Medieval 2: Total War and the Kingdoms expansion, are two games that are very similar to Rome: Total War. Still focusing on the Europe and Near East as the battlefield, the game sheds light on the rise and fall of kings and church in the "Dark Ages" dating from 1080 to 1530. The player controls one of 5 factions (England, France, Spain, The Holy Roman Empire, and the Republic of Venice), with more being unlocked after winning the Grand Campaign.
One different aspect of Medieval 2 is religion. Religion plays a much more prominent role because of Crusades and relations with the Pope. During Crusades, your troops are joined to an army and must be moved to the region that is the target of the Crusade. Failure to join the Crusade makes the Pope upset with you, and victory in the Crusade gives your men experience. When playing as Muslim factions, you can call a Jihad and defend your lands against the Crusaders. This gives the game a lot of depth.
Another addition to the game is the Americas. While not intractable until late in the game, the addition makes the conquest that much more intriguing. Some scenarios I've played through is a massive English Armada supported by gunpowder and cold steel sails to the New World and claims it all for the Crown. No Spanish Conquista.
One different aspect of Medieval 2 is religion. Religion plays a much more prominent role because of Crusades and relations with the Pope. During Crusades, your troops are joined to an army and must be moved to the region that is the target of the Crusade. Failure to join the Crusade makes the Pope upset with you, and victory in the Crusade gives your men experience. When playing as Muslim factions, you can call a Jihad and defend your lands against the Crusaders. This gives the game a lot of depth.
Another addition to the game is the Americas. While not intractable until late in the game, the addition makes the conquest that much more intriguing. Some scenarios I've played through is a massive English Armada supported by gunpowder and cold steel sails to the New World and claims it all for the Crown. No Spanish Conquista.