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Difference between revisions of "Medieval II: Total War"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(Added MobyGames)
 
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−
{{cleanup|reason=Verify instructions and fixes against the latest version, make fixes cross-platform in description}}
 
 
{{Infobox game
 
{{Infobox game
 
|cover        = Medieval II Total War - cover.jpg
 
|cover        = Medieval II Total War - cover.jpg
 
|developers  =  
 
|developers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Creative Assembly}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Creative Assembly}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Creative Assembly International}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Feral Interactive|OS X}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Feral Interactive|OS X}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Feral Interactive|Linux}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Feral Interactive|Linux}}
Line 14: Line 14:
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|January 14, 2016}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|January 14, 2016}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|January 14, 2016}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|January 14, 2016}}
 +
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|medieval-ii-total-war|88}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|medieval-ii-total-war|90}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | None }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time, Turn-based}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | Bird's-eye view, Free-roaming camera}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Menu-based, Multiple select, Point and select}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | RTS, TBS}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Medieval, Historical}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Total War}}
 
|steam appid  = 4700
 
|steam appid  = 4700
 
|steam appid side = 4780,306541
 
|steam appid side = 4780,306541
 
|gogcom id    =  
 
|gogcom id    =  
 +
|hltb        = 5792
 +
|lutris      = medieval-ii-total-war
 
|strategywiki = Medieval II: Total War
 
|strategywiki = Medieval II: Total War
−
|mobygames    = medieval-ii-total-war
+
|mobygames    = 24995
 
|wikipedia    = Medieval II: Total War
 
|wikipedia    = Medieval II: Total War
−
|winehq      =  
+
|winehq      = 4136
 
|license      = commercial
 
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Series|Total War}}
 
  
−
'''Key points'''
+
{{Introduction
−
{{ii}}  [[GameSpy]] multiplayer replaced with Steamworks; all product keys activate on [[Steam]].<ref name="Steamworks">[http://forums.totalwar.com/showthread.php/132206-MEDIEVAL-II-Total-War-multiplayer-now-available-on-Steam! MEDIEVAL II: Total War multiplayer now available on Steam!]</ref>
+
|introduction      =  
−
{{--}} Retail base game does not work on Windows Vista and later (see [[#Retail base game does not work|Retail base game does not work]]).<ref name="Windows 10">[https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/games_windows_10/secdrvsys-not-loading-in-windows-10-this-will/65a6fe83-08df-4760-b2ad-6b1ce61d40d4?page=3 SECDRV.SYS Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of - Microsoft Community]</ref>
+
 
 +
|release history  =  
 +
 
 +
|current state    =
 +
}}
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
−
{{mm}} [https://www.totalwar.com/home Official site] for the series
+
{{mm}} [https://community.creative-assembly.com/total-war/total-war-legacy/forums/43-medieval-series Official forums]
−
{{mm}} [http://forums.totalwar.com/forumdisplay.php/14-Medieval-II-Total-War Official forum]
+
{{mm}} [https://www.twcenter.net/ Total War Center] - A large fan site for the series with an active modding community
−
{{mm}} [http://totalwar.wikia.com/wiki/Total_War_Wiki Total War Wiki] - A wiki for the series
+
{{mm}} [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?143178-Crashes-and-how-to-fix-them Collection of bug fixes] for many of the game's issues
−
{{mm}} [http://www.twcenter.net/ Total War Center] - A large fan site for the series with an active modding community
 
−
{{mm}} [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?143178-Crashes-and-how-to-fix-them Collection of bug fixes] for many of the game's issues
 
 
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/4700/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/4700/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
−
{{Availability/row| Retail |  | disc | {{DRM|SafeDisc}}. CD key for multiplayer. | Steam | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail |  | disc, key | {{DRM|SafeDisc}} for the base game, {{DRM|SecuROM}} for Kingdoms. | Steam | Windows }}
−
{{Availability/row| Retail |  | DRM-free | Gold edition no Steam 2 dvd is drm free. | Steam | Windows }}
 
 
{{Availability/row| Developer | https://store.feralinteractive.com/en/mac-linux-games/medieval2collection/ | Steam | Collection bundle including all the DLC. | | OS X, Linux }}
 
{{Availability/row| Developer | https://store.feralinteractive.com/en/mac-linux-games/medieval2collection/ | Steam | Collection bundle including all the DLC. | | OS X, Linux }}
 
{{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 1427-1 | Steam | Definitive Edition. |  | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
 
{{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 1427-1 | Steam | Definitive Edition. |  | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
 
{{Availability/row| Humble | total-war-medieval-ii-definitive-edition | Steam | Definitive Edition. | | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
 
{{Availability/row| Humble | total-war-medieval-ii-definitive-edition | Steam | Definitive Edition. | | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
−
{{Availability/row| MacApp | id1035560137 | MacApp | Includes expansions. |  | OS X }}
+
{{Availability/row| MacApp | id1035560137 | MacApp | Includes expansion. |  | OS X }}
−
{{Availability/row| Steam | 4700 | Steam | |  | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
+
{{Availability/row| Steam | 4700 | Steam | Definitive Edition. |  | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{ii}} All Linux versions require {{DRM|Steam}}.
+
{{++}} All product keys activate on [[Steam]].<ref name="Steamworks">[http://forums.totalwar.com/showthread.php/132206-MEDIEVAL-II-Total-War-multiplayer-now-available-on-Steam! MEDIEVAL II: Total War multiplayer now available on Steam!]</ref>
−
{{++}} All product keys activate on [[Steam]].<ref name="Steamworks"/>
+
{{ii}} Free demo versions are available from Archive.org: [https://archive.org/details/DemosMedieval2TotalWar base game], [https://archive.org/details/DemosMedieval2TotalWar_201705 Gold Edition].
  
 +
===Version differences===
 +
{{ii}} The '''Gold''' (retail) and '''Definitive''' (Steam, as of 20 November 2018) Editions include the base game and the Kingdoms expansion pack.
 +
 +
==Monetization==
 
{{DLC|
 
{{DLC|
−
{{DLC/row| Medieval II: Total War - Kingdoms | Comes bundled with Medieval II: Total War - Gold Edition. | Windows }}
+
{{DLC/row| Kingdoms | Comes bundled with the Gold and Definitive Editions. | Windows }}
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Mods==
+
==Essential improvements==
−
===[http://www.moddb.com/mods/stainless-steel Stainless Steel]===
+
===Patches===
−
{{ii}} A combination of bug fixes, many small mods, better AI and AI armies, more provinces, graphical improvements and many other campaign and battle map changes. The whole game now offers a much greater challenge!
+
{{ii}} The latest official patch for the base game is 1.3, available from [https://www.patches-scrolls.de/patch/2653/7/ Patches-Scrolls].
−
 
+
{{ii}} The latest official patch for Kingdoms is 1.05, available from [https://www.patches-scrolls.de/patch/2654/7/ Patches-Scrolls].
−
===[http://www.moddb.com/mods/third-age-total-war Third Age - Total War]===
 
−
{{ii}} A total conversion mod that brings you to the world of Middle-earth during the Third Age. Includes both a standard campaign mode and a Fellowship of the Ring campaign that follows the events of the books.
 
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
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{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\saves}}
 
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\saves}}
 
{{Game data/saves|OS X|}}
 
{{Game data/saves|OS X|}}
−
{{Game data/saves|Linux|{{P|xdgdatahome}}/feral-interactive/Medieval II Total War/}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Linux|{{P|xdgdatahome}}/feral-interactive/Medieval II Total War/VFS/Local/saves}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
−
|discord               =  
+
|discord                   =  
−
|discord notes         =  
+
|discord notes             =  
−
|epic games store       =  
+
|epic games launcher       =  
−
|epic games store notes =  
+
|epic games launcher notes =  
−
|gog galaxy             =  
+
|gog galaxy               =  
−
|gog galaxy notes       =  
+
|gog galaxy notes         =  
−
|origin                 =  
+
|origin                   =  
−
|origin notes           =  
+
|origin notes             =  
−
|steam cloud           = false
+
|steam cloud               = false
−
|steam cloud notes     =  
+
|steam cloud notes         =  
−
|uplay                  =  
+
|ubisoft connect          =  
−
|uplay notes           =  
+
|ubisoft connect notes     =  
−
|xbox cloud             =  
+
|xbox cloud               =  
−
|xbox cloud notes       =  
+
|xbox cloud notes         =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Video settings==
+
==Video==
 
{{Image|Medieval II Total War Video Settings.jpg|Video settings.}}
 
{{Image|Medieval II Total War Video Settings.jpg|Video settings.}}
−
{{Video settings
+
{{Video
 
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/medieval-ii-total-war
 
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/medieval-ii-total-war
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = incomplete
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = incomplete
Line 133: Line 153:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
−
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
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}}
 
}}
  
−
==Audio settings==
+
==Audio==
 
{{Image|Medieval II Total War - Audio Settings.png|Audio settings.}}
 
{{Image|Medieval II Total War - Audio Settings.png|Audio settings.}}
−
{{Audio settings
+
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    = Master, speech, effects and music.
 
|separate volume notes    = Master, speech, effects and music.
 
|surround sound          = true
 
|surround sound          = true
−
|surround sound notes    = 5.1<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070708183006/http://www.soundblaster.com/eax/gaming/gameindex.asp?gameID=67329 EAX Featured Game: Medieval II: Total War - SoundBlaster.com (retrieved)]</ref> and 7.1<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070715042739/http://www.soundblaster.com/Applications/article.asp?articleID=67562&categoryID=13 Epic audio design in Medieval II: Total War™ - Interview at SoundBlaster.com (retrieved)]</ref>
+
|surround sound notes    = 5.1<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070708183006/http://www.soundblaster.com/eax/gaming/gameindex.asp?gameID=67329|title=EAX Featured Game: Medieval II: Total War - SoundBlaster.com (retrieved)|date=May 2023}}</ref> and 7.1<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715042739/http://www.soundblaster.com/Applications/article.asp?articleID=67562&categoryID=13|title=Epic audio design in Medieval II: Total War™ - Interview at SoundBlaster.com (retrieved)|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>
 
|subtitles                = true
 
|subtitles                = true
 
|subtitles notes          =  
 
|subtitles notes          =  
Line 211: Line 231:
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|eax support              = true
 
|eax support              = true
−
|eax support notes        = EAX 2, 3 and 4<ref>[http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/pc/2006/11/24/Medieval_2_Total_War/5 Medieval 2 Total War Review - Bit Gamer]</ref>
+
|eax support notes        = EAX 2, 3 and 4<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/pc/2006/11/24/Medieval_2_Total_War/5|title=Medieval 2 Total War Review - Bit Gamer|date=May 2023}}</ref>
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 
}}
 
}}
  
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{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = English
 
  |language  = English
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Czech
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = French
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = German
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Hungarian
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Italian
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Japanese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = unknown
 +
|subtitles = unknown
 +
|notes = Japanese release.
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Polish
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
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{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = Russian
 
  |language  = Russian
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Spanish
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
Line 231: Line 302:
 
==Network==
 
==Network==
 
{{Network/Multiplayer
 
{{Network/Multiplayer
−
|local play          = hackable
+
|local play          = limited
 
|local play players  =  
 
|local play players  =  
 
|local play modes    = Hot seat, Versus
 
|local play modes    = Hot seat, Versus
−
|local play notes    = Added in Kingdoms expansion; use [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1581 Retrofit Mod] for original campaigns.
+
|local play notes    = Native in Kingdoms expansion; use [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1581 Retrofit Mod] for original campaigns.
 
|lan play            = true
 
|lan play            = true
 
|lan play players    = 8
 
|lan play players    = 8
 
|lan play modes      = Versus
 
|lan play modes      = Versus
 
|lan play notes      =  
 
|lan play notes      =  
−
|online play          = true
+
|online play          = limited
 
|online play players  = 8
 
|online play players  = 8
 
|online play modes    = Versus
 
|online play modes    = Versus
−
|online play notes    = [[GameSpy]] is offline; activate key on [[Steam]] to use new servers.<ref name="Steamworks"/> Mac App Store players can only play with other Mac App Store users.<ref>[https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/accounts/faqs/#faq_11 Calico - FAQs | Feral Interactive]</ref>
+
|online play notes    = The official [[GameSpy]] service is offline; the Steam version was updated to use Steamworks.<ref name="Steamworks"/> Mac App Store players can only play with other Mac App Store users.<ref>[https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/accounts/faqs/#faq_11 Calico - FAQs | Feral Interactive]</ref>
 
|asynchronous        =  
 
|asynchronous        =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
Line 264: Line 335:
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
 
===Retail base game does not work===
 
===Retail base game does not work===
−
{{--}} The retail version of the base game does not work on Windows Vista and later due to SafeDisc support being discontinued.<ref name="Windows 10"/>
+
{{--}} The retail version of the base game does not work on Windows Vista and later due to [[SafeDisc]] {{term|DRM}} support being discontinued.<ref name="Windows 10">[https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/games_windows_10/secdrvsys-not-loading-in-windows-10-this-will/65a6fe83-08df-4760-b2ad-6b1ce61d40d4?page=3 SECDRV.SYS Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of - Microsoft Community]</ref>
  
−
{{Fixbox|description=Activate on Steam|ref=<ref name="Steamworks"/>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Activate the serial key on Steam|ref=<ref name="Steamworks"/>|fix=
−
Activate the CD key on [[Steam]] and use the Steam version.
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Fixbox|description=Use Kingdoms expansion|ref=<ref name="Windows 10"/>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Use Kingdoms expansion|ref=<ref name="Windows 10"/>|fix=
−
The retail Kingdoms expansion is still compatible. Use [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?352216-Creating-a-World-Bare-Geomod Bare Geomod] to play Medieval II's Grand Campaign with Kingdoms.
+
The retail Kingdoms expansion is still compatible due to using [[SecuROM]] DRM instead. Use the [[#Bare Geomod|Bare Geomod]] to play Medieval II's Grand Campaign within Kingdoms.
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Fixbox|description=Start the SafeDisc service (Windows 8.1 and earlier)|ref=<ref>[https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3086255 MS15-097: Description of the security update for the graphics component in Windows: September 8, 2015]</ref>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Restart the SafeDisc service (Windows 8.1 and earlier)|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3086255|title=MS15-097: Description of the security update for the graphics component in Windows: September 8, 2015|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
−
Start the SafeDisc service (see [https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3086255 MS15-097] for instructions).
+
{{ii}} See [[Digital rights management (DRM)#SafeDisc|SafeDisc]] article.
−
 
 
−
'''Notes'''
 
−
{{ii}} This method does not work on Windows 10.<ref name="Windows 10"/>
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
===Reinforcements Delayed===
+
===Reinforcements delayed===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Remove reinforcement limit|ref=<ref>[http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?418636-How-to-fix-quot-Reinforcements-Delayed-problem-quot Total War Center -  How to fix " Reinforcements Delayed problem "]</ref>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Remove reinforcement limit|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?418636-How-to-fix-quot-Reinforcements-Delayed-problem-quot|title=Total War Center -  How to fix " Reinforcements Delayed problem "|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
 
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
 
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
 
# Open {{file|medieval.prefences.cfg}}.
 
# Open {{file|medieval.prefences.cfg}}.
Line 286: Line 353:
  
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
−
{{ii}} Only applies to reinforcements delayed claimed due to needing to upgrade your system. This doesn't affect reinforcements being delayed through random chance (e.g. you have no word on when your reinforcements will arrive), nor does it apply to reinforcements blocked because of insufficient graphics card memory.  
+
{{ii}} Only applies to reinforcements delayed claimed due to needing to upgrade the system. This does not affect reinforcements being delayed through random chance (as part of intended game logic), nor does it apply to reinforcements blocked because of insufficient graphics card memory.  
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
===Diplomacy bug===
 +
Because of a missing semicolon in the game files, the AI hates the human player more if peacefully occupying something than if sacking it. See [https://t-a-w.blogspot.com/2009/11/why-everyone-hates-you-in-medieval-2.html here] or use the [[#Bare Geomod|Bare Geomod]] for a fix. This will make diplomacy more viable and decrease the frequency of wars.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://t-a-w.blogspot.com/2009/11/why-everyone-hates-you-in-medieval-2.html|title=t-a-w.blogspot.com|date=May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/4700/discussions/0/2763442118820647674/|title=Steam Community|date=May 2023}}</ref>
  
 
==Other information==
 
==Other information==
 
===API===
 
===API===
 
{{API
 
{{API
−
|direct3d versions      = 9
+
|direct3d versions      = 9.0c
 
|direct3d notes        =  
 
|direct3d notes        =  
 
|directdraw versions    =  
 
|directdraw versions    =  
Line 310: Line 380:
 
|dos modes              =  
 
|dos modes              =  
 
|dos modes notes        =  
 
|dos modes notes        =  
−
|shader model versions  =  
+
|shader model versions  = 1.0
 
|shader model notes    =  
 
|shader model notes    =  
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 
|windows exe notes      =  
 
|windows exe notes      =  
−
|mac os x powerpc app  =  
+
|mac os x powerpc app  = unknown
 
|macos intel 32-bit app = unknown
 
|macos intel 32-bit app = unknown
−
|macos intel 64-bit app = unknown
+
|macos intel 64-bit app = true
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 
|macos app notes        =  
 
|macos app notes        =  
 
|linux 32-bit executable= unknown
 
|linux 32-bit executable= unknown
 
|linux 64-bit executable= unknown
 
|linux 64-bit executable= unknown
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 
|linux executable notes =  
 
|linux executable notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
===Mods===
 +
====[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?352216-Creating-a-World-Bare-Geomod Bare Geomod]====
 +
{{ii}} Includes a variety of bug fixes and unlocks all factions.
 +
 +
====[https://www.moddb.com/mods/stainless-steel Stainless Steel]====
 +
{{ii}} A combination of bug fixes, many small mods, better AI and AI armies, more provinces, graphical improvements and many other campaign and battle map changes.
 +
 +
====[https://www.moddb.com/mods/third-age-total-war Third Age - Total War]====
 +
{{ii}} A total conversion mod that brings the game to the world of Middle-earth during the Third Age. Includes both a standard campaign mode and a Fellowship of the Ring campaign that follows the events of the books.
  
 
===Middleware===
 
===Middleware===
Line 329: Line 412:
 
|physics notes    =  
 
|physics notes    =  
 
|audio            = Miles Sound System
 
|audio            = Miles Sound System
−
|audio notes      =  
+
|audio notes      = 6.6g<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Nessy|date=2020-07-10|comment=Version number found in Mss32.dll in the game installation folder.}}</ref>
 
|interface        =  
 
|interface        =  
 
|interface notes  =  
 
|interface notes  =  

Latest revision as of 17:25, 2 April 2024

Medieval II: Total War
Medieval II: Total War cover
Developers
Creative Assembly
Creative Assembly International
macOS (OS X) Feral Interactive
Linux Feral Interactive
Publishers
Sega
OS X, Linux Feral Interactive
Release dates
Windows November 11, 2006
macOS (OS X) January 14, 2016
Linux January 14, 2016
Reception
Metacritic 88
IGDB 90
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, Expansion pack
Microtransactions None
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time, Turn-based
Perspectives Bird's-eye view, Free-roaming camera
Controls Menu-based, Multiple select, Point and select
Genres RTS, TBS
Themes Medieval, Historical
Series Total War
Medieval II: Total War on HowLongToBeat
Medieval II: Total War on IGDB
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Medieval II: Total War guide on StrategyWiki
Medieval II: Total War on MobyGames
Medieval II: Total War on Wikipedia
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⤏ Go to series page
Shogun: Total War 2000
Medieval: Total War 2002
Rome: Total War 2004
Medieval II: Total War 2006
Empire: Total War 2009
Napoleon: Total War 2010
Total War: Shogun 2 2011
Total War: Shogun 2 - Fall of the Samurai 2012
Total War Battles: Shogun 2012
Total War: Rome II 2013
Total War: Attila 2015
Total War Battles: Kingdom 2015
Total War: Warhammer (series)
Total War: Arena Cancelled
Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia 2018
Total War: Three Kingdoms 2019
A Total War Saga: Troy 2020
Total War: Rome Remastered 2021
Total War: Pharaoh 2023

Warnings

GameSpy online services have been shut down (see Network for solutions).

Medieval II: Total War is a singleplayer and multiplayer bird's-eye view and free-roaming camera RTS and TBS game in the Total War series.

General information

Official forums
Total War Center - A large fan site for the series with an active modding community
Collection of bug fixes for many of the game's issues
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
CD key
 SafeDisc DRM[Note 1] for the base game, SecuROM DRM for Kingdoms.
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Windows
Developer website
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 Collection bundle including all the DLC.
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Gamesplanet logo.svg
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 Definitive Edition.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
 Definitive Edition.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Mac App Store
Icon overlay.png
 Includes expansion.
macOS (OS X)
Steam
Icon overlay.png
 Definitive Edition.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see above for affected versions).
All product keys activate on Steam.[3]
Free demo versions are available from Archive.org: base game, Gold Edition.

Version differences

The Gold (retail) and Definitive (Steam, as of 20 November 2018) Editions include the base game and the Kingdoms expansion pack.

Monetization

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Kingdoms Comes bundled with the Gold and Definitive Editions.
Windows

Essential improvements

Patches

The latest official patch for the base game is 1.3, available from Patches-Scrolls.
The latest official patch for Kingdoms is 1.05, available from Patches-Scrolls.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\medieval2.preference.cfg[Note 2]
macOS (OS X)
Linux $XDG_DATA_HOME/feral-interactive/Medieval II Total War/
This game follows the XDG Base Directory Specification on Linux.

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\saves[Note 2]
macOS (OS X)
Linux $XDG_DATA_HOME/feral-interactive/Medieval II Total War/VFS/Local/saves

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
Steam Cloud

Video

Video settings.
Video settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
 UI suffers severe stretching.
Multi-monitor
 
Ultra-widescreen
 
4K Ultra HD
 
Field of view (FOV)
Windowed
In the medieval2.preference.cfg file, change the line: windowed=true
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Edit medieval2.preference.cfg and add the line borderless_window=true
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Input

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Controller types

Audio

Audio settings.
Audio settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Master, speech, effects and music.
Surround sound
5.1[4] and 7.1[5]
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
EAX support
EAX 2, 3 and 4[6]
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Czech
French
German
Hungarian
Italian
Japanese
Japanese release.
Polish
Russian
Spanish

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
Local play
Hot seat, Versus
Native in Kingdoms expansion; use Retrofit Mod for original campaigns.
LAN play
8 Versus
Online play
8 Versus
The official GameSpy service is offline; the Steam version was updated to use Steamworks.[3] Mac App Store players can only play with other Mac App Store users.[7]

Issues fixed

Retail base game does not work

The retail version of the base game does not work on Windows Vista and later due to SafeDisc DRM support being discontinued.[8]
Activate the serial key on Steam[3]
Use Kingdoms expansion[8]

The retail Kingdoms expansion is still compatible due to using SecuROM DRM instead. Use the Bare Geomod to play Medieval II's Grand Campaign within Kingdoms.

Restart the SafeDisc service (Windows 8.1 and earlier)[9]
See SafeDisc article.

Reinforcements delayed

Remove reinforcement limit[10]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open medieval.prefences.cfg.
  3. Change unlimited_men_on_battlefield = 0 to unlimited_men_on_battlefield = 1

Notes

Only applies to reinforcements delayed claimed due to needing to upgrade the system. This does not affect reinforcements being delayed through random chance (as part of intended game logic), nor does it apply to reinforcements blocked because of insufficient graphics card memory.

Diplomacy bug

Because of a missing semicolon in the game files, the AI hates the human player more if peacefully occupying something than if sacking it. See here or use the Bare Geomod for a fix. This will make diplomacy more viable and decrease the frequency of wars.[11][12]

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9.0c
Metal support
[13]
Shader Model support 1.0
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux

Mods

Bare Geomod

Includes a variety of bug fixes and unlocks all factions.

Stainless Steel

A combination of bug fixes, many small mods, better AI and AI armies, more provinces, graphical improvements and many other campaign and battle map changes.

Third Age - Total War

A total conversion mod that brings the game to the world of Middle-earth during the Third Age. Includes both a standard campaign mode and a Fellowship of the Ring campaign that follows the events of the books.

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Audio Miles Sound System 6.6g[14]
Cutscenes Bink Video
Multiplayer GameSpy, Steamworks

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 2000 SP4 XP SP3
Processor (CPU) Intel Celeron 1.8 GHz Intel Pentium 4 2.4 GHz
System memory (RAM) 512 MB 1 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 11 GB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce4 Ti 4400
ATI Radeon 9800
128 MB of VRAM
DirectX 9 compatible
Shader model 1.0 support		 Nvidia GeForce 7300
ATI Radeon X1600
Shader model 2.0 support
Sound (audio device) 100% DirectX 9.0c compatible 16-bit sound card
macOS (OS X)
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 10.11.1
Processor (CPU) 1.8 GHz 2.4 GHz
System memory (RAM) 4 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 32 GB
Video card (GPU) 256 MB of VRAM 512 MB of VRAM
Intel HD Graphics 4000/5000 require 8GB of RAM.
Linux
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) Ubuntu 14.04, SteamOS 2.0 Ubuntu 15.10
Processor (CPU) 2.0 GHz 3.0 GHz
System memory (RAM) 4 GB 8 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 18 GB 35 GB
Video card (GPU) 512 MB of VRAM 1 GB of VRAM
Intel HD Graphics 4000/5000 require 8GB of RAM.
AMD graphics cards are not officially supported on SteamOS.
Nvidia GeForce 600 series and newer require driver version 352.55, AMD Radeon R7/R9 300 series and Intel Iris Pro Graphics require Mesa 11.2 driver.


Notes

  1. ↑ SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[1] or Windows 11 and is disabled by default on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 when the KB3086255 update is installed.[2]
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMDATA%, or %WINDIR% might be redirected to %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore on Windows Vista and later (more details).

References