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Good turn-based strategy with fantasy theme?
Posts
Better overall, yes. There are lots of AI and pathing weaknesses that have been improved or fixed in the total war games between Medieval 2 and Shogun 2. Still, Shogun 2 is very new so if you're a fan of big overhaul mods, M2 has a much bigger range available. Also look at the Shogun 2 demo on steam if you're not sure if your computer can handle it (the total war series is not particularly forgiving).
Medieval 2 + kingdoms is also probably dirt cheap, so it's a good jumping in point for the TW series.
I haven't tried out Shadow Magic yet but that is next.
The only major flaw the game has is that in multiplayer, if you enable tactical combat (why wouldn't you!?), all other players - even those not involved in the the battle - can watch the fight too. Its interesting and all, but kind of ruins any hope at stealthily building a force if you fight with it.
Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic generally has the superior mechanics and a great campaign, but I think Age of Wonders II: The Wizard's Throne (Shadow Magic is kind of a stand-alone expansion to this game) has a slightly better, much longer, campaign.
The lack of variety and small world also kill it for me. In Medieval 2, you know you have several events coming up (the discovery of America, Mongol Invasion, Timurids..) but in Shogun 2 it's just like... okay, you have enough provinces, now everyone is going to attack you. Have fun bye.
That's all very well, but Shogun 2 cavalry can chase down running units.
(suck it.)