Total War: Attila Review (Don't Let Your Memes Be Dreams)
Atilla is by far the best Post Rome 2 Total War game, if your on the fence I would recommend due to the incredible game-play of this game
Battles:
The battles are a highlight being fast and brutal with a faster time to kill than Rome, the AI is smart (esp with AI mod) and will try to flank/press its advantages and defend units from cavalry etc. It's the best challenge in the series
units adhere to rock paper scissors and countering better than other titles, simple tiers plus a strong morale systems means you don't need to field the best units/overall army to win. Good tactics and positioning matter a lot more than Rome 2 where unit quality wins the fight 9/10.
Campaign:
Depending on the faction there's a lot of variety here, the western Roman Empire is probably the most challenging campaign TW has ever made. Brutal public order problems, wars with every faction means you have to make choices on where to defend and where to let go (letting go of areas will help you long term). You cannot simply steamroll the map, the game stays challenging for the whole campaign with the Huns and various barb factions popping up over time as they migrate from infertile regions.
Desert empires are a lot more laid back and traditional growth playstyles. Barbarian factions rely more on an engaging diplomacy environment and taking chunks out of the two largest empires (diplomacy here is pretty good, reliable leaders will retain ties with you). Barb factions are on a clock due to the climate change mechanic so you should move south and you also have the Hun threat to handle like the Roman factions.
This is the dark ages. Everything is trying to kill you and it makes for a cool atmosphere once you get used to it.
Graphics:
A bit dark and moody but thats the vibe, buildings can be set on fire and sieges are more interesting.