Medieval II: Total War review

Eagle-eyed readers might have noticed the absence of disparaging comments thus far. That's because this game is stunning - a classic amongst classics. Just about the only weaknesses we've found nestle in the battle segment.

The pause key remains your best friend in large engagements. Though the developer has slowed things down slightly we'd still kill for a speed selector that could decelerate time as well as accelerating it.

Then there are the control and AI issues that occasionally leave units, both friendly and enemy, dithering foolishly. There are times when every sword, spear and bow is desperately needed and yet, frustratingly, a portion of a formation refuses to get stuck in.

Above: Not everyone does exactly what they're told - are they scared?

There are times when discretion is the better part of valour, and panicky double-clicks appear to be ignored. Some of this behaviour is probably intentional - the side effects of an unusually subtle combat model that acknowledges fear and fatigue. Some, we suspect, reflects the fact that Total War's AI routines and control mechanics haven't advanced quite as quickly as its graphics and campaign engines.

No matter. When you're watching a battery of towering trebuchets hurl rotten beef over the walls into Gaza, or charging wedges of shiny lancers through the smashed gate at Cordoba, trust us, you are not fretting about the AI niggles. Medieval II is much, much bigger than that.