I have played them all except Shogun2, my fav is

Rome
medieval 2

My favorite is Medieval 2, both for the setting and for the moddable engine (stainless steel is an awesome mod), but Shogun 2 has a true coop, and it makes for all the cons of the game (like, IMO, the setting and the realistic little variation of troops).

I have them all, and Empire have everything to be the best of them, but it lacks something: AI. After you play Europa Universalis you simply can't stand playing Empire. The diplomatic AI must be based only on some sort of random number generator. The Total War series all have a weak AI, but Empire is the apex of dumbness.

Another vote for Medieval 3.. just something about that setting that i love.. however i own and love all from the original Medieval.

I hope they make a Rome 2 as RTW was one of my faves. Shogun 2 is ok but all factions have the same units for the most part, and it isn't really moddable like previous titles.

Still play Rome Total War (with Darth Mod) can't say that about the rest.

My favourite was probably Rome, as it was the one I played the most out of all of the series. I really liked the setting of Empire but never really clicked with Shogun 2.

For the future I would love to see an American Civil War game though I know it doesn't really fit into the "Total War" setting. I also quite like the idea of a WW1 game, though the issues with long range weapons ( plus air) would make it a very ambitious project.

Shogun 2... playing Co-op with my son is everything I hoped it would be.


"Easy to beat...???? "

On what settings!!!? Easy? Have you tried a quick "Legendary" Campaign?

Trench warfare and continuous front was such a big part of WWI, I'm not sure how TW (which tends to favor open field battles, small armies, and lots of manuevering around forts) would handle it. Plus, I get the idea Empire/Napoleon was about as modern as the TW folks wanted to go.

Actually, in March the developers at CA are releasing a stand alone expansion for Shogun called: "Fall of the Samurai" which is initially set during the Boshin war (1866 to 1868).

This was the final overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogunate by forces loyal to the Emperor. By this time all the European powers were selling weapons to both sides, so in addition to traditional weapons, the combatants will now breach loading artillery, Gatling guns, Snyder rifles, and Ironclad based naval battles--plus some foreign recruitable troops like British, French, and American marines.

The developers have already stated that they will not make two game sequels in a row, so Rome II will not be the next major release. From the period of the new Shogun II expansion, many are guessing the next game is going to be at least in the 19th century--maybe a Victorian Total war that would include the ACW and various colonial wars of the late 1800's. Of course it's all speculation at this point.

Cheers

I really like Shogun 2 but my favourite time period is Naploleon TW so I would say that is my best one.