When Tob first came out I never really gave it the proper shake it deserved. I completed a play through as Wessex, and then started up one as Northumbria but never actually completed that one, and sort of just left the game by the wayside. I was deep into my Rome2 addiction then, and Rome called me back to her defence.

Six years later I’ve been binge watching the Last Kingdom and have found myself with an itch to stop the pagan menace that I couldn’t quite scratch, when I remembered this game existed. And so I fired it back up and have been playing again for the past few days and getting myself immersed into it, and enjoying my time with the game once again. The Saga branch of games isn’t for everyone, but I enjoy a more focused view on a part of the world and timeline like this, and will continue to do so until the danes are driven back to the sea.

For England, and King Alfred!

Compared to modern total war titles, it is historically accurate and has strategic, army based gameplay. The unit rosters are somewhat lacking, however, and there is not much replay-ability in the campaign. It feels like the game is about 80% complete. There are asymmetrical features that I appreciate between the different factions, such as viking invasions and heroism. I recommend this game, particularly over other, newer TW titles, but MW2, Napoleon, Shogun 2, and Rome 2 (and most likely Atilla, though I haven't played that one), all beat out this game. Buy on sale for sure!

took me a while to get into but totally worth it
the art is nice like in shogun and napoleon
really like the unique buildings and the campaign map

Underrated historical Total War setting, a few aesthetic mods boost playability greatly. I'd suggest the zoom in and out camera mods, perhaps the garrison in small settlements too. The battles are amazing, the map is huge, I dream of annexing all of Alba, that alone is a monumental task. Be brave, take risks, trust no one.