What Is the Difference Between Rome I and Rome II?

By Anna Duncan

What Is the Difference Between Rome I and Rome II?

Rome I and Rome II are two popular strategy video games developed by Creative Assembly. Both games are set in ancient Rome and allow players to take control of various factions to build and expand their empires.

While Rome I was released in 2004, Rome II came out in 2013. Despite sharing the same setting and core gameplay mechanics, there are several key differences between these two installments.

Graphics and Visuals

Rome I:

  • Rome I features a more simplistic art style with less detailed unit models and environments.
  • The graphics are outdated by today’s standards, but they were impressive at the time of release.

Rome II:

  • Rome II boasts significantly improved graphics with more realistic visuals, detailed units, and stunning environments.
  • The game takes full advantage of modern hardware capabilities, resulting in a visually immersive experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

Rome I:

  • The gameplay in Rome I is relatively straightforward, focusing on building armies, managing settlements, and engaging in tactical battles.
  • The campaign map is divided into regions that players must conquer to expand their empire gradually.

Rome II:

  • Rome II introduces more complex gameplay mechanics that provide deeper strategic choices for players.
  • Diplomacy plays a larger role as players must navigate alliances, trade agreements, and political systems to succeed.
  • The campaign map is more dynamic, with changing seasons and diverse landscapes that impact gameplay.

Unit Diversity and Customization

Rome I:

  • While Rome I offers a decent variety of units, the customization options are limited.
  • Players can recruit different types of infantry, cavalry, and siege weapons but have less control over unit appearance or abilities.

Rome II:

  • Rome II significantly expands on unit diversity, allowing players to recruit various specialized troops with unique abilities and appearances.
  • The game introduces a more in-depth army customization system, enabling players to equip units with different weapons and armor for enhanced tactical flexibility.

Modding Support

Rome I:

  • Rome I has an active modding community that has created numerous mods to enhance gameplay, add new factions, and improve visuals.
  • The game provides robust modding tools that allow players to create their custom content easily.

Rome II:

  • Rome II also supports modding but initially had some limitations that hindered its modding community’s growth.
  • However, Creative Assembly addressed these issues with updates and released official mod tools to encourage modders’ participation.

Conclusion

In summary, while both Rome I and Rome II share similarities in terms of setting and core gameplay mechanics, Rome II represents a significant improvement over its predecessor. With modern graphics, more complex gameplay mechanics, enhanced unit diversity, and improved modding support, Rome II offers a more immersive and engaging experience for strategy game enthusiasts.