Emperor: Rise of the Middle Kingdom

 PC
Emperor: Rise of the Middle Kingdom Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 41 Ratings

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  • Summary: You are transported back in time to when emperors reigned and China was the greatest and most resplendent power on earth. Epic in scope, Emperor spans seven dynasties and more than 3,000 years of Chinese history: from China's pre-imperial Xia dynasty circa 2100 BCE to the Mongol invasion ofYou are transported back in time to when emperors reigned and China was the greatest and most resplendent power on earth. Epic in scope, Emperor spans seven dynasties and more than 3,000 years of Chinese history: from China's pre-imperial Xia dynasty circa 2100 BCE to the Mongol invasion of the Middle Kingdom under Genghis Khan in 1211 CE. As Emperor, you will build housing to attract immigrants to your new city. Then the city's workers and farmers, administrators and soldiers will be yours to command, and you will have the work force you need to build a provincial city into a great metropolis. At your bidding, legions of workers will toil to erect walls strong enough to keep the barbarians at bay. Under your banner, armies will march forth to do battle with the enemy. Trade and commerce will flourish and an army of tax collectors will collect the taxes that are due. Schools and clinics, palaces and gardens will embellish the city you have built and proclaim your benevolence to the world. [Sierra]… Expand

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Critic Reviews

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]
    All this publication's reviews
  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.
  4. Armchair Empire
    75
    Impressions did a good job of refining the gameplay with this installment.
  5. PC Gamer
    72
    Offers more of the same good stuff, but no real creative innovation. [Nov 2002, p.128]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. 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]
    All this publication's reviews
  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.

See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. 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.… Expand
  2. dr-kenobi
    Sep 7, 2022
    10
    Особистий топ містобудівних стратегій. Досі спокійно грається навіть в 2022. Механіка збалансована відмінно (окрім війни хіба що).Особистий топ містобудівних стратегій. Досі спокійно грається навіть в 2022. Механіка збалансована відмінно (окрім війни хіба що).
  4. 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.… Expand
  5. phelvion
    Feb 18, 2014
    9
    Still one of the best and most complex city building game. I like the game alot though its age.

    Positiv: + beautiful 2D-Buildings and    Still one of the best and most complex city building game. I like the game alot though its age.

    Positiv:
    + beautiful 2D-Buildings and monuments
    + nice sounds and music
    + china-setting with background-information
    + very complex logistics, economy, manufacturing
    + trading with other citys & diplomacy
    + nice animated details in buildings and people
    + city is very lively

    Negativ:
    - ugly landscape    … Expand
  6. boredboredbored
    May 20, 2017
    9
    The best city-building sim I've ever played, hands down, and i'm a huge fan of the genre. It's not without it's issues: there are a number ofThe best city-building sim I've ever played, hands down, and i'm a huge fan of the genre. It's not without it's issues: there are a number of bugs, combat is poorly implemented, and there's often an issue of getting data about your city in a clear and timely manner to prevent disaster. Nonetheless this game is crazy fun; it's one of the few games where after clocking it on normal difficulty I play through again on hard, and then yet again on very hard. It isn't as lengthy as Pharaoh, but the game mechanics have been subtly tweaked and re-balanced for a more engaging and challenging game.… Expand
  7. gmorales
    Jul 14, 2014
    9
    A fine jewel that any city builder fan will enjoy. With a fairly complex yet enjoyable management system, it has a lot of resource typesA fine jewel that any city builder fan will enjoy. With a fairly complex yet enjoyable management system, it has a lot of resource types (forget about the classic gold, food, stone, wood) and citizen needs that allow different strategic approaches depending on the landscape characteristics. It even has multiplayer and a militar system, though these feel very outdated.… Expand
  8. CaseyG.
    Jan 10, 2003
    5
    It's kinda hard at first but it gets better.

See all 13 User Reviews

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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

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