Medieval II: Total War

This game takes place during the Middle Ages starting in the year 1080. There are 17 different cultures in the known world. The player's goal is to bring the culture of their choice to world domination in the course of 500 years - through the High Middle Ages through the Late Middle Ages until the Renaissance, complete with the exploration of America.

Like Rome: Total War, players manage their cities and move their units around on a world map in a turn-based mode to conquer new cities or defeat enemies threatening their land. Players always need to watch after their people, in order to avoid them getting angry with their rulers and starting a revolution. Players also need to fulfill goals set by their religious leader, such as going on a crusade for the Pope.

When a battle starts and the player chooses not to have the AI calculate the outcome, the game switches to a full 3D battlefield where he must command his units as squads in real-time on the battlefield. There players need to use tactics like sending the cavalry into the nearby woods for a surprise attack at the enemies' flanks and making use of the overall terrain, like high ground, which are good for bowmen to overcome the enemy. Players will also have to conquer enemy castles, or successfully defend their own.

For players who have mastered the single-player campaign, up to 8 players can go head to head in multiplayer matches.