A Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia

 PC
User Score
5.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 170 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 170
  2. Mixed: 48 out of 170
  3. Negative: 62 out of 170

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  1. dlmdarkfire
    May 3, 2018
    10
    As a guy with 386 hours on attila i can easily say that everyone saying "this is an attila rip off" is wrong

    There's so many new mechanics and old mechanics brought back from the old games. The new village system is great, the new recruitment system reminds me of the good old days of medieval 2. The battles are rather similar to attila, but that's also the only similarity between the 2    As a guy with 386 hours on attila i can easily say that everyone saying "this is an attila rip off" is wrong

    There's so many new mechanics and old mechanics brought back from the old games. The new village system is great, the new recruitment system reminds me of the good old days of medieval 2. The battles are rather similar to attila, but that's also the only similarity between the 2 games

    over all, a great new adition to the series    … Expand
  2. chuchel
    May 28, 2018
    9
    An excellent Total War with refined mechanics, although many aspects are very minimized in terms of policy and treaties. Undoubtedly reminds me of Shogun 2, a specific geographical part where it develops, the units are very similar as in shogun 2 but nothing that excellent existing mods improves to 100%, I hope we do not bleed to the point of DLCs. I recommend it 100% very good.
  3. Talmanes
    May 3, 2018
    9
    A solid entry into the series and one that introduces some very welcome features, particularly considering it's a saga title and not a mainline entry. To start with, positives in no particular order:

    - The campaign map is absolutely gorgeous. It's huge and detailed. - The new recruitment mechanics make armies a lot more interesting. No elites on demand, you actually have to think    A solid entry into the series and one that introduces some very welcome features, particularly considering it's a saga title and not a mainline entry. To start with, positives in no particular order:

    - The campaign map is absolutely gorgeous. It's huge and detailed.
    - The new recruitment mechanics make armies a lot more interesting. No elites on demand, you actually have to think through what units you're going to recruit and when, as they take several turns to fully muster. Elite and retinue units actually feel valuable now.
    - The soundtrack is really immersive
    - The period appropriate art style works really well. The main menu background is beautiful
    - The siege battle maps are some of the best I've seen in any Total War game
    - No stupid AI refusing trade agreements. These are now automatic if you're at peace and have a connection between your capitals. Very welcome.
    - New province system is an interesting design choice. The lack of garrisons in minor settlements requires you think a bit more strategically about where you build up and where you station your armies. This can only be a good thing.
    - No agents! I always found these a chore in previous titles so glad to see them gone.
    - I like the added emphasis on generals/governors and 'followers' (basically a skill tree). A general's bodyguard unit size will increase with his command skill which is a really nice touch.
    - Narrative events are a welcome addition

    Negatives/Less good things

    - No ambush battles
    - No forced march. I don't really mind, but it is missing
    - No building trees. All buildings are linear upgrades. I like choice.
    - AI has good moments but it also has bad moments. Same as any Total War game
    - Some clipping issues occasionally and collision isn't always particularly satisfying. Sometimes it works really well though.

    All in all a really refreshing experience.

    Besides, it's £30, compared to the £150 I've spent on the Warhammer Total War titles. Yet I fully expect to get as many hours out of this. Highly recommended.    … Expand
  4. zorK90
    May 4, 2018
    8
    What's up with all these haters that come on here to just hate on the game I don't get it. I may change the score I have given the game after some more gametime, but after a few hours I feel it's a solid Total War game overall. There are some bold moves here by CA with removal of agents, some stances like forced march etc. but as well as some new way of doing things.

    I love the artwork    What's up with all these haters that come on here to just hate on the game I don't get it. I may change the score I have given the game after some more gametime, but after a few hours I feel it's a solid Total War game overall. There are some bold moves here by CA with removal of agents, some stances like forced march etc. but as well as some new way of doing things.

    I love the artwork and the new way of recruiting troops feels right. Battles are so far great and there are actual chokepoints in some maps haha.

    Not a bad game at all so far and definitely worth its pricetag.    … Expand
  5. Gibbonici
    May 5, 2018
    8
    I've played most of the Total War games and this one is a worthy addition to the series. It took a bit of getting used to after the truly epic scale of the Warhammer ones and Empire (I'm a sucker for 18th Century history and have played that one to absolute death), but once you get the hang of it there's a surprising amount of depth that comes with the scale. There are various vitalI've played most of the Total War games and this one is a worthy addition to the series. It took a bit of getting used to after the truly epic scale of the Warhammer ones and Empire (I'm a sucker for 18th Century history and have played that one to absolute death), but once you get the hang of it there's a surprising amount of depth that comes with the scale. There are various vital mechanics regarding your generals that would be way too micro-managey in a larger scale game.

    Historically, the game is a pretty good depiction of late 9th century Britain, with the various factions occupying the right places and feeling as they should as you play them. There is a Welsh faction in Scotland, which seems a bit weird, but I guess that's a nod to the linguistically different Celts (the Brythonic speakers rather than the later-arriving Gaelic speakers).

    One thing that I've had issue with in a lot of Total War games is that the battles can get a bit formulaic. In Empire, for example, your formations are usually the same (musket in the middle, artillery on the flanks and cavalry on you far flanks) with little scope for variety, which means your battles play out more or less the same each time. I had similar issues with Medieval 2 and the Romes, but maybe that's just how I played them out.

    With Thrones of Britannia, there are nine standard deployments you can use and customise from, and so far I've found a very distinct use for each one depending on terrain, numbers and the type of opposing army. Similarly, there seems to be quite a lot of tactical variety in how you can play your battles out, and the timing and targets of your charges and counter-charges can win or lose a battle.

    It is a very big departure from the epic, OTT battles and strategies of the Warhammer games, and there seems to be a lot more nuance in the way that Thrones plays out. I can see how that would throw a lot of players, especially when you have to consider the loyalty and influence of your generals as well as the usual happiness in your provinces. Managing these elements are probably more important in the strategic layer than getting your production and technology chains built.

    I've also read a lot of complaints about missing mechanics, but the mechanics that are there (including the new ones) are there to reflect the social and military orders of the time. 9th century society wasn't anything like as organised as the Roman or feudal periods, and this becomes a natural part of the way the game plays.

    As a game set in a relatively small area with varied factional goals, cultures and internal intrigues, Thrones of Britannia works and plays well. In terms of pure gameplay it's not the best Total War game to date (say what you like but I have to give that to the Mortal Empires campaign in Warhammer 2), but as a serious historical game set in an interesting period, it's definitely up there - especially if you're bit of a history nerd.    … Expand
  6. Ilya_Markelov
    Dec 23, 2018
    10
    Один из лучших тотал варов со времен меда 2 и Сёгуна 2. В игре фундаментальные изменения по сравнению с предыдущими частями, абсолютно другая боёвка, очень напоминающая мед2 - с медленными разношерстными юнитами в одном отряде, с медленным откликом на приказ, половина идёт его выполнять - другая половина не идёт, кто-то убегает вперед, кто-то ранен и сильно отстал позади - вы видели такоеОдин из лучших тотал варов со времен меда 2 и Сёгуна 2. В игре фундаментальные изменения по сравнению с предыдущими частями, абсолютно другая боёвка, очень напоминающая мед2 - с медленными разношерстными юнитами в одном отряде, с медленным откликом на приказ, половина идёт его выполнять - другая половина не идёт, кто-то убегает вперед, кто-то ранен и сильно отстал позади - вы видели такое в Риме 2 или Атилле или Вархаммере? Там отряды клонов ровным строем носились, шаг в шаг. Здесь же - в корне иное поведение юнитов, ритм сражения, он гораздо медленней и реалистичней. Я залип в игруху на пару недель.
    Это потрясающая игра, в первую очередь для ценителей первого Рима и классики Medieval 2.    … Expand
  7. imagtx1080
    May 8, 2018
    10
    Bad Reviews are ten year olds, one is even saying this game cant be played in 4k, sure buddy thats why i am playing it on 4k with a gtx 1080 and a ryzen 5 1600 few settings on high instead of ultra and there you go great performance.

    Siege battles are Beast and Beautiful. Played 10 hours straight dont think a bad game can achieve that. Not to mention got it for 23 euros on release day.    Bad Reviews are ten year olds, one is even saying this game cant be played in 4k, sure buddy thats why i am playing it on 4k with a gtx 1080 and a ryzen 5 1600 few settings on high instead of ultra and there you go great performance.

    Siege battles are Beast and Beautiful. Played 10 hours straight dont think a bad game can achieve that. Not to mention got it for 23 euros on release day. What a bargain.

    It has over Average 20 fps more then Attila. If you say CA is Lazy you are a spoiled kid, updating and getting better performance out of an 32 bit Engine is not easy.

    Its a good game tons of fun Campaign Map is Huge as it should be in such a game and the most detailed also in the Series so far.

    You love Ragnar,Ivar, Alfred well thats kinda all in in the Story.    … Expand
  8. clivman
    May 3, 2018
    10
    Its an amazing game just beware people were threatening to review bomb it so many of the reviews with 0 stars are from people who never bought the game.
    It brings a lot of new features and removes a few (forced march, agents) that were hated in older games
  9. Sebson
    May 6, 2018
    9
    This is a great standalone title and well worth the price. It's also the most polished and bug-free TW release in years. Seemingly small changes to the mechanics add up to a different and pacier overall experience than Attila or AoC. Each faction I've played feels unique owing to their faction traits and politics. The campaign AI doesn't cheat as much, which means late-game's a little bitThis is a great standalone title and well worth the price. It's also the most polished and bug-free TW release in years. Seemingly small changes to the mechanics add up to a different and pacier overall experience than Attila or AoC. Each faction I've played feels unique owing to their faction traits and politics. The campaign AI doesn't cheat as much, which means late-game's a little bit too easy at the moment.

    ToB is an interesting departure from the typical TW format, which funnily enough feels like more of a return to form. I haven't enjoyed a campaign so thoroughly since Medieval 2. Ironically, the fan-base has been calling for Medieval 3 for years, yet many seem to have decided to review bomb this title before it was even released...because reasons, I guess? Anyway, if you like TW and if you like Viking Age Britain and Ireland, this game is for you.    … Expand
  10. sparten8
    Jun 17, 2018
    8
    New to the total war series have played a few in the past but not in depth. This game has made me a fan of the games I love this game and think it it very good I'd recommend this to anyone that like strategy game 100%. There are some challenging elements but is accessible to newer players and i think that is an aspect people that have played total war games for a while don't, but i stillNew to the total war series have played a few in the past but not in depth. This game has made me a fan of the games I love this game and think it it very good I'd recommend this to anyone that like strategy game 100%. There are some challenging elements but is accessible to newer players and i think that is an aspect people that have played total war games for a while don't, but i still think the game is good and love the time period and location.… Expand
  11. Ow41n
    Dec 17, 2019
    10
    I actually play this game more than the other total war games. And I've been playing since shogun originally released all those years ago. I dont know what it is I just cant put it down
  12. shadow2000m
    Aug 14, 2020
    9
    A very good game. A good Total War. Here's what Thrones of Britannia is.
    First officially "Saga" game, it succeeds in its objective and offers an interesting game with very good ideas.
    Despite the abandonment of the players, the game remains very good. The factions whatever one says about it remains very different between them and is not played at all the same. The events are cool, the    A very good game. A good Total War. Here's what Thrones of Britannia is.
    First officially "Saga" game, it succeeds in its objective and offers an interesting game with very good ideas.
    Despite the abandonment of the players, the game remains very good. The factions whatever one says about it remains very different between them and is not played at all the same. The events are cool, the map has surprisingly different landscapes and the area we are fighting has a real impact. Besides the battles are very fun thanks to these maps. Marshes, mountains, villages, etc ... it really matters.
    The game remains intense throughout the campaign unlike all Total War, and unlike Attila it is not because of constraint and penalties. It's because we can't make armies as we want, we have to think about where to go, how to move and where to make garrisons. And then the final invasion brings a real plus!
    The politics are cool without being heavy and the faction mechanics look good.
    In general, several ideas of the title were taken up later for other Total War.
    Only downside for me, it would need updates because the game still has some issues and bug that would be easy to fix.    … Expand
  13. LoletinAlexis
    Aug 25, 2018
    8
    At our disposal we will have 10 factions to play (Anglo-Saxon, Gaelic, Welsh or Viking), which in battle do not differ much and are quite equal in themselves in the game.
    It is a different Total War: the way of recruiting is different, I have noticed that there are more civil wars, the cavalry has improved a lot, the ramification of the Royal Family and the nobles has been modified, the    At our disposal we will have 10 factions to play (Anglo-Saxon, Gaelic, Welsh or Viking), which in battle do not differ much and are quite equal in themselves in the game.
    It is a different Total War: the way of recruiting is different, I have noticed that there are more civil wars, the cavalry has improved a lot, the ramification of the Royal Family and the nobles has been modified, the interface has changed a lot, etc.    … Expand
  14. fmathez
    Apr 15, 2021
    8
    Très bon Total War. La touche graphique et l'univers sont très bien représenté. Je regrette juste un gros manque de diversité. Toutefois il reste très addictif.

Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Most Discussed PC Game of 2018
12
#12 Most Shared PC Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 51 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 51
  3. Negative: 0 out of 51
  1. CD-Action
    Sep 27, 2018
    80
    Even though the AI is unable to learn from its failures and crack the player’s tactics, which makes later battles too easy, Thrones of Britannia is a game no strategy fan should overlook. [08/2018, p.74]
  2. PLAY! Zine
    Jul 18, 2018
    70
    Thrones of Britannia shifts usual pattern where storytelling is weakest part of Total War games to situation where it is it's best part in ToB. If AI and factions get upgrades, it might even turn out quite good.
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  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jul 13, 2018
    60
    The trip to the time of Alfred the Great is rather disappointing, though the game does not do anything horribly wrong. It's good, but the theme could have been grasped much better. [Issue#286]
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