Are you a strategy game enthusiast torn between two of the most iconic games in the Total War series? Do you find yourself oscillating between the grandeur of ancient Rome and the brutal ferocity of the Hunnic Empire? If so, you’re not alone. The debate between Rome 2 and Attila has been raging for years, with fans passionately arguing for their preferred title. In this article, we’ll delve into the core differences between these two behemoths, helping you make an informed decision about which one to play.
A Brief Overview of Rome 2 and Attila
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a step back and briefly introduce our contenders.
Rome 2, released in 2013, is the eighth main installment in the Total War series. It takes players on a grand adventure through ancient Rome, encompassing three centuries of imperial rise and fall. With a focus on conquest, diplomacy, and empire-building, Rome 2 offers a sprawling campaign map that spans from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to Persia.
Attila, released in 2015, is the ninth main installment in the Total War series. This game is set in the 5th century AD, during the tumultuous period of the Western Roman Empire’s decline. Players take on the role of the Hunnic Empire, led by the infamous Attila the Hun, as they ravage and conquer their way across Europe and the Middle East.
Core Gameplay Differences
One of the most significant differences between Rome 2 and Attila lies in their core gameplay mechanics.
Rome 2’s Empire-Building Focus
Rome 2 is all about building and maintaining a vast empire. Players must manage resources, construct buildings, and recruit troops to expand their territory. The game’s campaign map is massive, with a focus on diplomacy, trade, and strategic alliances. Rome 2’s battles are epic in scale, with massive armies clashing in pitched battles.
Attila’s Nomadic Conquest
Attila, on the other hand, is centered around the nomadic Hunnic Empire’s lightning-fast conquests. Players must navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries between various factions, using speed and maneuverability to outmaneuver their opponents. Attila’s campaign map is smaller than Rome 2’s, but it’s packed with hotspots of conflict and opportunities for expansion.
Battle Mechanics and Unit Rosters
When it comes to battle mechanics and unit rosters, both games differ significantly.
Rome 2’s Diverse Unit Roster
Rome 2 boasts an impressively diverse unit roster, featuring legionaries, archers, cavalry, and siege engines from across the ancient world. Players can recruit units from various cultures, creating a unique and personalized army.
Attila’s Ferocious Horde
Attila’s unit roster is centered around the fearsome Hunnic war machine. Players have access to a range of fast, deadly, and highly mobile units, such as horse archers, lancers, and warrior cavalry. Attila’s battles are fast-paced and brutal, with a focus on rapid redeployment and clever use of terrain.
Visuals and Soundtrack
The visual and audio departments are where both games truly shine.
Rome 2’s Cinematic Experience
Rome 2’s graphics and sound design are nothing short of breathtaking. The game’s campaigns are filled with sweeping vistas, intricately detailed buildings, and realistic battle animations. The soundtrack, composed by Richard Beddow, perfectly captures the grandeur and drama of ancient Rome.
Attila’s Dark, Gritty Atmosphere
Attila’s visuals are darker and grittier, reflecting the brutal nature of the Hunnic Empire. The game’s campaign map is a twisted, ravaged landscape, with war-weary buildings and battered armies. The soundtrack, composed by Richard Beddow, is equally intense, with pounding drums and haunting choral pieces that evoke the ferocity of the Huns.
Replayability and Mod Support
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing between Rome 2 and Attila is replayability and mod support.
Rome 2’s Endless Possibilities
Rome 2 has an enormous community of modders, with thousands of user-created mods that can enhance gameplay, add new units, or even create entirely new campaigns. The game’s replayability is virtually limitless, with multiple factions, difficulty levels, and starting conditions to explore.
Attila’s Tighter Focus
Attila’s mod support is still strong, but it’s not as extensive as Rome 2’s. However, the game’s tighter focus on the Hunnic Empire and its nomadic conquests means that each playthrough feels unique and challenging. Attila’s replayability is still high, but it’s more centered around perfecting your conquest strategies and adapting to changing circumstances.
Conclusion: Which Game Should You Play?
So, should you play Rome 2 or Attila?
If You Want Empire-Building and Grand Strategy…
If you enjoy building and managing vast empires, Rome 2 is the clear choice. Its epic scope, diverse unit roster, and complex diplomacy mechanics make it a game that will keep you engaged for hours on end.
If You Prefer Fast-Paced Conquest and Nomadic Ferocity…
If you prefer a more fast-paced, brutal, and mobile gameplay experience, Attila is the way to go. Its lightning-fast battles, intricate web of alliances, and focus on the Hunnic Empire’s rise to power make it a game that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Ultimately, the choice between Rome 2 and Attila comes down to personal preference. Both games offer unique experiences, but they cater to different types of players. Whether you’re a seasoned strategy gamer or a newcomer to the Total War series, one thing is certain – you can’t go wrong with either choice.
| Game | Core Gameplay Focus | Battle Mechanics | Visuals and Soundtrack | Replayability and Mod Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rome 2 | Empire-building and diplomacy | Diverse unit roster, epic battles | Cinematic experience, grand soundtrack | High replayability, extensive mod support |
| Attila | Nomadic conquest and ferocity | Fast-paced battles, mobile units | Dark, gritty atmosphere, intense soundtrack | High replayability, strong mod support |
Now that you’ve read this in-depth comparison, which game will you choose? Will you build a vast empire with Rome 2, or unleash the fury of the Huns with Attila? The eternal conundrum has been resolved – the choice is yours.
What is the main difference between Rome 2 and Attila?
Rome 2 and Attila are both grand strategy games developed by Creative Assembly, but they have distinct settings and gameplay mechanics. Rome 2 is set in the classical antiquity period, where players can choose from various factions such as the Romans, Greeks, and Celts, and engage in battles across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Attila, on the other hand, is set in the late antiquity period, focusing on the decline of the Roman Empire and the rise of barbarian factions such as the Huns, Goths, and Vandals.
While both games share similar core mechanics, Attila has a stronger focus on the decline and fall of civilizations, with new features such as the “horde” mechanic, which allows certain factions to migrate across the map, leaving destruction in their wake. Rome 2, on the other hand, has a more traditional approach to grand strategy gameplay, with a greater emphasis on building and maintaining a large empire.
Which game has better graphics and sound design?
Both Rome 2 and Attila have impressive graphics and sound design, but Attila has received more polish and refinement. Attila’s graphics are more detailed, with better textures, lighting, and animations. The game’s sound design is also more immersive, with a haunting soundtrack and realistic sound effects. Rome 2, on the other hand, has more cartoonish graphics, but still looks impressive, especially during large-scale battles.
That being said, the difference in graphics and sound design between the two games is not dramatic, and both games are still visually stunning. Ultimately, the choice between Rome 2 and Attila should be based on gameplay mechanics and setting, rather than graphics and sound alone.
Which game is more historically accurate?
Both Rome 2 and Attila have a strong focus on historical accuracy, but Attila is generally considered more accurate. Attila’s setting is more focused on the late antiquity period, which is less well-known than the classical antiquity period of Rome 2. As a result, the game’s developers had to dig deeper to create a more accurate representation of this time period. The game’s factions, units, and events are all meticulously researched, making it a great choice for history buffs.
Rome 2, on the other hand, takes some creative liberties with history, especially when it comes to certain factions and events. This is not to say that the game is inaccurate, but rather that it prioritizes gameplay over absolute historical accuracy. If you’re looking for a more authentic historical experience, Attila might be the better choice.
Which game has a steeper learning curve?
Attila is generally considered the more complex and difficult game to learn, especially for new players. The game’s “horde” mechanic and focus on decline and fall can be overwhelming, and the game’s UI can be cluttered at times. Additionally, Attila has more nuanced diplomacy and trade mechanics, which can take time to master.
Rome 2, on the other hand, has a more traditional approach to grand strategy gameplay, which makes it easier to pick up for new players. The game’s UI is also more streamlined, making it easier to navigate. That being said, Rome 2 is still a complex game that requires patience and dedication to learn.
Can I play as the Romans in Attila?
Unfortunately, the Romans are not a playable faction in Attila, at least not in the classical sense. While the Western Roman Empire is present in the game, it is a broken and weakened faction that is on the brink of collapse. Players can, however, play as the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, which is a major faction in the game.
If you want to play as the Romans in their classical heyday, Rome 2 is the better choice. The game allows players to choose from several Roman factions, including the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire.
Which game has better multiplayer?
Rome 2 has a more robust multiplayer mode, with support for up to 8 players in custom battles and campaigns. The game also has a more active multiplayer community, with many players creating and sharing custom scenarios and mods.
Attila’s multiplayer mode is more limited, with support for up to 4 players in custom battles only. While the game’s multiplayer mode is still fun and challenging, it is not as comprehensive as Rome 2’s.
Is Attila just a DLC for Rome 2?
Attila is not just a DLC for Rome 2, but rather a standalone game that builds upon the foundations of Rome 2. While Attila shares many similarities with Rome 2, it has its own unique mechanics, factions, and features. The game’s setting, art style, and sound design are all distinct from Rome 2, and it offers a fresh and distinct gameplay experience.
That being said, Attila does reuse some assets and mechanics from Rome 2, which can make it feel like a DLC at times. However, the game’s scope and ambition are much greater than a traditional DLC, and it offers many hours of new and exciting gameplay.