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[Audacia]

Medieval II News

Preview: Stainless Steel 7.0

Stainless Steel 7.0 Preview III

The Stainless Steel modification team recently unveiled their third preview to satisfy eager fans anxiously awaiting the release of Stainless Steel 7.0. The third preview details all new artwork created by Hero of the West, the newest member to the Stainless Steel development group. He finalizes the artwork for ancillaries either by altering the existing artwork or creating entirely new artwork from scratch. His earlier attempts at creating artwork for all ancillaries were included in Stainless Steel 6.4. He describes those versions as “rough.” However rough they may be, it is clear the versions included in this preview for Stainless Steel 7.0 are impeccable. Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  As if that is not enough, Hero of the West is also diligently working on adding new ancillaries! While most will be ordinary ancillaries, others will have a role-playing element surrounding them. Furthermore, a faction heir system will be implemented in Stainless Steel 7.0. The preview states that this new system will contain a variety of heir crowns for a number of different religions. Hero of the West hopes his efforts will not only improve the artwork for all ancillaries, but positively impact gameplay experience as well. For more information regarding the preview, including more fantastic artwork, go here! Written by: Audacia.

Preview: Stainless Steel 7.0

Stainless Steel 7.0 Preview IV

The Stainless Steel modification team recently unveiled their fourth preview for the highly anticipated Stainless Steel 7.0. The fourth preview for the seventh installment of the exceptionally popular modification details an all new units overhaul. The overhaul will constitute significant roster changes based upon detailed research alongside stunning visual work. The visual effects will, according to the team, impact computer performance. While the developers are using the same texture sheet sizes as the original Medieval II: Total War: Kingdoms expansion, they have focused their efforts on creating better UV mapping and higher resolution textures. The results are wonderfully detailed units with complex variations that will be a larger load on computer performance. Nonetheless, the dedicated developers of Stainless Steel continue to work at balancing performance and visual effects. Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  In addition, the preview includes multiple in-game screenshots of new and improved units that are part of the overhaul, including the revamped Templar Knights depicted above. The highly detailed images give an accurate sense of how immersive Stainless Steel 7.0 will be to the player. Take a look at the rest of the spectacular screenshots revealed in the preview here! Written by: Audacia.

Preview: Europa Barbarorum

The Areuakoi

The Europa Barbarorum II team proudly unveiled a preview of the Areuakoi, featuring a detailed history of the ancient tribe in addition to screenshots and descriptions of their fearless warriors. The Areuakoi, commonly referred to as the Arevaci by the Romans, reside in the mountains and valleys of northern Iberia. They have had to defend their homeland and prosperity from envious tribal neighbors seeking to seize their valuable assets. Warriors of the Areuakoi travel south and east to fight in the wars of the Phoenicians or the Greeks. They return with many tales and unprecedented wealth. The warlike Areuakoi wield the falcatas or gladius in battle, and are protected by strong armor. Their skirmishers pepper the enemy with javelins, and their reputable cavalry harass and flank enemies, of whom there are many. A multitude of different peoples surround the Areuakoi, including powerful tribes like the Vascones and Ilergetes, the Greeks, and the Phoenicians. The player will have to summon all of the warriors of the Areuakoi and vanquish the peoples of Iberia in order to achieve victory. Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  The Europa Barbarorum II team makes it quite obvious that progress continues to be made on this massive modification for the Medieval II: Total War: Kingdoms expansion. The preview features numerous screenshots and descriptions of all new units, such as the Arevaci Champions depicted above. These warrior elites, renowned for their exceptional bravery, stand as giants in their community. They are equipped with the finest equipment and practice their combat skills from sunrise until sunset. They will be an integral aspect of players’ Areuakoi armies. Other striking new units include Arevaci Medium Spearmen, Lancer Cavalry, and a plethora of Iberian warriors. Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Europa Barbarorum II is sure to be a revolutionary, groundbreaking modification. Their preview of the Areuakoi demonstrates the detail the team pours into making the most historically accurate modification possible. Their exhaustive history of the Iberian tribes reflects their unparalleled dedication to historical research and authenticity. The stunning new units of the Areuakoi compliment the team’s commitment to accuracy. Go here to discover more about the Areuakoi and the other tribes of Iberia, and be sure to frequent the Europa Barbarorum II forums for more updates! Written by: Audacia.

Preview: Westeros Total War

House Tully of Riverrun Preview

I only recently got into the Game of Thrones show on HBO, but over the last few weeks have watched all three seasons. Last night I happened to watch episode nine of season three, so you fans out there, you know how much pain I am in right now, especially as this fantastic preview by the Westeros Total War team concerns one of the houses involved in that episode. Yep, it's House Tully of Riverrun! The team have done a great job in terms of providing a full unit roster for this faction, and players can enjoy a very balanced army if they so choose. While the skins of the units are of a high quality, what fans will particularly like is the level of depth brought to this House by units from the tributary houses and lands of Riverrun. Blackwood bowmen, Bracken cavalry and Mallister seaguards give you the opportunity to not only enjoy plenty of variety on the battlefield, but also to role play this faction at great length which can provide that extra level of enjoyment. But enough words from me, let these pictures speak for themselves, and see the rest over on their post in Westeros Total War forum! Click to view content:  Written by: Shackleton.

Preview: Tsardoms Total War

Knights of St. John Preview

If you are not familiar with Tsardoms Total War, this is a great opportunity to discover an extremely promising mod in production for Medieval 2: Total War. Set in 1345 and concluding in 1530, this mod will be focusing on the Balkons, Near East, eastern and central Europe, Italy and Switzerland with a full twenty five factions to choose from. The tenth preview that the team has provided so far is for the Knights of St. John. Click to view content:  This has to be one of the most in-depth previews I have set eyes upon, so if you aren't sure who these Knights actually were, be sure to go on over to their main preview thread because they offer an extensive historical review. This is a particularly exciting faction because they begin with just a handful of Greek islands, offering a tough challenge to players, but also a semblance of security with a wall of water between them and their foes. Click to view content:  There are three different branches of military units that come with the Hospitallers. Members of the Order include various Knights of St. John units, such as Hospitaller Sergeants and Hospitaller Brother Knights, and it must be said that the units look incredible. Click to view content:  The other two military branches consist of Greek, Armenian and Turkpole auxiliaries, and Western colonists and mercenaries. They add a good amount of variety and depth to the units list, and give players opportunities for varying army styles and setups. Of course, even though these units are easier to obtain than the Knights, they still look great. Click to view content:  This is the tenth preview produced by the Tsardoms Total War team, and one of their finest. This modification is going to be a great addition for the Total War community, and their hard work should be applauded. To find out more, check out their forum here on Total War Center. Written by: Shackleton.