Medieval II: Total War hands-on

In addition, every unit has i𒊎ts own unique ability. In the version we've seen, a group of English longbowmen had set up a protective line of 💟wooden spikes to shield them from charging cavalry. This forces theenemy to use its newly upgraded tactical brain to out-noodle you on the battlefield, and we watched as the opposing French horsemen used the cover of a forest to out-flank the line of longbowmen while avoiding the wooden stakes.

Once they charged we could see first-hand how the individual troops react in battle, with hurtling horses scattering infantry and victorious🐬 fighters scanning the area for new opponents. But these developments aren't simply aesth🌸etic. A unit's stance, behavior and general look broadcasts its overall morale, for quick and simple reference.

We also got to see a desert battlefield, as our English army answered the Pope's call for a crusade. Religion plays a huge part in MedievalII and, if you're in favor with the pontiff - like we were - you can even influence his decisions, which led us into battle with the Egyptians. Of course, you can also just have his Holiness knocked-off by one of your assassins, and fans will be pleased to note that the mini-movies🌺 of an assassin's mission - showing the events of his success or failure - are back and enhanced.

Medieval II: Total War has a whole host of extra features, with destructible castles, settlement🌠 choices and special bonuses for taking part in Crusades just scraping🌱 the tip of the warmongering iceberg. The game is out at the end of the year, but we'll be back with more info long before then.

Ben Richardson is a former Staff Writer for Official PlayStation 2 magazine and a former Content Editor of GamesRadar+. In the years since Ben left GR, he has worked as a columnist, communications officer, charity coach, and podcast host – but we still look back to his news stories fr⛄om time to time, they are a window into a different era of video games.