Info about Field of Glory II:

Official game description:
MASTERS EDITION
===============
Be the ultimate Ruler of the known Ancient World with the Masters Edition of Field of Glory!  
This Bundle allows you to integrate Field of Glory: Empires grand strategy layer with the tactical depth of Field of Glory II.
About the Game
==============
Field of Glory II is a turn-based tactical game set during the Rise of Rome from 280 BC to 25 BC  
The game that brought the fun and excitement of the tabletop experience to digital form is back. Developed by legendary designer Richard Bodley Scott in a completely new 3D engine, Field of Glory is ready to set new standards in computer wargaming.  
Field of Glory II allows you to fight large or small battles for or against Rome, or between the other nations who are as yet unaware of the Roman threat, or what-if battles between nations that never actual came into conflict historically, but might have done if the course of history had been different.  
Take command of a huge variety of armies employing vastly different tactical doctrines. Lead your chosen army and its named generals to victory in set-piece historical battles or "what-if" custom battle situations against an AI or human opponent.  
**  
Victory will require determination and tactical mastery!**  
**FEATURES**  
*   Accurate simulation of Ancient battle in the last three centuries of the pre-Christian era.  
*   86 historically accurate units, built from fully animated 3D troop models, each with many variants. These allow Field of Glory II to represent the full range of troop-types and tactical doctrines that make this era one of the most interesting to wargamers and military historians. To name just a few, there are Roman legionaries before and after the reforms of Marius, Greek hoplite and Carthaginian African spearmen, Hellenistic pike phalanxes, thureophoroi spearmen and xystophoroi lancers, Gallic warbands, Skythian horse archers, Sarmatian lancers, Roman, Carthaginian, Greek and Gallic spear-armed cavalry, war elephants, Celtic and Indian chariots, scythed chariots, a wealth of light troops and many many more.  
*   12 Historical scenarios covering key engagements of the period on an epic scale. These include Bagradas 255 BC, Trebia 218 BC, Cannae 216 BC, Ilipa 206 BC, Zama 202 BC, Magnesia 190 BC, Pydna 168 BC, Chaironeia 86 BC, Tigranocerta 69 BC, Bibracte 58 BC, Carrhae 53 BC and Thapsus 46 BC. The player can play as either side.  
*   Custom Battle system allows unlimited “what-if” scenarios using historically realistic armies from carefully researched army lists, on realistic computer generated terrain maps. Armies covered include Romans, Carthaginians, Hellenistic Kingdoms (Macedon, Seleucids, Ptolemaic Egypt etc.), Gauls, Ancient Britons, Galatians, Spanish, Numidians, Spartacus’s Slave Revolt, Thracians, Skythians, Sarmatians, Parthians, Indians and lots more.  
*   Campaign mode allows you to rewrite history as you play through the battlefield careers of some of ancient history’s greatest generals, or war with any ancient nation against any other. Each victory increases the experience and elan of your core units. Quick to resolve strategic decisions allow you to go straight from one battle to the next without any delay.  
*   Random map generator produces an infinite variety of historically realistic battlefield maps for custom battles and campaigns. Scenarios include open battle, pursuit, awaiting reinforcements, enemy awaiting reinforcements, flank march, rearguard action, advance guard, remove the head, and protect the baggage.  
*   Classic turn-based, tile based gameplay.  
*   Easy to use interface, hard to master gameplay.  
*   Cohort-sized units. Battles can range from a few units to as many as 80 units per side.  
*   Named generals who can influence combat and morale of units under their command.  
*   Single player and multiplayer battle modes.  
*   Effective AI makes sound tactical decisions.  
*   6 difficulty levels allow the challenge to increase as you develop your battlefield skills.  
*   Numerous different unit organisations, combat capabilities and tactical doctrines allow full representation of tactical differences and developments through the period.  
*   Mod friendly game system with built-in map editor.  
*   Multiplayer mode allows historical scenarios and “what-if” scenarios to be played by two players using Slitherine’s easy to use PBEM server.

Release date: Oct 12, 2017

Categories: Turn-based Tactics, Historical Strategy, Tabletop RPG, Multiplayer, Mod Support, Single-player

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 10; verdict: Optional DLC Only; summary: User feedback focuses entirely on DLC pricing, with complaints about high cost and missing nations. However, reviews also note that DLC is optional and the base game offers extensive content. There is no evidence of in-game microtransactions, loot boxes, or pay-to-win mechanics, indicating a fair monetization model.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $20.00 - $30.00
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews advise against paying the full $39.99 price, suggesting waiting for sales of around 50% off ($20). Some mention the base game provides substantial content even without DLC, but the single-player experience alone is not worth full price. Based on this, the community considers a fair price range between $20 (sale price) and $30 (still discounted but not as deep). The confidence is moderate due to limited direct price commentary and mixed signals about value.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 1.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Session length is directly stated as one hour in multiple reviews, with additional mentions of half-hour sessions supporting a typical battle duration of 1 hour. Game completion (full 4 campaigns and all epic battles) lacks a precise hour figure; the 400-hour claim is for 3 campaigns only and the 1000-hour total includes extensive replay, not initial completion. Story completion is not applicable as the game is not narrative-driven. No explicit endgame hour metric is provided, only references to unlimited replayability.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Field of Glory II requires overcoming a steep learning curve and slow pacing, but once players grasp the core battle mechanics (particularly pushbacks and evasions), the game becomes deeply rewarding and fun. This turning point typically arrives after a few hours of tutorials and practice.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Grasp of the core battle mechanics (pushbacks, evasions, morale dynamics)
  - Time to anchor: 3h 0m
  - Friction: steep learning curve; poor in-game tutorial with annoying pop-ups; slow pacing; unforgiving for beginners; undocumented rules and arcane mechanics; opaque multiplayer transition for single-player players
  - Unlock drivers: understanding battle mechanics; learning how to use pushbacks and evasions; grasping the logic of ancient warfare; completing the three tutorial scenarios
  - Conditions: enjoys turn-based tactical wargames; willing to learn complex mechanics; patient with slow pacing; interested in ancient warfare history; completes tutorial scenarios; reads the manual; has multiplayer opponents; willing to invest a few hours initially
- Player Archetypes:
  - Historical Tabletop Tactician (buy)
    - Motivation: Authentic historical simulation and deep tactical depth with high replayability.
    - Playstyle: Methodical, careful positioning and morale management, often playing PBEM or solo against challenging AI.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: wargamer; turn-based tactical fan
    - Reference games: Pike and Shot; Sengoku Jidai; Battle Academy; DBA; Total War
  - Intimidated Newcomer (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Interest in ancient history but frustrated by complexity and opaque mechanics.
    - Playstyle: Struggles to learn without hand-holding; gives up easily or persists only with external guides and patience.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Battle Academy; Pike and Shot
  - Multiplayer PBEM Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: Competitive and cooperative play with a lively, persistent community.
    - Playstyle: Engages in asynchronous PBEM, leagues, and quick battles; actively seeks opponents and participates in the community.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Excellent ancient battle wargame (weight 0.34): The game excels as an ancient battle wargame, with engaging historical battles and a good selection of scenarios. It is highly recommended for genre fans.
- Extensive historical army variety (weight 0.32): Players praise the huge selection of armies from different periods and regions. This variety allows trying different tactics and enhances replayability.
- Fun and engaging gameplay (weight 0.25): Players consistently describe the game as fun, enjoyable, and engaging. The battles are intense and immersive.
- Strong AI challenges players (weight 0.25): The AI is challenging and plays well, particularly at higher difficulties. It knows how to flank and exploit weaknesses.

Common complaints:
- Complex and clunky rules (weight 0.56): The ruleset is dense, with unclear mechanics for unit movement, turning, and morale, leading to frustrating encounters and a high entry barrier. The lack of in-game explanation exacerbates the difficulty.
- Lack of strategic layer (weight 0.43): The game lacks a map-based strategic layer, offering only a campaign-lite of linked battles without city management, supply, or army movement choices. This limits strategy depth and replayability.
- Steep learning curve (weight 0.4): New players face a steep learning curve with insufficient tutorial guidance. The tutorial is poor, with annoying pop-ups and a lack of specific instructions, making the game overwhelming for beginners.
- Slow pacing and long battles (weight 0.4): The game's pacing is extremely slow, with battles that can last hours, leading to boredom and frustration for players seeking fast-paced action. The turn-based structure and excessive text reading further slow the experience.
- Unrealistic combat outcomes (weight 0.4): Combat outcomes are unrealistic, with light troops defeating elite cavalry, phalanxes crumbling to impact foot, and historical tactics not modeled. This undermines the game's credibility as a simulation of ancient warfare.
- Dated and simple graphics (weight 0.36): The graphics are functional but dated, lacking modern visual polish and animations. The minimalist design and simple unit models fail to impress and detract from immersion.
- Poor tutorial and onboarding (weight 0.36): The tutorial fails to guide new players, with annoying pop-ups and a lack of specific instructions. It takes many hours to understand the mechanics, and the game requires excessive reading.
- Balance issues among units (weight 0.32): Unit balance is poor, with light troops, horse archers, and skirmishers having disproportionate power, while expensive units like chariots and elite warriors are ineffective. This leads to frustrating and illogical gameplay.
- Weak presentation and atmosphere (weight 0.31): The game's presentation lacks excitement, with weak visuals, sound, and music, making battles feel un-epic and the experience forgettable. The lack of atmosphere reduces immersion.
- Clunky unit control and interface (weight 0.24): Unit control is frustrating, with issues like tedious moving of dozens of formations individually, awkward selection, and a cumbersome interface. The menu navigation is inconvenient.
- Morale system is harsh and unrealistic (weight 0.21): The morale system makes battles too fast, with units routing after two hits and recovery infrequent. This leads to artificial battle endings and mechanical routs even in won battles.
- RNG and luck-based outcomes (weight 0.14): Combat outcomes are heavily influenced by RNG, with inconsistency and favoritism toward the AI. This makes battles feel decided by luck rather than tactical decisions.
- Technical and performance issues (weight 0.13): The game has technical problems, including crashes, slow loading, and performance issues on low-end systems. The 3D graphics are seen as unnecessary and problematic.

Gameplay feedback:
- Turn-based tactical wargame (weight 0.78): Multiple clusters describe the game as a turn-based tactical wargame with grid-based movement and historical battles. This core identity is reinforced by references to tabletop-style play.
- Multiple unit types (weight 0.36): Players command a variety of units including infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots, with strengths and weaknesses that create rock-paper-scissors dynamics. Terrain and morale add tactical depth.
- Multiplayer support available (weight 0.36): The game supports both single-player and multiplayer modes, including asynchronous PBEM. Multiplayer is a key feature.
- Ancient historical setting (weight 0.35): The game is set in ancient history, specifically the Rise of Rome period, and covers eras from Antiquity to the Middle Ages. Historical scenarios and campaigns are included.
- Campaigns and standalone battles (weight 0.34): The game offers both individual battles and longer campaigns, with connected sequences across multiple historical eras. Historical scenarios are included.
- Terrain and positioning matter (weight 0.24): Terrain affects unit effectiveness, and positioning bonuses are crucial. Players must consider terrain when making tactical decisions.
- Flanking and tactical depth (weight 0.19): Gameplay emphasizes flanking mechanics and tactical decisions. Battles are won through small tactical choices.

Performance notes:
- Graphics lack detail (weight 0.06): Even at maximum settings, the graphics appear lacking in texture detail, which may disappoint players expecting higher visual fidelity.
- Loading times affected by 3D (weight 0.05): The use of 3D graphics causes the game to load slower, which can be a minor annoyance for players.

Recommendations:
- Appeals to history buffs (weight 0.48): Reviews frequently recommend the game to players interested in ancient history, military history, and historical settings. The game’s historical accuracy and period detail are praised.
- Suitable for turn-based tactics fans (weight 0.47): The game is consistently recommended for fans of turn-based tactical games and strategic depth. It suits players who enjoy careful planning and methodical combat over fast-paced action.
- Strong recommendation from fans (weight 0.41): Many reviewers offer unqualified praise, urging players to buy the game immediately. Enthusiasts describe it as a gem and highly recommend it to anyone matching the target audience.
- Not for casual players (weight 0.24): Several reviews explicitly state that the game is not suitable for casual players, those expecting cinematic battles, or those who prefer dynamic RTS gameplay. The complex rules and slow pacing are barriers for casual audiences.
- Recommendation for Total War fans (weight 0.23): Reviews suggest that fans of Total War series may enjoy this game, though it is noted to be different in gameplay style. It offers a more complex and simulation-oriented experience.
- Not for cinematic battle expectations (weight 0.14): Reviewers warn that the game lacks spectacular animations and dynamic battles, focusing instead on simulation. Players expecting dramatic visuals or fast action will be disappointed.
- Mixed opinions on overall quality (weight 0.12): While many positive reviews exist, some reviewers criticize the game for being mediocre or not worth positive rating. Quality is acknowledged but not enough for some players.
- Suitable for short play sessions (weight 0.08): The game is recommended for quick gaming sessions lasting 5-15 minutes, fitting well for players with limited time. It serves as a time-killer for history and board game enthusiasts.
- Specific unit issues (weight 0.08): One review highly discourages battles featuring Pike phalanxes or Lancers due to gameplay issues, while praising other aspects. This indicates some units may have balance or design problems.
- Developer-specific recommendation (weight 0.05): One review recommends the game only for fans of the developers, indicating potential bias or niche design. Others suggest avoiding it if you’re not already invested in the developer’s style.

Other player notes:
- DLC and expansion value (weight 0.7): Reviews discuss the game's DLC structure, with some noting high prices and costs similar to the main game, while others see DLCs as valuable additions that expand armies, campaigns, and eras. There is anticipation for future expansions and occasional criticism of predatory business models.
- Mod support and community (weight 0.63): The game's strong mod support and active community are highlighted, with user-created scenarios, campaigns, and mods available in-game and on forums. This extends replayability and fosters a dedicated player base, including tournaments and friendly multiplayer communities.
- Frequent Total War comparisons (weight 0.58): Many reviews compare the game to the Total War series, noting differences in gameplay pace, realism, and tactical depth. Some prefer this game's battles for being more dynamic and realistic, while others criticize Total War's limited control and gamey visuals.
- Compared to tabletop wargames (weight 0.57): Reviewers frequently compare the game to tabletop wargaming experiences, highlighting its role as a digital adaptation of miniatures and board games. This includes direct mentions of Field of Glory, DBA, DBMM, and other tabletop titles, with some praising its convenience and fidelity to the analog experience.
- High price concerns (weight 0.36): Several reviews express that the game and its DLCs are expensive, particularly relative to graphics and content. While some consider the price justified by depth and replayability, others warn that content is locked behind paid DLC and may not be worth the cost.
- Successor to Field of Glory (weight 0.34): Reviews identify the game as a successor or adaptation of the Field of Glory tabletop wargame, with some comparing it to earlier computer versions. It is considered an evolution of the series, building on the original rules and setting.
- Massive replayability (weight 0.32): The base game offers extensive replayability through hundreds of hours of content, 48 factions, and a battle generator. Community mods and scenarios further enhance variety, making it a long-lasting purchase for strategy fans.
- Comparison to older wargames (weight 0.28): Reviews compare the game favorably or unfavorably to older wargames like Battle Academy, Pike & Shot, and Great Battles of Alexander, noting improvements in graphics, mechanics, and campaign depth. This helps position the game within the genre.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.18): Players find deep satisfaction in mastering the game's tactical systems, where careful planning and strategy lead to rewarding victories. The game recreates the feel of tabletop wargaming with dynamic battles, historical accuracy, and a competent AI, providing a fulfilling experience.
- Frustration (weight 0.15): Frustration arises from several issues: lengthy and heavy matches, inadequate tutorials, and a clunky, slow-paced gameplay. Balance problems, unrealistically effective units, RNG outcomes favoring the AI, and technical issues like crashes on Linux further detract from the experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.09): Expectations were unmet due to a slower pace, lack of a full campaign, and a turn-based system some players disliked. The game was criticized for weak replayability, shallow campaign progression, missing animations, and a lack of realism and unit diversity.
- Excitement (weight 0.08): Excitement stems from rewarding early progress, intense battles, and the game's status as a long-sought masterpiece for turn-based tactics. Players are eager for future expansions, such as the Ancient Persia DLC and additional historical armies, and appreciate the game's depth and smooth gameplay.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.07): The game delivers pure fun through engaging turn-based battles, strategic depth, and a relaxing pace. Players enjoy exploring different factions, micromanaging units in an ancient setting, and using the game as a pleasant pastime, with an easy learning curve that enhances the experience.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.06): Enthusiasm is fueled by the game's impressive depth, historical accuracy, and tactical richness, which faithfully recreate tabletop wargaming. Players are passionate about the game's quality, the variety of factions, and its growing community, seeing it as a rare gem for ancient warfare enthusiasts.
- Admiration (weight 0.04): Players admire the developers for creating a realistic and mechanically sound game that rewards tactical skill over luck. The well-crafted unit miniatures, animations, and overall beauty, combined with deep and replayable gameplay, earn high praise as a work of art.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Appreciation is shown for the game's elegant design, robust manual, and tutorials that are vital for wargames. The proper wargame qualities, good AI, and balanced battles are valued, along with the ability to create custom scenarios.
- Approval (weight 0.02): Approval is given for the game's strong emphasis on tactical play, such as flanking and hammer-and-anvil tactics, and its relative historical accuracy. The light infantry infiltration mechanic and overall great historical battle experience are also praised.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.02): Dissatisfaction arises from balance issues, such as light troops and ranged cavalry being too powerful, and poor graphics that make units hard to distinguish. Arbitrary design decisions undermine the game's realism, contributing to negative feelings.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Boredom sets in when battles drag on, momentum moves at a glacial pace, and gameplay becomes really boring. Repetitive survival battles against ever-larger hordes lose their appeal after a while.
- Love (weight 0.02): Players love the game for bringing the tabletop experience to life with historical breadth and specificity. After learning the mechanics, they find it to be a great tactical game that appeals to strategy-oriented players.
- Indifference (weight 0.01): The game leaves some players indifferent, as they quickly forgot it existed. It is described as competent but not spectacular, with no serious faults but also nothing to praise.
- Pleasure (weight 0.01): Pleasure comes from the ability to play with miniature armies and appreciate the immersive detail of soldiers' costumes. This fosters a sense of connection to the historical setting.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger is triggered by unrealistic combat results during campaigns, such as against Gaul, and the game's failure to realize its potential due to a lack of story and creative campaign maps.
- Immersion (weight 0.01): The game immerses players by making them feel like a general of the time and culture. Its presentation and tactical gameplay contribute to a deeply engaging experience.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arises from unclear and illogical factors governing troop movement and actions, as well as a lack of understanding of terrain height even after extensive play. This impedes tactical decision-making.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): The game provides an intense and engaging battle simulation that keeps players' minds active even when not playing. This high level of cognitive engagement is a key strength.
- Humor (weight 0.01): Humor emerges from self-deprecating comments about not being a military genius and from joking about neglecting family and pets due to the game's addictive nature.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): The game evokes nostalgia by reminding players of painting miniatures and playing WRG/DBA, maintaining the feel of tabletop miniature wargaming. This connection to past hobbies is cherished.}