Each simulation was based on Rome: Total War, a strategy role-playing game developed by The Creative Assembly. The British studio will be returning to help with the new series -- it confirmed as much on Twitter -- although it's not clear exactly which game will be adapted. (Probably not Total War: Warhammer.) The new series will be produced by Lion Television and shown on BBC Four. The premiere date is a mystery, however you can apply to be a contestant up until September 1st, indicating that the show is still in a pre-production stage.

The return of Time Commanders! Think you have the strategic expertise to redefine history in front of a TV audience? https://t.co/ooTNnMTu05 — Total War (@totalwar) July 26, 2016

Given its long hiatus, the BBC is tweaking the show's format slightly. Two teams of three will now appear in each episode, taking on a simulation pre-programmed by the show's historical experts. They'll then face each other in "one of history's biggest battles," presumably crowing some kind of victor each week. Honestly, we can't wait. Time Commanders was a refreshing blend of historical documentary and game show, with Total War serving as a solid foundation. The RTS franchise has, of course, evolved since then, meaning new episodes should look and feel more immersive.