Attila (Incl. ALL DLC’s) [2023]

 Attila Introduction:

Total War: Attila, developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega, made its way onto the gaming scene on February 17, 2015. Available for OS X, Windows, and Linux, this release marked the ninth installment as a standalone addition to the Total War series, a renowned franchise known for its strategic gameplay.

Setting the stage in the year 395 AD, the game's narrative unfolds during a pivotal historical juncture known as Late Antiquity. This epoch bridges the gap between the classical era of Rome and the onset of the Middle Ages in European history. The central theme of Total War: Attila revolves around the Migration Period, an era spanning roughly from 400 to 800 AD, characterized by large-scale population movements and significant upheavals across various regions.

Gameplay:

Interestingly, the eponymous character, Attila, isn't immediately present at the outset of the game's campaign. Instead, players encounter Attila's emergence as a playable leader of the Huns during the mid-game phase. This unique approach adds a layer of intrigue to the gameplay dynamics.

Notably, the game's backdrop, which aligns closely with the Dark Ages, invites comparisons to its spiritual predecessor, Rome: Total War: Barbarian Invasion. This previous title also explored the tumultuous aftermath of the Roman Empire's fall and the consequential power struggles.

Geographically, Total War: Attila's campaign map spans a vast area, extending from Bactria in the East to Lusitania in the West and from Caledonia in the North to Garamantia in the Sahara Desert. The map is divided into provinces, each consisting of three regions. Players have the option to conquer regions individually, allowing for a strategic approach to expansion. It's important to note that the count of cities and regions in this installment differs from its predecessor, Total War: Rome II. However, the overall size of the map maintains a similar scale.

A distinctive geographical expansion in Total War: Attila is the inclusion of modern-day Russia. This expansion replaces the eastern provinces of the Hindu Kush, shifting the gameplay focus towards the nomadic Huns. This alteration in the map adds depth to the gaming experience by introducing new challenges and strategic opportunities.

Within the gameplay mechanics, the concept of province capitals holds significance. These capitals represent the most substantial settlements within a province, distinguished by having more building slots and being fortified from the start. This stands in contrast to smaller settlements, which can be upgraded over time to include defensive walls. This strategic distinction adds a layer of complexity to city management and defense.

The game's narrative unfolds against a backdrop of significant historical events. The Roman Empire, at the onset of the Dark Ages, faces turmoil triggered by volcanic activity that sends shockwaves through the empire. Apocalyptic signs further foreshadow impending catastrophe across Europe. Following the passing of Emperor Theodosius I in 395 AD, the empire is divided between his two sons: Honorius in the West and Arcadius in the East. This division, a response to the challenges of governing such a vast territory, exposes both halves of the empire to numerous threats, both internal and external.

As the game commences, players assuming the role of the Western Roman Empire must contend with waves of invading hordes. The Huns' emergence in the East triggers these migrations, and Rome's vulnerabilities become increasingly apparent. Financial strain and military exhaustion hamper the West's ability to repel the invaders effectively. While players initially control vast territories, the gameplay transforms into a survival struggle as Rome's resources and legions are stretched to their limits.

Final Words:

In contrast, the Eastern Roman Empire capitalizes on the division by establishing dominance over the civilized world. Economic reforms and Constantinople's strategic role as a trade gateway between Europe and Asia contribute to the East's economic strength. However, this prosperity doesn't come without challenges. The Eastern Romans face threats like the Visigoths, led by Alaric I, who directly assaults Constantinople, and the persistent specter of the Sassanids in the East.

Adaptation to a changing world is a core theme for the Roman factions. Technological shifts and the growing influence of the Church necessitate new strategies and approaches. This evolving landscape demands players' ingenuity as traditional methods and systems become less applicable.