THIS game is a follow-up to the highly acclaimed Shogun: Total War and uses the same format as the first so anyone who enjoyed that game should find this variation to their liking.

The game takes the player back to the Middles Ages and allows you to command one of the 12 factions that ruled Europe and North Africa at that time.

But this is a game of two halves firstly there's the strategy part of the game, which is turn-based and allows you to decide what to build and where to move your armies.

Secondly, there are the battle sequences, which allow you to command your armies against the enemy in the heat of battle.

This game is huge in size and scope and, with the installation requiring 1700mb and Windows 98 or higher, it requires a fairly hefty computer, so beware.

The strategy part of the game is played through the usual map window, which allows you to see your provinces and those adjoining.

It is from this screen that you decide what buildings are required and which type of troops you train.

As you construct different buildings you progress along the technology tree and gain advancements, which can be used to enhance your territory or to wage war against your enemies.

The game is played in turns of one year so once you've decided what your empire needs you click to advance to the next year.

Another feature of this game is the introduction of historical characters, such as Richard the Lionheart, Robin Hood and Joan of Arc.

The battle scenes are first rate and by far the best part of this game they drag the game by its boot laces above its competitors.

When you invade another faction's territory and then end the turn, you are given a choice as to whether you want to retreat, let the computer decide the outcome or fight the battle yourself.

If you decide to fight the battle yourself then you are transported to the battlefield with all your troops at your command.

The scene looks like something out of Braveheart but without the bare backsides.

You have full control over the positioning of your troops and who they attack.

However, be aware that the troops react as they probably would have historically by fleeing if the enemy seems to have the upper-hand, for example.

I found the mix of strategy and action worked really well and spent many hours trying to conquer Europe.

The interface is easy to get used to and it even allows you to automate some of the features, like taxes and buildings, so you can concentrate on other parts of the game.

You have the opportunity to send your daughters off to marry into other factions and cement alliances or send spies, assassins and emissaries to gather information on your neighbours.

I found the further into the game I got the better it became and the more important it was to protect what I'd built so that war wasn't necessarily the only way to progress.

Unfortunately, I hadn't been prolific enough (something you can't control) and I died without an heir to the throne, and so the game ended.

This was a disappointment but I jumped right back on my horse and started again.

This sumptuous game leaves you feeling satisfied that your 40 notes have been well spent because you'll be playing it for weeks, if not months.

Even those who generally do not like this type of game will enjoy the battle scenes, although they can't expect to complete the game only by jumping from one battle to the next.

However, if you spend some time reading the lengthy manual and studying the technology chart before you rush in you'll have a much more rewarding experience.

Overall: 4.5/5