February 8^th, 2006 (6:16pm) - SEGA has announced that Rome: Total War Gold Edition will be available at retail outlets across the country beginning February 15, 2006 for a suggested retail price of $39.95. This official compilation combines the critically acclaimed real-time strategy game Rome: Total War and its expansion, Rome: Total War - Barbarian Invasion, giving new gamers the opportunity to enjoy the greatest Total War games ever made in one amazing package.

"The Total War franchise has become synonymous with epic warfare and unprecedented scale, and Rome: Total War is the best in the series so far," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "The press and fans have expressed incredible enthusiasm for the gameplay in Rome and Barbarian Invasion, and we are pleased to present a collection that allows new gamers to experience both critically acclaimed titles at once."

In Rome: Total War, you are put in charge of one of three Roman families. You must increase your family’s power in Rome through diplomacy, economic skill, and of course, war. Fight epic battles of awe-inspiring scale, commanding 10,000 men, while negotiating a century-spanning campaign across Europe and Africa. Ultimately you must take Rome and forge the greatest empire of the ancient world.

The official expansion, Barbarian Invasion, turns the tables and challenges you to destroy the Roman Empire. Rome has passed its zenith and the mighty empire now lies weak and crumbling. As one of several new barbarian factions, will you show mercy to Rome or crush your oppressors with the same callous and calculated tactics they used to enslave you? Rome will be your prize; claim it.