You forgot that culture packs also add some units. For instance, the Greek culture pack also adds Agrianian Axemen and Aspis Companion Cavalry for Macedon and Epirus, which are awesome units.

I was so shocked to discover that Greek city states are only available through DLC.... Wouldn't be surprised if they made Rome TW III with only rome and carthage, and every other faction is a DLC...

When you buy the complete edition, and suddenly it isn't complete anymore.

The one thing I'll say about Sparta's missile units is that starting in Hellas means they can hire Kretan archers basically immediately as mercs. Expensive, yes, but elite archers + elite hoplites are a good combo.

When I first got this game I thought Rise of the Republic was the tutorial, it was a hard lesson, but I still managed to beat it! Needless to say I was surprised when I started the Grand Campaign, braced for an extremely difficult time.

"it has a lot of DLC"

Absolutely nailed the Rise of the Republic dlc review, perfection if they made the Etruscan League playable in the Grand Campaign. Still the best dlc they’ve made for Rome 2. I’d personally put Caesar in Gaul higher up because the Gallic factions unlocked in the Grand Campaign were pretty solid on top of a rather cool side campaign, so at least B tier if not A tier.

I preordered Rome 2 and went through its various patches. I have close to 3.9k hours into the game, most of it spent playing campaigns.

I know it was freeLC, but the best added campaign IMO was imperator Augustus. Fun time period, lots of interesting factions, and the fun challenge of four different Romes to win as.

The Desert Kingdoms DLC clearly shows CA taking notes from the Warhammer DLC that add actual interesting shit.

Wrath of Sparta is the most realistic campaign pack

1) Imperator Augustus

The Ardiaei are great! You need a change of tact. They have superiority at sea and can recruit high tier ships within 3 or so turns. You can dominate the oceans with ease. Play defensively on land and aggressive on the sea and you'll smash. Different and fun play style, also good if you want to learn naval tactics.

Him: Don’t buy the Greek Cities pack

I suppose I'm one of those odd fellas who actually love the Ardiaei faction both in multiplayer and in the campaign.

"Surrounded by neighbors who hate them, a common theme with the Balkan factions" Nice to see they kept the tradition! Lol

I honestly think that Empire Divided is my favorite campaign pack, I love playing as Rome, even though they have a very hard start. Rome is basically my two favorite factions( Seleucid and GC Rome) combined, as it has legionaries AND pikeman, and I like stacking them on top of one another to gain an added defense bonus. The Barbarian factions do seem like filler, but I think that just adds flare to playing as them.