Decided to play as England, thinking I'd unify the lands and be a noble king. First thing that happens? France declares war on me for no reason.
Ah, diplomacy at its finest.

So naturally, I defend myself, repel their attacks, and boom:
“You’ve been excommunicated!”
What?! I defend my kingdom and suddenly I’m public enemy number one. Pope, buddy, they started it! Next thing I know, half of Europe’s sending assassins to camp outside London like it's some medieval Coachella.

Assassins are lurking in every alley. The Pope says nothing. Cool, cool.

But the second I send my own assassin to even the odds?
“That’s a sin, England! How dare you defend yourself with... the same tactics everyone else is using!”
Cue crusade against me.

Reputation in shambles.
Pope laughs in Latin.

Now half of my cities are on fire, the other half are busy fighting for the Pope who hates me. My assassins? Apparently trained by medieval interns.

10/10

Absolute masterpiece and my personal favorite game in the Total War franchise. If you don't mind the dated graphics you absolutely should pick the game up and try it. Creative Assembly - please make a remaster for this game!

Old, but still good and iconic total war game set in the time of crusades and jihads, where religion becomes very important part of your life, the time of chivalrous knights and glory. Conquer infidels in the name of your God and prepare as there are rumors of the new horde rising in the East. So ride my honorable knight, to glory, Deus vult.
In-game battle units might feel clumsy, too unresponsive, also AI in general is STUPID.