The Total War series should theoretically be right up my alley, since I'm a history nerd and I put a LOT of time into Paradox games (EU4, CK2, HOI4, Stellaris, and Surviving Mars are all high on my hours played chart).

But for whatever reason, I've just never clicked with the Total War versions of the same thing. For old school, I played Empire and Medeival. For new school, I dipped into Atilla because it was on a sale. I figured old mechanics/new mechanics, maybe one will work better than the other. But while I did somewhat enjoy Empire, the Total War series in general just has never grabbed me.

I have the same issue with the Assassin's Creed series. History Nerd...should be right up my street. But just have never clicked with me despite trying multiple games. THOSE however are much more clearer to me as to why. It's the cut and paste gameplay loop that Ubisoft has in ALL of their series.

Unlock an area, do random missions based on a number system for difficulty, interspersed with main plot missions. Move to another area, repeat. Some missions encourage you to team up with other people and go online. Others can be bypassed by micro-transactions. They literally haven't changed their core loop in years, whether that's Assassins Creed, Watchdogs, Shadow of War/Mordor, The Division, Far Cry....the list goes on and on.