Don't forget the multiplayer
For all its ambition to recreate some epic battles, the game doesn't quite capture the violence or intensity of what must have been a bloody war. Zoom into the action and you'll see some soldiers standing completely still right in the middle of fight or jabbing their spears into thin air; even wandering around in circles. Occasionally, the AI also override your decisions and will attack a group when you'd specifically ordered them to attack somewhere else. It's a big let down, because the build up to the battles promises so much more and the visual spectacle of the fights do not compliment the excellent musical score in the game.
As a historical game, History Channel: Great Battles of Rome fulfils its purpose well enough. It's a game that is heavily tied-in with accurate historical content and therefore will appeal to anyone who has an interest in the Ancient Modern World. It will be released as a budget title, retailing at £20, which I can understand because, despite the excellent production values of the video footage and the accurate historical content, the options on the battlefield or in the army barracks aren't deep enough for the game to stand up to the likes of Rome: Total War. For the price, I'd definitely recommend giving it a look, but just don't expect a deep strategy game.
The History Channel : Great Battles of Rome is due for release on June 1st.
Pros
Educating
Authentic footage from History Channel
A long campaign mode Multiplayer
Cons
Strategy at it's most basic
AI don't always do what you tell them
A lesson in History and basic strategy concepts. The History Channel: Great Battles of Rome does what it says on the tin.
HEXUS Awards
The History Channel: Great Battles of Rome- PC
