So if you're remembering vanilla RTW, keep in mind that the gameplay of Fourth Age is extremely different. The other thing to remember is that these mods differ quite a bit from the vanilla experience. So for example, in RTW and M2 it's possible to train as many armies as you want, to trade or purchase settlements from other factions, and to develop your settlements however you wish. On the other hand, I understand that the newer titles introduce some restrictions that were not present in the older games. (I've never been much of a graphics hound, and I have yet to play Rome 2 or any newer TW games.) If you're talking graphics, then yes, I'm sure you will find some differences between the newer games and the older titles of RTW and M2.
It is, of course, subjective in some ways. Full dislosure - I'm on the dev team for Fourth Age: Total War.
