewers praising its engaging gameplay, rich setting, and high-quality graphics. The game holds a Metacritic score of 86/100 on PC, indicating “universal acclaim.”
Other Notable Total War Games
While Total War: Warhammer is the best-selling title in the series, other games are worth mentioning:
- Total War: Shogun 2: Released in 2011, Shogun 2 is set in feudal Japan and is widely considered one of the best games in the series. It features improved graphics, new gameplay mechanics, and a rich historical setting.
- Total War: Rome II: Released in 2013, Rome II is set in ancient Rome and features a massive campaign map, new gameplay mechanics, and improved graphics.
- Total War: Three Kingdoms: Released in 2019, Three Kingdoms is set in ancient China and features a new gameplay mechanic, the ” Records Mode,” which allows players to relive historical battles.
Comparison of Total War Games
Here is a comparison of the top-selling Total War games:
| Game | Release Year | Sales | Metacritic Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total War: Warhammer | 2016 | 20 million+ | 86/100 |
| Total War: Shogun 2 | 2011 | 10 million+ | 90/100 |
| Total War: Rome II | 2013 | 8 million+ | 85/100 |
| Total War: Three Kingdoms | 2019 | 5 million+ | 88/100 |
Conclusion
The Total War series has come a long way since its debut in 2000, with each new title introducing new features, mechanics, and improvements. Total War: Warhammer stands out as the best-selling title in the series, with its unique setting, engaging gameplay, and high-quality graphics and sound. While other games in the series, such as Shogun 2 and Rome II, are also worth mentioning, Warhammer remains the most popular and critically acclaimed title in the series.
Final Thoughts
The Total War series continues to evolve, with new titles and expansions being released regularly. As the series moves forward, it will be interesting to see how it adapts to changing gaming trends and technologies. One thing is certain, however: the Total War series will remain a beloved and respected part of the gaming community for years to come.
What is the best-selling Total War game of all time?
The best-selling Total War game of all time is Total War: Warhammer II. Released in 2017, this game has sold over 5 million copies worldwide, making it the highest-selling game in the Total War series. The game’s success can be attributed to its engaging gameplay, rich storyline, and the popularity of the Warhammer Fantasy universe.
Total War: Warhammer II is a turn-based strategy game that allows players to control various factions, including the High Elves, Dark Elves, and Lizardmen. The game features a massive open world, complex diplomacy systems, and epic battles with hundreds of units on the battlefield. Its success has led to the development of several DLCs and a sequel, Total War: Warhammer III.
What makes Total War: Warhammer II so popular among gamers?
Total War: Warhammer II is popular among gamers due to its unique blend of strategy, exploration, and combat. The game’s fantasy setting, based on the Warhammer universe, offers a rich and immersive world to explore, complete with its own lore and mythology. The game’s turn-based strategy gameplay allows players to plan and execute complex battles, while the real-time combat system provides an exciting and visceral experience.
Another factor contributing to the game’s popularity is its high replayability. With multiple playable factions, each with its own unique units, abilities, and playstyle, players can experiment with different strategies and approaches. The game also features a robust modding community, with thousands of user-created mods available that can add new content, mechanics, and features to the game.
How does Total War: Warhammer II compare to other games in the Total War series?
Total War: Warhammer II is widely considered one of the best games in the Total War series, and its success can be attributed to its well-designed gameplay mechanics and engaging storyline. Compared to other games in the series, such as Total War: Rome II and Total War: Attila, Warhammer II offers a more streamlined and accessible experience, with a gentler learning curve and more intuitive controls.
However, some fans of the series may prefer other games, such as Total War: Shogun 2, which is set in feudal Japan and offers a more historical and realistic experience. Ultimately, the best Total War game is a matter of personal preference, and players may find that they enjoy different games in the series for different reasons.
What are some of the key features of Total War: Warhammer II?
Total War: Warhammer II features a massive open world, set in the Warhammer Fantasy universe, which players can explore and conquer. The game includes a variety of playable factions, each with its own unique units, abilities, and playstyle. The game also features a complex diplomacy system, which allows players to form alliances, trade resources, and declare war on other factions.
The game’s combat system is also a key feature, with epic battles featuring hundreds of units on the battlefield. Players can control a variety of units, including infantry, cavalry, and monsters, and use powerful magic spells to turn the tide of battle. The game also features a robust multiplayer mode, which allows players to compete against each other in online battles.
Is Total War: Warhammer II suitable for new players to the Total War series?
Total War: Warhammer II is a great introduction to the Total War series, and new players can easily jump into the game without prior knowledge of the series. The game’s tutorial and early campaign missions provide a gentle learning curve, introducing players to the game’s mechanics and systems in a gradual and intuitive way.
However, new players may find some of the game’s more complex systems, such as the diplomacy and trade mechanics, to be overwhelming at first. It’s recommended that new players take their time to learn the game’s mechanics and experiment with different strategies and approaches before diving into the game’s more challenging campaign missions.
What are some of the DLCs available for Total War: Warhammer II?
Total War: Warhammer II has several DLCs available, which add new content, mechanics, and features to the game. Some of the most popular DLCs include the “Rise of the Tomb Kings” and “The Queen & The Crone” DLCs, which add new playable factions and units to the game. The “Blood for the Blood God II” DLC adds new blood and gore effects to the game’s battles, while the “The Warden & The Paunch” DLC adds new units and mechanics to the game’s campaign mode.
Other DLCs, such as the “Mortal Empires” DLC, add new campaign modes and features to the game, while the “The Hunter & The Beast” DLC adds new units and mechanics to the game’s multiplayer mode. Players can purchase these DLCs separately or as part of a season pass, which provides access to all of the game’s DLCs.
Is Total War: Warhammer II available on multiple platforms?
Total War: Warhammer II is available on multiple platforms, including PC, Mac, and Linux. The game is available on Steam, the App Store, and the Feral Interactive store, and can be purchased as a digital download or as a physical copy.
The game’s system requirements are relatively modest, and players can run the game on a variety of hardware configurations. However, players with lower-end hardware may need to adjust the game’s graphics settings to achieve smooth performance. The game is also available on cloud gaming platforms, such as Google Stadia, which allows players to play the game on a variety of devices without the need for a dedicated gaming PC.