This is the closest you're going to get to RTS nirvana, folks. The third installment in the Total War series, Rome: Total War is quite possibly the most complete strategy title put out for the PC to date. Combining the successful elements of Sid Meir's Civilization and the Age of Empires series, Total War has slowly built it's own dynasty which peaks in it's latest gem, Rome.

A similar premise to the previous Total War game, Medieval, Rome has two approaches to gameplay - Campaign and Skirmish. Campaign allows the player to take control of one of many factions (i.e. the Julli, Scipii, Brutii) in an effort to expand your empire and ultimately conquer the known world. It is in this mode that the player must tactfully nuture his cities and armies to build a force strong enough to conquer neighboring lands and defend against invading armies. The distinguishing factor between the Total War series and Civilization in regards to building cities is that you don't necessarily need to please the population to maintain a powerful state. I would estimate 75% of the buildings in the game are geared towards military development, the other 25% divided amongst political and economical advances. Relying on this "war first" system is what essentially makes the Total War series so enjoyable - rarely will the player have to wait to join the fraicas, as action is guaranteed from the beginning of your campaign till its triumphant end.

An added feature to Rome that was not present in the previous installments is the mission based system instituted by the Roman Senate. It is here that the player is ordered to complete necessary tasks such as blockading a city, eradicating a population problem or flat out conquering a specific territory. Although all of the playable factions are indeed Roman, the player specific faction is essentially warring for influence and renown within its own country. So do what the damn Senate tells you, or your influence on the populous will soon decrease and utter chaos will ensue.

The second option for gameplay, Skirmish, allows the player to engage in mindless battles or undertake the arduous task of reliving a historical campaign pertinent to a specific faction. Less strategic and open ended than the Campaign gameplay, historical scenarios are geared towards achieving timely goals within a specified period for a specified faction. Skirmish mode is indeed angled towards the player that has less patience for establishing a campaign and would rather indulge in a quick battle or lengthy "Troy" like siege.

In addition to the strategic upgrades in the Rome game, Total War has now introduced a 3D graphics engine to its battles, creating a more life like experience for the player. The oft used field view gives the player a great sensation as he watches his general's army bash the brains out of his opponent and trample the lands of heathen oppositions. In previous Total War games, the view was from an overhead perspective where your troops were wee people. And although extremely funny to watch at times (like when you have 1,000 men in your army chasing after a single enemey unit) the battle scenes would often seem detached.

Both sound and gameplay have remained relatively untouched, which is a good thing! Extremely realistic (down to the last marching soldier's footsteps!) sound effects coupled with a harrowing score add an intense amount of depth to the battles. Total War's in depth tutorials also make a return in the new title, which makes for understanding the many facets of conquering that much more fun!

To me, the Total War series, in particular Medieval and Rome, are some of the best games available for the PC. As far as RTS goes, gamers would be hard pressed to find a more enjoyable experience both in the computer and console realms. The action is non-stop, players have to use strategy to succeed and there's always the lingering fear that one's empire could crumble at the drop of a sword. Activision has provided the real deal in RTS games and I only hope that they intend on pursuing future installments of the series.