Rome: Total War is the masterpiece every gamer should have in their collection!
The campaign map in Rome was a great improvement from the rest of the Total War games. It is no longer in a "cartographic map' style but much more realistic since vegetation varies according to the terrain, you can see mountains, the effect of summer and winter (you can see the snow in the campaign map when its winter), rivers, bridges, etc. You can also see some of the improvements you make: construction of roads, watchtowers, forts and of course the way your colonies change when you build better walls.
The game also allows you to zoom in the 'battle map' so you can see how your cities look (you don't need to go in a battle to do this). You're then able to see all the buildings or built on the campaign map: from aqueducts to imperial temples!
In the campaign map you can actually see your generals carrying the banners of your armies and hitting your empire's foes with their sword when its time to attack. You can also see your agents moving across the map (diplomats, spies, assassins).
The biggest problem in the game is the AI itself. It is incredibly dumb. It cant use diplomacy to negotiate you or attack you with the proper army. An example of this is when a faction asks you 'please do no attack' and offers 'accept or we will attack'. (yes very dumb... i know).
Apart from that the games is really impressive.
Graphic is perfect but it is a great improvement from the rest of the total war games in which units were still 2D. Units look much better and have much better movements (that includes jumping into their enemy).
Rome Total War also features generals' speeches before the battles begin. You can actually hear them saying bad stuff about their enemy which makes it sound pretty realistic. The speeches can also give you some tips on how to win the battle.
Rome also includes the possiblity of playing multiplayer battles. There are also historical battles.
You can't get tired of this game really fast since you can always play different faction, try new techniques and most events vary according to your actions. But, no one can play a game forever.