Study of the released unit previews

[Jokern]

We have all seen the units in the Total War Wiki, here I would like to construct a study of these images. What has CA done right, what is wrong and could be improved? From helmets to sandals, swords and shields and spears, what do you think?

I recommend that all criticism, good or bad, should also have a reference. If it's your personal opinion, please describe what you don't like as that is better than just posting something like:

This unit looks just like and CA are not good at making this game!

I will keep this updated with the latest faction and unit previews. Discussing the relevance of playable factions is forbidden. This thread concerns the units and how they tie in with their faction.

Rome

Here you can see Rome and its soldiers in full glory. I am not an expert on the Roman military, but these guys look like elite infantry, with their heavy metal armour. Triarii perhaps? I also see a lot of Corinthian helmets. But even though they seem to be the elite, their tunics are ragged. Otherwise, looks fantastic.

Roman Parade

The legions of Rome defending their city. With their large shields, spears and mail armour, my guess is that they are Principes. I must say I'm impressed with the variety of shields CA have made.

Shield Wall

Carthage

This is so far my favourite image as you see more than one unit. I see cavalry with shields, probably also armed with swords, two different kinds of spear infantry, metal armour and white armour and spear cavalry. A beautiful view of Carthage and civilian models.

Carthage Parade

The Sacred Band, the best of the best. Purple tunics that are not ragged, and with metal beards. Not sure what to say but, wow.

Sacred Band

Macedon

Even though they are supposed to be some sort of royal guard... they are not that good looking. I also think the angle of the shot is not ideal. But points to CA for making it look like they've been through hell and back and are now determined to defend their king. The colour could be better, should be blacker in my opinion.

Shield Bearers

Iceni

The first barbarian unit be shown, alright! Do they look like barbarian? Yes they do. The blue paint and the spiked/limed hair makes them look crazy as . Also, nice moustaches.

Painted Ones

Averni

The Oathsworn of the Averni, elite and looking good. More facial hair, nice

Oathsworn

Suebi

I don't care if they are fantasy units, these Berserkers will be the vanguard when my hordes Rome, Athens, Carthage and Alexandrina

Berserkers

Parthia

With the city in the background this makes for an impressive image, but I can't help to feel that beards are missing.

Royal Cataphracts

Battle of Carthage

Saving Private Ryan (I'm serious that's the the name of this screenshot)

Trouble in Paradise

On Your Own

Clash Outside the Harbour

On the Walls

Preparation

Disclaimer: If the discussion in this thread gets too heated I will have a Moderator close it.

[Ngazi]

Why don't we have any more parades?

[Sharpe]

Sacred Band and Painted Ones are my favorite by far at the moment. Great variety, whilst keeping the uniformity of the unit - a must IMO.

Edit: Had never seen that Carthage parade before - wow, what an amazing shot, really great classical feel to it

[Cresilia]

I love the Roman legionaries in shield wall defence. Awesome.

Are the troops in the triumphal Rome picture perhaps dismounted Equites?

[Orphydian]

I love the Roman legionaries in shield wall defence. Awesome.

Are the troops in the triumphal Rome picture perhaps dismounted Equites?

nope dont think so. The idea is to have more diversity and better mixing even if that suppose adding cavalry helmets to pedestrians.

[Cresilia]

nope dont think so. The idea is to have more diversity and better mixing even if that suppose adding cavalry helmets to pedestrians.

I don't understand? Are you saying that they aren't any particular unit, just a demonstration of the unit variation in Rome 2?

[Orphydian]

I don't understand? Are you saying that they aren't any particular unit, just a demonstration of the unit variation in Rome 2?

well can you identify that unit ?

[Cresilia]

well can you identify that unit ?

No not really, I suggested dismounted Equites. But other than that they are a generic higher-class roman looking unit. Irregardless I hope we can hold triumphs in Rome 2.

[He111]

Just one quick thing, this black "spladder" on the shields, what is it supposses to be ? Oil, blood or anything ?

[Jokern]

Just one quick thing, this black "spladder" on the shields, what is it supposses to be ? Oil, blood or anything ?

My first thought was blood, but it actually reminds me of tar with the colour and all.

EDIT: On the Roman soldiers in the parade, as they seem to have such expensive equipment, I thought they might be Triarii.

[Cresilia]

My first thought was blood, but it actually reminds me of tar with the colour and all.

EDIT: On the Roman soldiers in the parade, as they seem to have such expensive equipment, I thought they might be Triarii.

I was under the impression that Triarii were equipped in mail, more similar to the Principes. But maybe not, they could be Triarii.

[eighthgear]

My first thought was blood, but it actually reminds me of tar with the colour and all.

Well, blood does tend to turn darker when it dries - it doesn't stay the bright red colour that Hollywood likes. I'm guessing it is a mix of blood, grit, oil, etc. Romans would cover their shields in sheaths as they marched, and the inside of said sheath (which would be leather/hide) would often be oiled. Oil could make the colour of blood look different. Of course, we are talking about Macedonians, not Romans.

[Grimbold]

My memory may be failing me a bit, but the torcs on the Iceni warband seem a little overboard, considering this object was associated with nobility and high social status, and having every single warrior on that unit seems a bit exaggerated.

[D E C]

During the 3rd century BC mail was becoming the standard armor for the Roman soldiers, though muscle cuirasses did not disappear and IMO they fit very well in a parade.

[PROMETHEUS ts]

Whats wrong with the gauls in the picture ? They look surely cool but hey they all look like guys straight out of the gym with steroids and oversized chests... All will be like those the barbarian factions ? Hope not and for a more downtoearth and realistic portray...

[athanaric]

Whats wrong with the gauls in the picture ? They look surely cool but hey they all look like guys straight out of the gym with steroids and oversized chests... All will be like those the barbarian factions ? Hope not and for a more downtoearth and realistic portray...

They're an elite unit. Also, they're not Gauls. If they were, people wouldn't be complaining about their faction.

[D E C]

Looking at the Brits' eyes I can't shake the feeling that they all have Down syndrome. Especially the guy with the blonde mustache. What's up with that retarded look? Is he high on something

[KillaJules]

My memory may be failing me a bit, but the torcs on the Iceni warband seem a little overboard, considering this object was associated with nobility and high social status, and having every single warrior on that unit seems a bit exaggerated.

Maybe the whole squad is noble.

Whats wrong with the gauls in the picture ? They look surely cool but hey they all look like guys straight out of the gym with steroids and oversized chests... All will be like those the barbarian factions ? Hope not and for a more downtoearth and realistic portray...

No way. The proportions are fine. They look reasonable, they don't have absurdly ripped abs like in 300.

I find the hair on the Iceni...bothersome. It looks like a wig, or as though they used an entire tin of pomade to keep it in place.

Certainly I can't be alone here.

The ancient Britons used so much hair product (lime) that a warrior could impale an apple on his hair spikes.

[PROMETHEUS ts]

No way. The proportions are fine. They look reasonable, they don't have absurdly ripped abs like in 300.

Excuseme? Do you live in the world of Ethernia? Where allthe men look nothing less than conan the barbarian shape? Comparethe body shape of those gauls with the tiny girly legs of the macedonians ....


Altough it looks to me more like a gay pride parade ante litteram .... lol big moustaches , fancy pants , spiky hairs and naked chest with oversized breasts XD....you just missing WMCA background soundtrack ..

[Maleventum]

Excuseme? Do you live in the world of Ethernia?

By the power of Grayskull !!!