Creative Assembly is releasing another entry into their Total War Saga series, Total War Saga: Troy, coming August 13. Troy will be the oldest set game in the line-up taking place somewhere between 1260 b.c. to 1180 b.c. as there are conflicting dates for when the Trojan war is set. As the name would imply the game covers the ten-year conflict between that Achaeans against Troy and her allies. Which is also the backdrop to the Illiad, as well being the conflict that spurred the events of the Odyssey and Aeneid.
Creative Assembly has been drip feeding out more information as the game nears release and has shown off some gameplay as well. The developers have been striving for a semi-realistic interpretation by removing cavalry and replacing them with chariots as well as having mythical units that resemble humans more than their beast-like physiology. Troy also features influence from the gods, the Amazonian faction as DLC, a fictitious all-female warrior clan that is depicted on pornographic vases and frescoes, as well as the unit’s arms and armor designs are a historical fantasy than an accurate interpretation.
Creative Assembly has released information on the heroes in Troy, which act like the heroes in Warhammer or Three Kingdoms. Both factions have four heroes, the Achaeans will feature Achilles, Odysseus, Menelaus, and Agamemnon. Playing as Achilles, the player will have access to the “Living Legend” perks, which allows Achilles to duel enemy heroes or have them surrender outright. Since Achilles is the prince of Pythia he will have access to the offensive-oriented Myrmidon faction and tech tree. Achilles’ perks and tech tree is designed to make up live up to being the best warrior in history.
King of Ithaca and considered the most intelligent of the Achaeans, Odysseus is the most politically oriented hero, who’s spies can build safe havens in enemy territory which he can recruit more troops from, allow the building can only recruit melee or ranged units. As well he has coastal supremacy, and can build everything on coastal cities, but not in landlocked cities.
Menelaus of King of Sparta and Laconia is a mixed hero who can use the “call to arms” ability which allows him to recruit units from any faction that he has a military alliance with in exchange for longer recruit times. Menelaus of course naturally can recruit Lakeodomians, including the famed Spartans. Finally, there is Agamemnon King of Mycenae, the most powerful city at the time, and the leader of the Achaeans in the Trojan war. Agamemnon focuses on vassalising smaller factions that he can levy more wealth from, and his play-style focuses on snowballing into more wealth to sustain his armies and territory.
The Trojans feature Hector, Paris, Sarpedon, and Aeneas. Prince Hector is the primary commander for the Trojan armies, being Troy’s best warrior before being killed by Achilles in revenge over Patroclus. Hector is defensively oriented, with heavy infantry that has unflankable and unbreakable perks. Hector also receives bonuses, such as reduced recruitment and upkeep for all of the territory his allies control, as he focuses on building alliances and defending their land. Paris focuses on keeping Helen happy by bringing her to events and festivals, and Helen’s mood will affect the prosperity of the region. Both Hector and Paris share the goal to gain favor with heir father Priam, who will reward which son he likes more with land, armies, and gold.
Sarpedon, son of Zeus is one of the most notable warriors on the Trojan side until his death by Patroclus, he focuses on trading with other factions. He can gather influence, and power through trade. As well he can gather rare resources across the map to boost his wealth and power. His focus is on defending these trade routes and unlocking new ones.
Lastly, there is Aeneas, who is considered the second-best warrior of Troy as well as being the focus of Virgil’s Aeneid. Aeneas is an important character in Roman mythology as he landed in Italy and is the ancestor to Romulus who founded Rome. Aeneas has a unique power that allows him to gain favor with the gods, and commune with dead heroes, or some older heroes such as Hercules. Communicating with these heroes will offer him and his armies unique temporary buffs.
Total War Saga: Troy and the Amazonian DLC will be free for one day at launch on the Epic Games Store. More DLCs are planned that could bring more heroes from the Trojan war such as Ajax the Greater, Ajax the Lesser, and Patroclus.