[Update #2]: Total War: Rome Remastered has now launched alongside a somewhat mixed reception.

[Update]: The newly released gameplay preview shows off the impressive technical improvements.

In a reveal that has arrived pretty much out of nowhere, Creative Assembly has now announced that they are working with Feral Interactive on remastering one of the original classics - Rome: Total War! The new and improved Total War: Rome Remastered will bring with it all of the DLC already bundled in, access to both the remastered and original game, as well as a whole bunch of quality of life fixes and additions.

What all of that means in actual gameplay terms is that the visuals will be improved across the board, the in-game camera and controls will be getting a modern overhaul, while sixteen previously locked factions will become fully playable. And just to spice things up even further, you will also be able to recruit new Merchant agents in order to create trade routes or simply use your economic might to buy out rivals and incite unrest.

Perhaps most importantly of all, owners of the original Rome: Total War will be able to grab Total War: Rome Remastered at a 50% discount until May 31st. Considering that the full price is already fairly reasonable at €30, I'd say that this is a pretty good deal if you're in the mood for a bit of a nostalgia trip.

Total War: Rome Remastered will be heading over to PC on April 29, 2021. You can learn a little bit more about it, as well as check out the full FAQ, over at the Total War website.

And just for good measure, I'll leave you with the delightfully cheesy live action trailer. Enjoy!