Newbie questions.

**SpacemanSpiff91W** · December 03, 2007, 11:05 PM

I have several questions, and rest assured that I did do a search of the forums for these, and also checked the main website, and tried a little bit of the swicki thing, but it was far to tedious and inconsistent to navigate efficiently. I did also read the FAQ and other stickied threads.

Anyways.. I'm curious about RTR but haven't ever tried it before, and I was looking for a list or explanation of the differences between RTR and the normal game. I picked some up here and there from lurking the forums, but I still think I'm missing quite a bit.. can anyone point me toward something that might help me understand what RTR is?

Also.. I'm wondering about an approximate release date for the next version, but, before you go crazy, I ask not because I want an exact date, but I'm wondering if it is coming soon enough I should just wait for it (since it appears to have a lot of improvements coming) or if I should amuse myself for the time being with the current version (6.0). Any input?

Thanks in advance for not flaming. Unless you do, in which case I won't be thanking you..

**MCM** · December 03, 2007, 11:47 PM

Dear Spaceman,

Thank you for your question.

Originally Posted by SpacemanSpiff91W

I have several questions,
Anyways.. I'm curious about RTR but haven't ever tried it before, and I was looking for a list or explanation of the differences between RTR and the normal game. I picked some up here and there from lurking the forums, but I still think I'm missing quite a bit.. can anyone point me toward something that might help me understand what RTR is?

RTR is a historical modification of RTW and now the Barbarian Invasion version. The mission statement of the team is to create the most historically accurate gaming experience possible by utilizing cutting edge historical research gathered by our post graduate level historical researchers and mixing that with an exciting gaming experience created by our coders, scripters and gfx team.

Also.. I'm wondering about an approximate release date for the next version, but, before you go crazy, I ask not because I want an exact date, but I'm wondering if it is coming soon enough I should just wait for it (since it appears to have a lot of improvements coming) or if I should amuse myself for the time being with the current version (6.0). Any input?

If you are patient enough to wait a few weeks- we should have something to share with you. It is a mini- campaign called the Iberian Conflict (see pinned topic) which features some of the elements from RTR VII you can expect in the upcoming full release next year.

Thanks in advance for not flaming. Unless you do, in which case I won't be thanking you..

Hope that helps you,

Cheers,

MCM

**SpacemanSpiff91W** · December 04, 2007, 12:13 AM

Thanks, the second part is illuminating. However, my first question I meant more like gameplay mechanics, etc. I'm not asking you to list them for me here but maybe point me to something that already exists? Perhaps I'll just install it and try it out, if you think that would be a good method of learning. Would you suggest RTRPE or Gold?

**theprof739** · December 04, 2007, 12:48 AM

RTRPE is probably the best way to go while the game is basically the same, it is ported to BI which you will need for TIC and RTR VII. As for the feature of RTR we had a page on our old forums but they have been down for a loooong time, but I'll look around.

**Clearchus of Sparta** · December 04, 2007, 10:45 AM

The aim of the RTR project was to try to make the game as realistic as possible within the limitations of the game engine.
RTR 6.0 was the last official mod.
RTRPE was a modification of RTR 6.0 to improve gameplay further.

Some of the major differences between the original (vanilla) and RTRPE

Catapaults have been removed
Map vastly increased in size
Senate missions removed
Roman factions combined into one
New unit designs.
Some "fantasy" units removed such as gladiators and flaming pigs.

IMO the best change was the improved gameplay. The units were balanced to make the battles more of a challange. Units dont rout as quickly for example. There are many other changes/improvements as well. I would recomend you try it for yourself to see what you think.
Look for the modswitch version as this should allow you to keep the original version as well.

RTR TIC Is the next project due for release. There will be additional enhancements in terms of gameplay plus we hope some surprises which I have personally not seen in any other mod for RTW. Though I have to admit to not having played that many. The current team has learnt some new "tricks" to introduce new ideas into game.

**Simon** · December 04, 2007, 10:48 AM

Let's no forget the AOR.

And the auxilia buildings that prevent the player from expanding too quickly by recruiting top of the line units in newly conquered settlements. Makes a lot more sense that way!

**Mythos_Ruler** · December 04, 2007, 12:09 PM

Here's a "nub" question: (RTR-PE), playing as Macedon, I have conquered Sparta. Will I ever be able to train Spartan Hoplites, or are they permanently disabled when the city is conquered?