The Nomad Sorry: Rome II's Temporarily Free DLC

Look, I don't know what happened with Total War: Rome II: Total War II Rome. People are upset cos it was apparently a bit all over the place? It's the first CA game that won't be showing up on many GOTY lists? I didn't even play it, I'm rubbish at TW games, so don't look at me. It does seem like the Creative Assembly are trying to make amends at least - there's been a steady stream of big fat patches, and now they're giving out what was apparently (and later will be again) paid DLC for free.

It's got three new factions in it, and all that entails, it's called the Nomadic Tribes Culture Pack, it's out now and it's free so long as you download it before October 29. Will it help appease those who felt let down by the main game? Of course it won't, Jake - it's the internet. It's certainly the wiser thing to do than try and make money off DLC at this stage, however.

The three new factions are The Roxolani, Massagetae and Royal Scythians, all of which are indeed nomadic and who between them add eight new units to the game, plus assorted buildings, traits, traditions and objectives. It all sounds very substantial on paper, but whether these news lads mean a big shift or just some stat-fiddling in practice is for Rome-savvy types to establish. Here's a 'cinematic' trailer:

So, out now, free until 29th Oct, then it's going to £5.99/$7.99/€7.49 for the rest of time, or at least until the next Steam sale, after that. Gerrit from here.