Rise of Nations (plus expansion Thrones and Patriots).

An overlooked gem by Brian Reynolds (Civ 2, Alpha Centauri).

"Rise of Nations carries the sweeping scope of epic historical turn-based strategy games, but gives the player the quick decision-making of real-time games such as Age of Empires.

The game brings to life the entire sweep of human culture, from the late Stone Age to modern-day technology—not just in warfare, but in city building, trade, and diplomacy"

Well, I did process this thread subconsiously and I did find a game that is similar to Total War series. Its called  XIII Century: Death or Glory and actually it has or all it is only the battle system from Total War series.

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/xiiicenturyswordhonor/review.html

http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/065/920458_20080306_screen005.jpg" width="150" height="120">

castles 2 and close combat 2,4,5

Like many people say, there is no substitute for the Total War series. They are very unique.

Personally, as an experienced RTS player, the only RTS games I think are equal to or better than Total War games:

1) World In Conflict: similar to Total War in that there is no base building when you are in combat. However, there is no Campain map. Each match is it's own game. You also need to get people together that are willing to cooperate with you as it is a very team heavy game.

2) Sins of the Solar Empire: I like this game because it is the only good Space RTS game I have found. Game is very balanced in all regards and does not suffer from annoying problems such as the Total War pathfinding.

3) Civilization IV Beyond the Sword: not an RTS, but still very good if your looking for a history heavy game like the Total War games. IMO, no other strategy game can compete with Civ IV.

There is also Star Wars Empire At War....give it a try :)

Imperial glory......
Basically a lower-end and not nearly as good Empire: Total war
It was released a while back, so you can get it cheap.
http://www.imperialglory.com/ (click on british link)
Oh, and there's a demo.




Europa Universalis is just the diplomacy (highly, highly improved, and deeper though) of the TW series. But it's an awesome, time consuming kingdom building game. If you endure the first 5 hours, then you can "get into it".
http://www.europauniversalis3.com/

Mount & Blade is great too, but it is more of an action game on a big scale.
Here's a list of paradox games:
http://www.paradoxplaza.com//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=44&Itemid=126
So you can decide for yourself

I second CIV4. Campaign in Total war games feels very similar to CIV4m, as their both turnbased. Up to 18 players, you can have the whole world be a map, and you can play entire games [4000bc to 2050ad] without going to war [Good luck not being attacked on higher difficulties]

Get Cossacks II, this works v. similar to Total War.

Other titles? Like other people say try Europa Universalis II ( i dislike the 3rd one, because is so different and ahistorical) or even better Hearts of Iron II those games are really hard, and can consume your life. Victoria is also a good choice but its even harder and more complicated ;)

Yes, EU and other games in the EU series by Paradox are worth looking into.

Well, if you want to see where total war games originated from try Centurion: Defender of Rome. ;)