Pros: -Terrific battle simulations -Will take up many hours of your time!
Cons: -Too many city rebellions -Long load times -Will freeze on slower computers
The bottom line: It's been out for a few years now, but it is still the best strategy simulation I have ever played.
ROME: Total War is one of the most engrossing strategy games I have ever played, and I can admit to spending more than a few hours attempting to subjugate the various factions of ancient times. I had been looking for sometime for an in-depth strategy game that didn't take months to figure out, and RTW fit the bill. The tutorial will give you the basics you need to get started, and after that you can figure out the rest on your won. I stopped using the advisor's function early on.

RTW has two components: The empire building/management mode, and the battle mode. Empire building is no piece of cake. I found it hard to make money in this game, and even more frustrating were the constant rebellions I had to deal with in my cities. I understand the game requires a certain challenge, but it seemed silly and unrealistic to me that every few years another bunch of rebels were overthrowing my powerful forces in cities like Rome, Capua etc. This part of the game could have been dialled down somewhat. Keeping your citizens happy is a huge, huge part of the game.

The battle mode is where RTW really shines. Literally thousands of soldiers, horses, elephants, war machines etc. fill the screen on detailed looking terrain. When the armies clash, it is controlled chaos, and it is fun to decisively crush your computer opponent (I never get tired of sicking the warhounds on infantry, or watching war elephants cut through enemy ranks).

Overall this is a very good game. If you happen to be one of the few with an older computer beware, RTW hogs a lot of power, and may freeze your system.