Medieval II: Total War

 PC
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 949 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 856 out of 949
  2. Mixed: 72 out of 949
  3. Negative: 21 out of 949
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  1. Bangell
    Mar 25, 2008
    10
    My favourite game ever - epic battles, tactical gameplay on real-time and turn-based levels - an all-round masterpiece.
  2. Bekenel
    May 5, 2011
    9
    Truly excellent game, the graphics are stunning, the sound is well put-together and, despite the huge amount of content rammed into the strategy game in Rome, Medieval 2 has done a very good job of giving players far more options and freedom, allowing for almost total sandbox gameplay, which is what makes it so replayable. The vast variety of what players can do makes this game almostTruly excellent game, the graphics are stunning, the sound is well put-together and, despite the huge amount of content rammed into the strategy game in Rome, Medieval 2 has done a very good job of giving players far more options and freedom, allowing for almost total sandbox gameplay, which is what makes it so replayable. The vast variety of what players can do makes this game almost second to none in its genre.
    The only thing I would take a mark off this for is that siege battles are often a complete nightmare, with regiments often disobeying orders or, even more irritating, half a regiment remaining on one side of a wall while the other stays on top, refusing to do anything while you furiously try and redirect it. This really frustrated me, but apart from that, the campaign is an excellent experience and the in-battle gameplay is astounding. Based on this, It well deserves a 9/10    … Expand
  3. theshermanator
    Aug 15, 2010
    10
    A game that will make you feel like conquering the world. Out of all the total war games this is a personal favorite. Updated graphics bring units to life on the battlefield. Finally the player is able to recruit new units and buildings without a general present in the settlement. Ai is amazing for the most part on the battlefield however total war games have allways had issues withA game that will make you feel like conquering the world. Out of all the total war games this is a personal favorite. Updated graphics bring units to life on the battlefield. Finally the player is able to recruit new units and buildings without a general present in the settlement. Ai is amazing for the most part on the battlefield however total war games have allways had issues with the Diplomacy option. This game is no different. You may get rejected for no conceivable reason when trying to be diplomatic toward another nation. This is one of my small gripes and nothing really serious is wrong with the game.… Expand
  4. JonathanS.
    Mar 27, 2007
    9
    I have played Rome: total war, and now this awesome game, medieval 2. I think that a lot of people are missing that this isn't a second Rome, its a second medieval and its not the same. The cavalry charge in this game isent weak like most people say its 10 times stronger. you can kill a hole group of heavy swordsmen with a blink of an eye if you do it right. but you have to expect I have played Rome: total war, and now this awesome game, medieval 2. I think that a lot of people are missing that this isn't a second Rome, its a second medieval and its not the same. The cavalry charge in this game isent weak like most people say its 10 times stronger. you can kill a hole group of heavy swordsmen with a blink of an eye if you do it right. but you have to expect that its really hard to master the cavalry and yes, they are very bugged when running after routing units, but if you try and put up the game speed you will see that they kill them eventually (but they may do reaaaaaally wierd things). All the grafics are great and all the infantry works fine so except from the cavalry this game is awesome.… Expand
  5. CK
    Jun 11, 2007
    10
    I've always wanted a nice medieval game, one that puts you in the settings of the era. Medieval 2 did this very nicely, not only was i suprised at the depth of the game, but i was completely blown away by the sound and graphics. if you zoom close to the battle, you will see how it feels to see the sky full of flamming arrows, you will hear them zipping past your ears, and the screams I've always wanted a nice medieval game, one that puts you in the settings of the era. Medieval 2 did this very nicely, not only was i suprised at the depth of the game, but i was completely blown away by the sound and graphics. if you zoom close to the battle, you will see how it feels to see the sky full of flamming arrows, you will hear them zipping past your ears, and the screams from your co next to you as they burn in fire from the arrows. You will hear the knights charge from a distance, the pace from the horses picks up and the sound they make thunders from the distance. Sound and Graphics really wins the day, although AI can be a bit buggy, but the quality of the sound + Graphics earns every point from me.… Expand
  6. Doug
    Nov 11, 2006
    10
    A return from the excellent total war series. Excellent gameplay and graphics. Experienced total war players (like me) will enjoy the improvements to the graphics, and the tweaked combat. Even as I write I'm torn between 9 and 10. Some troubles with your soldiers AI are about the only problem with this game.
  7. JohnI.
    Jan 6, 2007
    9
    Great Graphics, some bugs, great gameplay overall, love the addition of the new world, A+
  8. BenjaminK.
    Jan 7, 2007
    10
    I have always been a big fan of the Total War series, and this game just puts me over the top! The graphics are smooth and sweet. The action is ten fold that what it was in Total War 1! If you're into strategy games, buy this!
  9. ArisL.
    Feb 6, 2007
    10
    Excellent game, bringing together a great combination of history with fun gameplay.
  10. CookieC.
    Jan 31, 2008
    10
    The Vanilla game itself is ok, but AI is bad. What gives this game the edge is the community. There are literally loads of mods that you can download, and each of these is truly massive! Don't believe me, just check out the website forum and look for links to mods. Or Just Google "Medieval 2 mods". Then read for yourself. Well worth your money! (If not for the vanilla, then for all The Vanilla game itself is ok, but AI is bad. What gives this game the edge is the community. There are literally loads of mods that you can download, and each of these is truly massive! Don't believe me, just check out the website forum and look for links to mods. Or Just Google "Medieval 2 mods". Then read for yourself. Well worth your money! (If not for the vanilla, then for all the mods!)… Expand
  11. FFStudios
    Nov 2, 2011
    8
    Definately has to be one of the best strategy games I have ever played. Now I know what you're probably thinking; "why an eight then?". First of all, the gameplay offers a massive choice of nations and units each with their own traits, but accessing all of these factions can be a slog at times. The mix of battles, diplomacy, family traits and strategy AI create a truly realistic andDefinately has to be one of the best strategy games I have ever played. Now I know what you're probably thinking; "why an eight then?". First of all, the gameplay offers a massive choice of nations and units each with their own traits, but accessing all of these factions can be a slog at times. The mix of battles, diplomacy, family traits and strategy AI create a truly realistic and immersive game that offers an infinate number of choices to your next move. However, sometimes the game can become a bit taxing to less motivated players (not that I'm complaining) and the AI during battles can often glitch. Whilst these glitches are mostly minor, they nevertheless break your immerson in the game and can be quite annoying when your soldiers glitch about instead of doing as they're told. Nevertheless, despite all its weaknesses, Med 2 is still a briliantly crafted game, its strategy mixed in with impressive graphics and cinematic music will keep you wound up in the Medieval age for hours.… Expand
  12. GiordanoM.
    Nov 14, 2006
    10
    Fantastic game for strategic players.
  13. [anyonimous]
    Nov 18, 2006
    10
    Best Game i've ever played. It posesses many of the old Total War traits which is exactly what makes it so good. Major improvement in the area of sieges (love those castles) and maps. Best part of all, the AI has become much more developed and realistic. Overall its a nice improvement
  14. ShadusS.
    Nov 23, 2006
    8
    Excellent game. I've been playing several other RTS games and was absolutely shocked at how good this is even compared to its predecessors. This deserves to be on every strategy players game shelf and hard drive.
  15. MichaelL.
    Dec 30, 2006
    7
    I've got mixed feelings toward Medieval II. I prefer this time period to the Rome setting and there are numerous improvements to the engine, like the graphics. There are bugs that really can take away from the enjoyment in battles, like major pathfinding problems. The campaign map, or perhaps the campaign as a whole, grows a bit tedious once you have a growing civilization. I'm I've got mixed feelings toward Medieval II. I prefer this time period to the Rome setting and there are numerous improvements to the engine, like the graphics. There are bugs that really can take away from the enjoyment in battles, like major pathfinding problems. The campaign map, or perhaps the campaign as a whole, grows a bit tedious once you have a growing civilization. I'm only picking out some negatives here, though. With a few patches to iron things out - not just fixing bugs, but adding some features and removing some things - I can see Medieval II becoming a very, very great game. But, like I said, at the time of my review I'm a bit mixed towards it.… Expand
  16. AndreaC.
    Dec 11, 2007
    9
    The AI can be largely improved, mainly the separate auto-management of units, agents, and taxes is missing. The game is the most spectacular mixing strategy and real-time tactics, but it lacks adequate management tools when the number of countries controlled becomes high. Turns become lenghty. Pathfinding needs reworking, as being real-timed makes it all too easy to lose a turn just by mistake.
  17. Iain
    Dec 11, 2009
    10
    Pure fantastic strategy, need I say anymore...? Essential.
  18. [Anonymous]
    Nov 14, 2006
    10
    An in depth, inthralling Real time strategy turn based game that keeps you intrested much longer then Rome total war did.
  19. Jerry
    Nov 15, 2006
    10
    Great game, I love the up-close and personal view where you can see your army in actions. Siege battle is awsome as well. 10/10!
  20. JonesR
    Mar 7, 2012
    8
    A good mix of turn-based and real-time strategy, although the turn-based elements often feel oversimplified. It does have a solid real time combat foundation, but the AI is either really good or really bad depending on the difficulty setting--there is no middle ground. If you are new to real time strategy games, this one has a pretty steep learning curve. Even seasoned players may feelA good mix of turn-based and real-time strategy, although the turn-based elements often feel oversimplified. It does have a solid real time combat foundation, but the AI is either really good or really bad depending on the difficulty setting--there is no middle ground. If you are new to real time strategy games, this one has a pretty steep learning curve. Even seasoned players may feel overwhelmed. 17 different factions on top of long and short campaigns give a lot of room for different story paths and immense replayability. One campaign can take days, even months of play time.… Expand
  21. Simox
    Jun 20, 2011
    10
    Fantastic game, limitless playability and excellent graphics among the best rts games I have ever played.
    A good all round winner, the bugs don't cause me many issues if you keep your eye on what your units are doing.
  22. MrFable
    Feb 9, 2013
    10
    Great game, best in the TW series in my opinion. Takes the awesome Rome: TW and improves it. Individual soldiers in each units are also really diverse.
  23. Heroixx
    Jul 16, 2015
    10
    Best total war in the series. Great fun! The best time, fine graphics (though they might be a little bit outdated nowadays --> MODS are the answer) absolutely fantastic gameplay, great music. Oh did I mention the mods?! Free to download a huge Third Age lord of the rings mod which basically is a game of its own. Besides that many many great mods, like Stainless Steel. Absolutely worthBest total war in the series. Great fun! The best time, fine graphics (though they might be a little bit outdated nowadays --> MODS are the answer) absolutely fantastic gameplay, great music. Oh did I mention the mods?! Free to download a huge Third Age lord of the rings mod which basically is a game of its own. Besides that many many great mods, like Stainless Steel. Absolutely worth giving a try!… Expand
  24. caligula_king
    Oct 3, 2015
    10
    Medieval II Total war. En mi opinión uno de los mejores de la saga, Los gráficos son muy buenos en especial para un juego de 2006 (e jugado juegos de estrategia de 2015 con peores gráficos). el sonido un clásico de la Edad media muy interesante y muy bueno se lucieron con los sonidos y la BSO es sublime . En este juego demostró una vez mas quien mandaba en la categoría de juegos deMedieval II Total war. En mi opinión uno de los mejores de la saga, Los gráficos son muy buenos en especial para un juego de 2006 (e jugado juegos de estrategia de 2015 con peores gráficos). el sonido un clásico de la Edad media muy interesante y muy bueno se lucieron con los sonidos y la BSO es sublime . En este juego demostró una vez mas quien mandaba en la categoría de juegos de estrategia .… Expand
  25. PeteF
    Oct 2, 2008
    9
    This game is great, it is adventurous and exciting, it captures your imagination and in the mean time lets you command and kill thousands of soldiers. My only complatint is the AI is sometimes retarted and the campeign can be slow. Besides that its like being right there in the heart of a battle.
  26. Korsu
    Jul 22, 2008
    8
    Medieval 2 is pretty entertaining it's a shame that at some point it becomes very repetitive and bunch of major bugs won't help at all including the horrible battle- and campaign AI. But this is indeed a beatiful game with epic battles.
  27. MacStout
    Nov 15, 2006
    7
    Still a good game, I didn't go to deep for the time being, just few hours playing but frankly speaking I haven't seen a lot of differences with Rome Total War, same global map and interface, same combat map and stategies and no real improvement in graphics. Overall it's a good game for people who liked Total war series but its not a new one, just kind of RTW mod.
  28. ChetN.
    Jan 15, 2007
    7
    Very pretty towns and battles. But I dont like the way cavalry charge and then stop 10 feet before the enemy line loosing their charge bonus, then dying as fast as weak infantry. This now means I dont recruit cavalry ( I was a cavalry general in Rome) as they are expensive waste of time. Watch them out going the oppersite direction when ordered to move, (order left they go right) this Very pretty towns and battles. But I dont like the way cavalry charge and then stop 10 feet before the enemy line loosing their charge bonus, then dying as fast as weak infantry. This now means I dont recruit cavalry ( I was a cavalry general in Rome) as they are expensive waste of time. Watch them out going the oppersite direction when ordered to move, (order left they go right) this kind of kills game play. Chase a routing group and the chasing cavalry scatter to the wind, it requires great skill and repeated direction (clicking) for the unit to do as ordered. This is a serious bug not fixed in 1.1 patch. And why does it still take three years to sail across the Mediterranean Sea (Algiers to Genoa) surely the crew would have died of starvation in this time. I look forward to fixes in the next patch as Medieval 2 should be an incremental improvement on Rome.… Expand
  29. JohnH.
    Feb 28, 2007
    9
    Since I never played the earlier games from the developer I think I see Total War 2 with different eyes than some of the other commentators. Being a huge Civ strategy fan as well as a fan of various RTS games I truly enjoy Total War, it's like two good games in one; Deep strategy and awesome RTS battles. Cavalry attacks can take out half an enemy unit in a few seconds if done right, Since I never played the earlier games from the developer I think I see Total War 2 with different eyes than some of the other commentators. Being a huge Civ strategy fan as well as a fan of various RTS games I truly enjoy Total War, it's like two good games in one; Deep strategy and awesome RTS battles. Cavalry attacks can take out half an enemy unit in a few seconds if done right, just makes sure your cavalry unit is in good formation before you order the attack. After a few seconds, pull them back, regroup and repeat. I don't think it's a bug.… Expand
  30. JonasH.
    Mar 29, 2008
    10
    One of the things I missed in Rome:TW was the economic perspectives of Medieval:TW, but in this game, they have found a great balance, by taking the best elements of Rome and Medieval 1 and making the best historical strategy game to date. I can't wait for Empire:Total War.
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best PC Game of 2006
11
#11 Most Discussed PC Game of 2006
4
#4 Most Shared PC Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. PC Gamer
    90
    A bigger, prettier, and more addictive game that leaves even the series' most recent efforts in the dust...If you think "Rome: Total War's" battles looked good, especially for the number of units on-screen at once (i.e., thousands), Medieval II will blow you away. [Dec 2006, p.28]
  2. PC Gamer UK
    94
    Mesmerisingly challenging... If there's another wargame that blends geopolitics with tactics this brilliantly, or portrays war so memorably, then I'm unaware of it... The new king of wargames. [Dec 2006, p.56]
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    94
    Take the contents and theme from Medieval. Mix them with eye candy from "Rome," add some spice and you have a winner on your hands. [Dec 2006, p.82]
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