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. 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.
  2. 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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  3. Gamer's Pulse
    60
    A good single player building game that, although has improvements, lacks long-term gameplay abilities.
  5. PC Gamer
    72
    Offers more of the same good stuff, but no real creative innovation. [Nov 2002, p.128]
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  6. Computer Games Magazine
    70
    A solid bit of urban planning in an interesting new setting. Period. [Nov 2002, p.88]
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  7. 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.
  8. netjak
    61
    The game was enjoyable for a few levels. Definitely not $40 worth of levels, though.
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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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