As the release date for Rome II creeps slowly closer, Creative Assembly is going to release information on the game through the Total War Wiki. Over the coming weeks and months they’re going to reveal the playable factions in the game.

The first faction released is Rome itself. “As a playable faction, Rome benefits economically from its excellence in metalwork, enjoys enhanced military development, and can exploit the masses in order to maintain public order.”. Like the first game, the faction will be split between three families: The Julia, The Cornelia, and The Junia. Each bringing their own economic, military, and cultural benefits.

The first Rome was notable in the series for being the most diverse. You had the Roman legions, the Greek hoplites, Carthaginian elephants, Barbarian hordes and Eastern cultures. Each had different military tactics and formations and how you won battles. Rome II wants to take the diversity further.

“Players will need to work with – and in certain circumstances against – their faction’s internal political system... Some factions rely more on mercenaries for their military might; some prefer to train their own. Some rely on client-nations or vassals to boost their economic growth, while others are more trade-focussed. Whichever you choose, each faction brings a completely different gameplay experience to Total War: ROME II™.”

While the game is about a year away until release, I’m eagerly waiting for it. The first Rome is my favorite in the Total War series. I can’t wait to return to it with all the improvements they’ve made in the more recent titles.