Medieval Total War: Viking Invasion

Additional Screenshots

The new expansion set for Medieval Total War is a great add-on. This game completely changes the map, buildings, and units of the game.

What's New

In the new campaign called “The Vikings”, the map is not of Europe but a detailed map of the English Isles. In the Viking Campaigns, there are 8 different factions. There are numerous new buildings, units, and technologies. The first building required to build is the warrior hold that must then be upgraded through the tech-tree. There are no more of the “old” units from the original game. Also, units such as spearmen are trained at the blacksmith. A new religion has been added as well. The Vikings are pagans, and can build shrines to pagan gods, but they can convert to Christianity. In the normal game mode, the siege units have had the main change. A new artillery piece called the Organ Gun has been introduced. This artillery piece is specifically used against infantry and like all artillery units they are prone to exploding. Another new feature is the flaming arrows which can be used against both infantry and buildings.

The Vikings

Since this expansion is called VIKING Invasion, I'll speak a bit about them.

Additional Screenshots

Their civilization is made so they can conduct raids. Their ships have a range of 3 and no ports are necessary for armies to embark on raids. Also the Vikings get a destruction bonus that gives them gold for destroying enemy buildings. I love the new Viking units. They're fun and strong. My personal favorite is the Viking Huscarles. They are armored and can easily overcome enemies.

No Graphics Change

One thing I noticed in Viking Invasion that I wasn't too pleased with was the lack of change in graphics. Even though the Total War graphics are decent enough, there are no new changes to the 3D battle portion. I was still expecting some change to make the game seem updated and newer, especially since the graphics in the original Total War weren't anything to brag about.

Same AI Issues

The AI is still great, but the older bugs that appeared in the original Total War are still present. When I am fighting in a battle, usually the enemy will respond well to all of my attacks. Sometimes, however, there will be instances when enemies will be fleeing but then stop for a second and wait for me to kill them. After waiting for some time, they will decide to move on and finish their flee. Once again, a simple patch will work wonders on this game.

Overall

This game is well worth the cost and will be a great challenge to play. If you have Medieval: Total War, you just definitely pick it up because of the amazing amount of new units. Be prepared for the same AI issues and no change in graphics. None the less, have fun with it!