Empire: Total War

 PC
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Mar 3, 2009
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 3194 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,895 out of 3194
  2. Mixed: 545 out of 3194
  3. Negative: 754 out of 3194
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  1. Ajdino
    Sep 28, 2012
    10
    Hey, how about a 2012 update, huh? I'm shocked at coming on Metacritic to see such low scores for a game I've owned for a long time now, that I adore. There is NO bugs, some of these reviews are absolutely outdated and unreliable. In my opinion, this is the most playable of all the Total War games. The tech branches are much more expansive and really do progress as time goes on and theHey, how about a 2012 update, huh? I'm shocked at coming on Metacritic to see such low scores for a game I've owned for a long time now, that I adore. There is NO bugs, some of these reviews are absolutely outdated and unreliable. In my opinion, this is the most playable of all the Total War games. The tech branches are much more expansive and really do progress as time goes on and the campaign was fantastic. I felt like I was rewriting my text books. It's also one of the more colorful TW games, because it covers such an active century of domination and war. Napoleon felt sort of like a plus 20 year map pack to this gem. This game is just as good as any other TW game, it really is a shame that people wrote hundreds and hundreds of reviews within the first couple of months of the games release, yet when the game is "Fixed" (Because I never played it when it was supposedly bugged) everyone just lose interest in lifting a finger for a new review. I'll simply put it this way, this game is worth every dollar, pound, or euro it costs.… Expand
  2. Bobbo
    Jun 3, 2012
    8
    An original franchise, a fine game, but dumbed down from Medieval 2 Total War. More realism is better, not less. Multiplayer campaign mode would be nice.
  3. JoshL
    Apr 3, 2009
    9
    MY SHORT REVIEW: First of all, for all those complaining of glitches and crashes, don't be so ungrateful and impatient. The game has crashed 3 times for me in 1 month of hardcore gameplay. If you can't cope with expected issues, don't buy the game. Nevertheless, Empire: Total War is one of the most enjoyable experiences in gaming you will ever come across. Yes, there are a MY SHORT REVIEW: First of all, for all those complaining of glitches and crashes, don't be so ungrateful and impatient. The game has crashed 3 times for me in 1 month of hardcore gameplay. If you can't cope with expected issues, don't buy the game. Nevertheless, Empire: Total War is one of the most enjoyable experiences in gaming you will ever come across. Yes, there are a few bugs in it (no not many), and for a title with such massive scope, that should be expected. But these problems are minor and simply annoyances, they can only detract a small amount from an overall pleasant presentation. The naval and land battles are fantastic, incorporating a mix of cannons, cavalry, infantry and battleships. The graphics are amazing on high or ultra, and it certainly lives up to it's reputation in turn based mode. Camera options are redefined, mini-maps are more detailed than before, AI has been improved - what else can you ask for? There is excessive demand on developers to produce a perfect game to the modern market. In my opinion, there are limited flaws in the game itself, and perhaps more with installation. I found Steam to be a terrible hassle, and quite unecessary. Suppose someone didn't have access to the internet but liked playing video games. "The creative assembly" is losing a lot of business by using this idiotic method of signing up. However, Steam can have some advantages, giving users regular updates for patches and new features. The historical accuracy of the game is something many people forget, or take for granted. This a key focus of the Total War series, making education fun. It opens our minds to the realms of 18th century mentality and the progress of the industrial revolution. It broadens our intelligence and understanding of contemporary society in relation to our past. This is what sums it up as a classic. In the end, much enhancement has been added since Medieval: II Total War, and this is, at least by me, appreciated.… Expand
  4. Harle
    Mar 20, 2009
    10
    Brilliant game, the depth exceeds the previous Total War titles by leaps abound. The somewhat cartoony approach to history that the older games featured has been done away with for a much more serious feel, and it's pulled off very well; even if it isn't perfectly historically accurate, compared to previous games it is apples and oranges. This is not only by far the best Total Brilliant game, the depth exceeds the previous Total War titles by leaps abound. The somewhat cartoony approach to history that the older games featured has been done away with for a much more serious feel, and it's pulled off very well; even if it isn't perfectly historically accurate, compared to previous games it is apples and oranges. This is not only by far the best Total War game to date, it may very well be the best strategy game in recent years. Yes, the game was released with bugs, but I don't feel that the game itself can be rated based on bug issues. Some people are giving it low scores because they are frustrated with bugs, but I prefer to rate based on content. It might be worth waiting a month or two past release, but the fact is that it runs more than playably for most people, and the bugs will get ironed out. Also, for other people, please stop rating games based on their performance. It's like saying that Disneyland sucks because your plane was delayed. Rate on content.… Expand
  5. NathanH
    May 27, 2009
    9
    Great addition to the series, if your computer is reasonably up to date that is. My computer is a good distance below the recommended requirements, yet I can still play relatively well on all Medium settings with a reasonably good resolution. However, just being on medium still presents a rather fantastic experience. Steam is rather annoying but it works well enough with the game. Most of Great addition to the series, if your computer is reasonably up to date that is. My computer is a good distance below the recommended requirements, yet I can still play relatively well on all Medium settings with a reasonably good resolution. However, just being on medium still presents a rather fantastic experience. Steam is rather annoying but it works well enough with the game. Most of the AI and major gameplay issues seem to be shriveling up as Steam does it's consistent small updates that CA seems willing to pump out. An altogether fantastic game if your computer has the sacs to take it on, however, it would make sense if you decided to wait a month or so for more of the updates to stream through. I didn't wait, however I'm still perfectly happy with what I've got. Right now I say a 9, but give it a while and that may go up even further.… Expand
  6. widez
    Mar 10, 2012
    9
    I just finished playing another long campaign in this game after having reinstalled it again some weeks ago and so I thought I should do a review of this game, having played it for over 350 hours in all.
    This is one epic game overall. The move to the age of muskets, rifles and cannons is a very welcome addition to the Total War franchise. The real time battles are stunningly awesome. Both    I just finished playing another long campaign in this game after having reinstalled it again some weeks ago and so I thought I should do a review of this game, having played it for over 350 hours in all.
    This is one epic game overall. The move to the age of muskets, rifles and cannons is a very welcome addition to the Total War franchise. The real time battles are stunningly awesome. Both land and sea battles are fun to play. They have really great graphics and seeing your units and ships fire off volleys of death never gets old. The campaign map is also nice and works smoothly most of the time. Sound is great throughout the whole game from the soundtrack to the sound of cannon fire to the command acknowledgements of your units. UI looks great and is very friendly.
    I would say Empire is definitely on par with Rome and Medieval2 when it comes to Total War games and epicness and awesomeness. There are a few annoyances with the game though of course. The well documented initial legion of bugs that the game was released with are now mostly gone but you can still get some CTDs occasionally. Diplomacy and AI leave a lot to be desired but what else is new about Total War games? Rakes are almost useless, small ships fire longer than bigger ships, some factions have too few unique units, France is represented by a single region etc etc. There are a lot of minor stuff that you can complain about but with a game this big in scope it is only natural.
    Empire: Total War is one of my favorite games from recent years and I probably won't stop playing it until I have played all the major factions in it.    … Expand
  7. keefbaker
    Nov 4, 2013
    8
    While I own most of the total war games they tend to not do much for me. This one was the exception really. Superb engine, great tech tree and atmosphere. Good stuff
  8. GamerLegend
    Feb 12, 2012
    8
    This was my first Total War game and one of my very first pc games. Overall this is a fun game that includes much planning and strategy in order to succeed in. There are many different nation to choose and campaigns to play which adds a lot of variety to the overall gameplay. The multiplayer is fun but a bit glitchy like failing to join a game or random freezes and disconnections. YourThis was my first Total War game and one of my very first pc games. Overall this is a fun game that includes much planning and strategy in order to succeed in. There are many different nation to choose and campaigns to play which adds a lot of variety to the overall gameplay. The multiplayer is fun but a bit glitchy like failing to join a game or random freezes and disconnections. Your units in battle will sometimes not respond to commands. Although this is annoying this is still a great game and worth your 20 bucks on steam.… Expand
  9. Jarec
    Mar 6, 2012
    10
    Fantastic game, seriously. I have spent approximately 600 hours on and off playing this game since release and I still keep coming back to it. I only had a couple of issues with it, both of which were easily fixed by modding. The amount of turns in any given game is woefully low (only 200 turns, this is true for all Total War games and is really not enough). The other issue for me wasFantastic game, seriously. I have spent approximately 600 hours on and off playing this game since release and I still keep coming back to it. I only had a couple of issues with it, both of which were easily fixed by modding. The amount of turns in any given game is woefully low (only 200 turns, this is true for all Total War games and is really not enough). The other issue for me was the unit sizes, the battles felt more like skirmishes as opposed proper epic battles. I would still recommend it to any fans of the Total War series. It's probably my favorite after Medieval II.… Expand
  10. spitfire23
    Sep 1, 2013
    10
    It's an amazing game that paved the way for later Total War games like Napolean and Shogun. It's glitchy but that can be overlooked most of the time. It could be said that Empire Total War is as revolutionary for the franchise as Rome Total War was. It brought new gameplay elements to the campaign and is overall an epic and enjoyable game.
  11. KhanIndustries
    Sep 2, 2013
    10
    I understand how extreme it is to give a game a 0 or 10 but in this case, I honestly feel it deserves it. A game that provided me with over 1200 hours of gameplay (and still counting) for me, ranks right up there with such legendary games as Master of Orion 2, Sid's Civilization and XCom.

    When the game was first released there were plenty of bugs but the patches long ago have squashed    I understand how extreme it is to give a game a 0 or 10 but in this case, I honestly feel it deserves it. A game that provided me with over 1200 hours of gameplay (and still counting) for me, ranks right up there with such legendary games as Master of Orion 2, Sid's Civilization and XCom.

    When the game was first released there were plenty of bugs but the patches long ago have squashed them all for me. Never before has a game pushed the boundaries so much and seemed so grand in scale, I was in strategy heaven! Introducing interactive naval combat for the first time in the Total War series, 3 different theaters, a technology tree, a completely new era, and the list goes on. To me, Empire Total War is the time when Creative Assembly really dug down in their creative spirits, took risks by breaking away from the safety of their melee heavy games (which are great by the way) and delivered a unique experience that every strategy gamer should experience.

    If you like strategy games, this is a must have for your collection in my honest opinion. If you can appreciate the risk the developers took with the introduction of so many new mechanics and a scale unmatched by any Total War game before or since; I think some of you may find a game taking its place among a short list of all time favorites.    … Expand
  12. Apapin
    Sep 3, 2013
    9
    I love Empire total war. For me this is the best total war after Medieval 2. Having 3 continents and a bit of North Africa is awesome. And i love the 18th sentury a lot.
  13. chellboy
    Sep 22, 2013
    8
    I totally shocked at the user reviews! This is as good as rome total war (the 1st of course). Its a great game. the european and american map feel like two different games which is awesome. The units are very cool and many countries have their own unique units.

    Some of the problems that hold it back is that the AI still has problems that were in rome total war and have never been    I totally shocked at the user reviews! This is as good as rome total war (the 1st of course). Its a great game. the european and american map feel like two different games which is awesome. The units are very cool and many countries have their own unique units.

    Some of the problems that hold it back is that the AI still has problems that were in rome total war and have never been patched, such as the cavalry charge the enemy does on your units. They sometimes throw a quarter of their army doing this. The AI in siege battles are pretty bad too. It is also a bad idea to auto resolve battles (trust me). The game also doesnt have just simple open fields to fight in. There is always trees and hills which is fine but i would have liked a completely open map with nothing but flat land. beside these its the total war and its amazingly fun. Making armies with wacky strategies and tactics is priceless. I recommend going long range light units and musket cavalry only.    … Expand
  14. BatFat09
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    This is simply the greatest total war of all time. It has the best map, in the best age, with the best darthmod. This game is absolutely excellent. Excuse me, I must stretch my empire around the globe.
  15. murndawg
    Nov 5, 2013
    8
    People give this game a lot of flak over AI, bugs and other things. i for one haven't encountered any bugs and although the AI is poor at times, it isnt as bad as people have said. Although many of these reviews were around release time, they should go back and see what improvements have been made. The factions are plentiful, wide ranging either in Europe, India or America. DiplomacyPeople give this game a lot of flak over AI, bugs and other things. i for one haven't encountered any bugs and although the AI is poor at times, it isnt as bad as people have said. Although many of these reviews were around release time, they should go back and see what improvements have been made. The factions are plentiful, wide ranging either in Europe, India or America. Diplomacy in the game has, for me, improved. Rather than training diplomats, you just have to click a button to interact with factions. Good game.… Expand
  16. MrAB
    Oct 31, 2013
    10
    A good game this is. The only problem with the game is the long load time. Otherwise, the factions, the gameplay, the music are all awesome. Creative Assembly deserves all the praise and acclaim they get.
  17. Atilla1456
    Aug 30, 2016
    9
    An amazing game, one of the best in the Total War series and my personal favorite. The game runs very smoothly and gives interesting gameplay, allowing players to use different playstyles with different nations. Each nation offers unique gameplay. Overall, I am impressed with this and give it 9/10 rating. The game could be a bit more historical, although I understand the game was not meantAn amazing game, one of the best in the Total War series and my personal favorite. The game runs very smoothly and gives interesting gameplay, allowing players to use different playstyles with different nations. Each nation offers unique gameplay. Overall, I am impressed with this and give it 9/10 rating. The game could be a bit more historical, although I understand the game was not meant to be played in all ways historically.… Expand
  18. RaminGray
    May 7, 2016
    10
    i am sorry about people's that have negatived review to this nice game . unfortunately some of player can't wait and think carefully . these games are not exited to them because not action .and so puzzle work to do . you have to command ,role ,economy terms ,also you have to change the history , this people's don't know how to play then comes and write about rts games . i have beeni am sorry about people's that have negatived review to this nice game . unfortunately some of player can't wait and think carefully . these games are not exited to them because not action .and so puzzle work to do . you have to command ,role ,economy terms ,also you have to change the history , this people's don't know how to play then comes and write about rts games . i have been playing rts games from 1995 until now and the Empire:total war is the best rts game on 2009 .… Expand
  19. Leonardf
    Feb 7, 2010
    10
    This game is most likely the best game that i have ever played, and i have played a lot of games through my life. This game is truly epic, a icon to the games of the 2100 century. the cut scene of this game is breath taking, the story is far beyond exiting and the game play is nothing less then addictive. The only flaw about this game is that it ends.
  20. LoneMedic
    Mar 3, 2009
    10
    This is simply the best strategy game out there right now. If you want a long game full of depth and strategy, order this game now! I usually don't buy games until they go down, but this game is worth every penny. I'll be playing this for years like I have with all the other Total War games. A 10 doesn't do this game justice. It deserves a 14. It's epic. Simply epic.
  21. ScottMitchell
    Mar 4, 2009
    10
    Empire: Total War is the greatest addition to the Total War series. It is truly epic in size, the new ways to play the game, including naval battles and The Road to Independance, are absolutly amazing with little to no flaws. This game leaves nothing to be desired. My only wish is that the next one they make will be "Modern: Total War".
  22. Steinus
    Mar 5, 2009
    9
    It's an amazing game, but the reason for why I don't give it a 10 is:

    Poor pathfinding, not only in sieges, but in all battles with high altidude differences. HMS Victory is painted in a colour she had in the 19th century, not the 18th. She was red originally. Well, I can't list all the mistakes... Worth buying nonetheless, but if you're a history freak    It's an amazing game, but the reason for why I don't give it a 10 is:

    Poor pathfinding, not only in sieges, but in all battles with high altidude differences.

    HMS Victory is painted in a colour she had in the 19th century, not the 18th. She was red originally.

    Well, I can't list all the mistakes... Worth buying nonetheless, but if you're a history freak you're gonna have some akward moments of "huh?"    … Expand
  23. bud389
    Jul 24, 2012
    10
    Fans don't give this game the due credit it deserves. Not only did it save CA from bankruptcy, but it also revitalized the Total War series by offering a new, original take on 18th Century warfare. It's Naval combat is unprecedented in and almost bar none compared to any and all other naval combat games taking place in the 18th century and it's new diplomacy and tech tree mechanics workFans don't give this game the due credit it deserves. Not only did it save CA from bankruptcy, but it also revitalized the Total War series by offering a new, original take on 18th Century warfare. It's Naval combat is unprecedented in and almost bar none compared to any and all other naval combat games taking place in the 18th century and it's new diplomacy and tech tree mechanics work nearly flawlessly in their functionality.

    The gameplay, oh the gameplay, theres a vast amount of tactics and strategies you can devise against opponents, some nations requiring a different approach because of their methods of warfare and tech. It offers more interactive and varied approach to the campaign, offering a wide amount of variation from not only nation to nation, but region to region as to what you use each one for, be it for military, economic, or even technological advances to your country, or perhaps enhancing its national prestige.    … Expand
  24. Luca
    Jun 30, 2011
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. empire total war is a great game, but like every game its not perfect and has some problems for example:in the previous total war edition you could be multiple nations but in empire total war you just can be 10 nations i think. but I still recommend it.… Expand
  25. grandusalenius
    Mar 19, 2012
    10
    This is a strategy game. You will have to defend and expand your empire to get a victory. But this is not easy, you will have to manage city tax policies, deal with revolts, use religion to convert population to the one of you're empire, deal with happiness of cities, train land and naval units, use research to develop technology (by constructing science buildings in cities) and otherThis is a strategy game. You will have to defend and expand your empire to get a victory. But this is not easy, you will have to manage city tax policies, deal with revolts, use religion to convert population to the one of you're empire, deal with happiness of cities, train land and naval units, use research to develop technology (by constructing science buildings in cities) and other complex things typical of strategy games. This series of Total War games is special because in here you can manually fight your battles. What i mean is that if you choose to fight an army with your army (or whatever) you have 2 choices: 1) Auto resolve: based on your unit strength stats against the enemy unit strength stats (and other factor like terrain) one will automatically emerge victorious. And 2) you will fight the war yourself. You will direct your units in real time in the battlefield.

    You have several Empires to select from. Just to name a few: Spain, England, Russia...etc. But you are not in a modern era setting. The game starts somewhere (i don't exactly remember) in the 1750's. So you have to make use of archers, catapults and swordsmen (althought in time you will be able to use cannons and some rifle units) to fight your way to victory. This game is almost as good as Rome: Total War.

    Enjoy!    … Expand
  26. TomPD
    May 6, 2012
    10
    When this game first came out, I could understand the negative reviews, this was an unfinished game with too many bugs. But here we are 3 years later and the game has reached its full potential. Go download DarthMod or one of the many other great mods for this game and you have a masterpiece that, if reviewed again today, would receive many more 10 out of 10s. I have played all of theWhen this game first came out, I could understand the negative reviews, this was an unfinished game with too many bugs. But here we are 3 years later and the game has reached its full potential. Go download DarthMod or one of the many other great mods for this game and you have a masterpiece that, if reviewed again today, would receive many more 10 out of 10s. I have played all of the TW games and ETW is my favorite by measure of hours played (over 500). If you like the blend of risk, civilization, and great battles, then this game is a must have.… Expand
  27. EricB.
    Jan 30, 2010
    10
    I love this game, and luckily I had none of the problems that everyone else had with it, and I've clocked in around 300 hours on it. Great game.
  28. MichaelStuart
    Mar 3, 2009
    10
    I would say this game will be the best game until 2015 The graphics are excellent the collision database is better New naval battles with Super detailed water and cannans actually make holes in the ships. The land battle are awesome, you can make your very own Barriers to avoid musket fire i would say to give this game atleast at metascore of 96!
  29. CorneliusSanchez
    Mar 3, 2009
    10
    I am mostly writing this review in response to John R...Dont rate this game a 2 because you are upset with the way steam functions, you are supposed to rate the game (which coincidently is available from many venues other than steam). John has not played the game and is here to review steam, so I will vote 10 to offset his score of 2
  30. DonG.
    Feb 1, 2010
    10
    I think this is a really good game. A little hard to put the graphics on very high and make the game the best it should be. What I wanted to see was some fighting in Asia. And what happened the Africa and South America? And another thing is that troops from Europe look kind of the same just with different names and colors. Out of that the graphics could be really good (I just can't) I think this is a really good game. A little hard to put the graphics on very high and make the game the best it should be. What I wanted to see was some fighting in Asia. And what happened the Africa and South America? And another thing is that troops from Europe look kind of the same just with different names and colors. Out of that the graphics could be really good (I just can't) and the game is cool.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best PC Game of 2009
3
#3 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
6
#6 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 62 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 62
  3. Negative: 0 out of 62
  1. PC Gamer UK
    94
    Astonishing...Immense... A strategy masterwork. [Mar 2009, p.54]
    Read full review
  2. Eurogamer
    90
    In some ways, it's the closest we've come to the enormous social novel from the period after that which Empire chronicles: it's a Tolstoy-esque War and Peace of a game. Its problems may be the inevitable problems of trying something with such sheer scope. As such, if you want the breathtaking vision of the game, you have to accept the flaws in the details - for now, at least.
    Read full review
  3. InsideGamer.nl
    93
    This is the best Total War game thanks to all the little tweaks. Sometimes little differences make a good game great. The battles ask of you that you think more about your actions and managing your empire never was easier. The sea battles are fun to watch, but are a little hard to control. Nevertheless, Empire: Total War is a game that can make you forget about the time.
    Read full review
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