Best Total War Games

Brutal, dark and serious. Played this when I was 13 (when this game came out) and found it to be incredible. Yes, the future games in the series came up with some improvements, a few cooler systems and new tricks but the setting, the tone, the civilisations and the action made Rome Total War my undisputed favourite. I know, the Romans were overpowered and unbalanced. I know, the Seleucids never even got a chance to ever unlock their top tier units. But, this was still the most FUN I've had in a total war game. Played it for the next 10 years until I had to leave it for better graphics and controls, but Rome Total War will always be my first love...Yeah don't use this logic for your girlfriend...