Emperor: Rise of the Middle Kingdom

 PC
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. GameZone
    93
    A gorgeous, challenging and thoroughly enjoyable civilization game.
  2. Game Informer
    93
    Another great city-builder from a developer that has come to define a niche genre all its own. [Sept 2002, p.93]
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  3. IGN
    88
    Sure they added some new things like Ancestors (pretty much like gods), the Chinese zodiac signs, new ways of dealing with farming, and multiplayer options for the first time as well as the obligatory improvements to interface. But there isn't really anything here that we haven't already gone through in ancient Rome, Egypt, or Greece.
  5. Game Over Online
    86
    Well made, but perhaps not remarkably exceptional. In its craftsmanship, it continues to be one of the best urban planning games, par excellence.
  6. GameSpy
    85
    It's not all that new and not all that different from the other games in Sierra's classic "City Building" franchise -- but it's loads of fun all the same.
  7. Media and Games Online Network
    80
    An impressive game that reeks of addictive potential. If the despot in you wants some exercising, then this is definitely the way to go.
  8. GameSpot
    77
    A fun and satisfying management game, ... [but] if "Zeus" was two steps forward for the series, Emperor is its one step back.
  9. Armchair Empire
    75
    Impressions did a good job of refining the gameplay with this installment.
  10. PC Gamer
    72
    Offers more of the same good stuff, but no real creative innovation. [Nov 2002, p.128]
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  11. Computer Gaming World
    70
    Offers up the delight of "RollerCoaster Tycoon" with a historical bent and a sharp, colorful Asian edge. [Nov 2002, p.126]
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  12. Computer Games Magazine
    70
    A solid bit of urban planning in an interesting new setting. Period. [Nov 2002, p.88]
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  13. ActionTrip
    68
    Those of you who spent months playing "Caesar III" or "Zeus" can give this game a miss, as it won't bring them anything new at all.
  14. netjak
    61
    The game was enjoyable for a few levels. Definitely not $40 worth of levels, though.
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  15. Gamer's Pulse
    60
    A good single player building game that, although has improvements, lacks long-term gameplay abilities.
  16. Yahoo!
    60
    Even the addition of online multiplayer gaming doesn't do enough to overcome a sense of sameness, continuing problems with the combat system, and the absence of involving mission goals.

Awards & Rankings

64
#64 Best PC Game of 2002
41
#41 Most Discussed PC Game of 2002
46
#46 Most Shared PC Game of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 41 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 41
  3. Negative: 6 out of 41
  1. NerV-0-sol
    May 5, 2012
    9
    I think it's the best city builder published by Sierra Entertainment Inc. It's very similar to Pharaoh and Caesar games (produced byI think it's the best city builder published by Sierra Entertainment Inc. It's very similar to Pharaoh and Caesar games (produced by Impressions Games). Unfortunately there is no tutorial, but unlike Pharaoh and Caesar citizens are able to work at every place (their houses don't need to be built so close to it) and you can also build a special wall around houses which allows them to grow (it prevents the bad influence of work places).… Full Review »
  2. Ekaton
    Jul 28, 2012
    10
    Definitely one of the best city-builders of all time and a must-have for every fan of the genre. It's a shame that these days we don't haveDefinitely one of the best city-builders of all time and a must-have for every fan of the genre. It's a shame that these days we don't have such games made anymore.… Full Review »
  3. T.homasB.
    Dec 26, 2007
    10
    One of the, if not the, best city builder games i have ever tried. beautiful, has a good feel and can make you addicted. this must a must to One of the, if not the, best city builder games i have ever tried. beautiful, has a good feel and can make you addicted. this must a must to every city builder.… Full Review »
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