When v2.0.3 dropped (officially in October 2022, and the CODEX version shortly after), the response was overwhelmingly positive. Here is a summary of community sentiment from Reddit r/TotalWar and the Feral forums:
The CODEX release is functionally identical in terms of gameplay, stability, and balance. The only losses are multiplayer and Workshop convenience. Total War ROME Remastered Update v2 0 3-CODEX
series, particularly the v2.0.3-CODEX update cycle, represents a significant technical bridge for long-time fans. This specific release path refined the modernised experience, ensuring that the legendary conquests of Rome remained accessible and visually striking on contemporary hardware. Technical Foundation and Visual Overhaul The core of this remastering effort, carried out by Feral Interactive , was to bring 2004-era visuals into the 4K era. Resolution and Fidelity When v2
If you are looking for nostalgia with modern convenience, v2.0.3 is the version to play. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it ensures the wheel runs smoothly on modern Windows 10/11 systems at high resolutions. It is less a "new game" and more a of a masterpiece. series, particularly the v2
A common question from users encountering the CODEX release is: "How does this differ from the legit Steam version on patch 2.0.3?"