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. StevenM
    Mar 6, 2009
    10
    Definitely the best TW game I have ever played. Set the AI to Very Hard, and you'll certainly be in for a challenge. The Grand Campaign truly is grand this time around. You'll be watching over your troops in the old world, new world, and the east Indies. Not to mention all the naval forces you'll have to manage in order to secure trading at various ports around the world. Definitely the best TW game I have ever played. Set the AI to Very Hard, and you'll certainly be in for a challenge. The Grand Campaign truly is grand this time around. You'll be watching over your troops in the old world, new world, and the east Indies. Not to mention all the naval forces you'll have to manage in order to secure trading at various ports around the world. Truly an epic masterpiece.… Expand
  2. JaredB
    Mar 6, 2009
    9
    An amazing experience. Great attention to detail, lush graphics, and most importantly fun. This is the future of pc gaming. I bought my copy through Steam and have had no problems running the game. My score reflects that I haven't had any tech. problems. The only gripe I have is that naval battles break down very quickly and pathfinding at sea is awful. I usually just auto determine An amazing experience. Great attention to detail, lush graphics, and most importantly fun. This is the future of pc gaming. I bought my copy through Steam and have had no problems running the game. My score reflects that I haven't had any tech. problems. The only gripe I have is that naval battles break down very quickly and pathfinding at sea is awful. I usually just auto determine the results at sea. Other than that, a great game.… Expand
  3. RealProgrammer
    Mar 6, 2009
    9
    Terrific game, well integrated into Steam! As usual VALVe gets another winner on board their platform. Using their download servers, I was able to max out my 1.5 MB (not megabit) connection on the day of release and "quickly" download the 15 gigabyte game. It installed and played without a hitch, and has been doing well ever since! Gripes: as expected in a game of this size and Terrific game, well integrated into Steam! As usual VALVe gets another winner on board their platform. Using their download servers, I was able to max out my 1.5 MB (not megabit) connection on the day of release and "quickly" download the 15 gigabyte game. It installed and played without a hitch, and has been doing well ever since! Gripes: as expected in a game of this size and complexity, there are some issues with AI. Sometimes it will make goofy choices when attempting to assault a stronghold, but overall it's done a much better job at matching and attempting to counter my attacks. Also, SLI and Crossfire is not compatible as of 6 March 2009, so you'll have to wait for a patch from Creative Assembly, NVidia, and ATI before multi-card users like myself see a significant usage of their extra cards.… Expand
  4. CraigA
    Mar 6, 2009
    10
    A magnificent game, truly amazing gameplay and something you'll play again and again. The graphical attention to detail is incredible and the sound effects stunning. The music really makes an ordinary battle, an epic battle. This is one PC game that should be in every gamers collection.
  5. JimI
    Mar 6, 2009
    10
    This is a brilliant game. I can't help but get really annoyed with people sabotaging the score for others to read by moaning about Steam. I mean it's meant to be a review of the game. Fine if you have issues with the gameplay, but you wouldn't give a movie a bad review score if your dvd was scratched or if the cinema played it out of focus. It's meant for people to This is a brilliant game. I can't help but get really annoyed with people sabotaging the score for others to read by moaning about Steam. I mean it's meant to be a review of the game. Fine if you have issues with the gameplay, but you wouldn't give a movie a bad review score if your dvd was scratched or if the cinema played it out of focus. It's meant for people to read about the game! If I was metacritic I'd remove that 2/10 nonsense as abuse. It really misleads. I think the game itself is amazing. Completely absorbed in the campaign, and the battles look out of this world. 10/10.… Expand
  6. CurtisO
    Mar 6, 2009
    10
    Dude, John, seriously? You just lowered the score of an AMAZING game because of steam. If you have that much of a problem with steam, just go out and buy a copy (at Best Buy in America you can get a free unit) like I did (For some reason i think it might run slower or worse because its downloaded....) Anyways, this is definitely a game worth its money and more. If you love RTS, Strategy, Dude, John, seriously? You just lowered the score of an AMAZING game because of steam. If you have that much of a problem with steam, just go out and buy a copy (at Best Buy in America you can get a free unit) like I did (For some reason i think it might run slower or worse because its downloaded....) Anyways, this is definitely a game worth its money and more. If you love RTS, Strategy, or are already a fan of the Total War series, this game is a MUST. New graphics engine makes the game that much cooler, and the water in the sea battles is amazingly real. I know the sea battles have been over discussed and shown, but it is definitely a great addition to the series. Watching the chunks of wood fly off your ship and land in the water, only to be discovered later when your panning over the area and are like "what is that" truly gives the game a more realistic feel. And the management for the Campaign Map or Grand Campaign/Road to Glory map is heaps easier. No more pesky Diplomats or Merchants, and the fact that cities form in the area instead of being all in one spot makes building buildings that much easier. If your considering buying this game, stop reading this and go buy it. But make sure your computer can run it, otherwise you well be up shit creek without a paddle.… Expand
  7. MichaelC
    Mar 7, 2009
    10
    Empire Total War is THE game for PC strategy games. Combining an epic (key word) grand strategy campaign game with challenging, tactical real-time battles, Empire Total War defines the PC gaming strategy genre. Indeed, it has set the bar so high I'm interested to see what Creative Assembly's competitors come up with! If you are new to the Total War series, ETW may at first seem Empire Total War is THE game for PC strategy games. Combining an epic (key word) grand strategy campaign game with challenging, tactical real-time battles, Empire Total War defines the PC gaming strategy genre. Indeed, it has set the bar so high I'm interested to see what Creative Assembly's competitors come up with! If you are new to the Total War series, ETW may at first seem over-whelming. I'm a veteran Total War fan and even I was, at first, taken aback at the sheer scale of Empire. The campaign map is HUGE, spanning nearly the entire world. Once you get the hang of balancing your armies, your development, diplomacy, trade, and so forth, you'll really begin to appreciate the depth and re-playability this game has to offer. The real-time battles, both on land and sea, are truly amazing to behold. Surprisingly, the game performs well even on medium level gaming PCs. Soldiers and ships are highly detailed, nearly life-like, and the smoke of musket and cannon, the clash of swords and pikes, and the vibrant realism of redcoats and hussars charging across 18th century battlefields is simply stunning. I've played the game exhaustively for the past couple days and, aside from a few minor issues that will soon be patched (some sound stuttering problems during video sequences, as reported by some gamers), Empire is technically flawless. CA spent years developing this game and it truly shows. Nearly all review sites have given Empire an average score of 9.5...which is superb and well deserved. I HIGHLY recommend Empire Total War!… Expand
  8. StevenB
    Mar 7, 2009
    10
    As far as I am concerned, this is the best game I have played in many, many years and is the game that the PC gaming world has been waiting for. The navy battles may be a little messy at the moment but it still easily outclasses any real-time strategy on both land and water. A must buy.
  9. SpencerH
    Mar 7, 2009
    10
    An amazing game! The enemy AI is ridiculously intelligent and the battles are breathtaking! Also Steam is awesome, John R. must have been paid by Microsoft. I don't see why he would rate the game down to a 2 simply because it has an awesome online service.
  10. LewisH
    Mar 7, 2009
    8
    A very good game that is slightly let down by some AI issues and some annoying stability problems. I was hoping the AI would be hugely improved from MTW:2 but surprisingly enemy formations still occasionally wonder up to my formations and stand there being pounded by musket fire, making no attempt to attack (even cavalry) before wondering off. The CPU AI on the Strategic map also needs A very good game that is slightly let down by some AI issues and some annoying stability problems. I was hoping the AI would be hugely improved from MTW:2 but surprisingly enemy formations still occasionally wonder up to my formations and stand there being pounded by musket fire, making no attempt to attack (even cavalry) before wondering off. The CPU AI on the Strategic map also needs some work as for example Spain declared war on me while I held France. The AI marched 4 Spanish armies around the Spanish territory and made no attempt to attack me. The game also insists on crashing to desktop periodically. Flaw's aside, It *is* an excellent and absorbing game. I hope these minor flaws are addressed by a patch in the near future.… Expand
  11. StephenW
    Mar 9, 2009
    9
    This game is the very best Total War game yet - the interface is streamlined, the game engine itself has been updated to offer more eye popping detail and smooth game play, in fact this Total War runs better on my machine than the previous title [Medieval 2]. I like the new campaign mode, but it goes rather slow, only offering certain game functions such as in depth settlement management This game is the very best Total War game yet - the interface is streamlined, the game engine itself has been updated to offer more eye popping detail and smooth game play, in fact this Total War runs better on my machine than the previous title [Medieval 2]. I like the new campaign mode, but it goes rather slow, only offering certain game functions such as in depth settlement management [like taxation and government type] after you have played though chapters - but all in all, the game is a winner. 9.6/10… Expand
  12. Anon
    Apr 12, 2009
    8
    This game diverges slightly from the usual formula of Total War games, which is a welcome change. I'd give the game a 9 or 10, but the massive amount of bugs is inexcusable. I'm hoping they get all that ironed out eventually. Also, the battles tend to get kind of samey after a while. Still, it's certianly worth the money, though I'd wait for a patch.
  13. NicM
    Apr 19, 2009
    10
    First..... Steve W....... 1) im playing france and the spanish have no qualms with sending invasion force after invasion force into the west coast on ships.... even if they didn't include enough men to do anything other than run around torching villages. 2) So what if they changed the layout of the campaign map? You get used to it. 3) yea i guess.... although if you have issues withFirst..... Steve W....... 1) im playing france and the spanish have no qualms with sending invasion force after invasion force into the west coast on ships.... even if they didn't include enough men to do anything other than run around torching villages. 2) So what if they changed the layout of the campaign map? You get used to it. 3) yea i guess.... although if you have issues with the packaging of a game.....
    My only real problem with this game is that the seiges are a dissapointment... what happened to cities being in the CENTER of the battle map eh? and why does the capital of Austria look like a fort when attacked?

    Im giving this a ten to try and lift it up from all these unwarranted ones and twos    … Expand
  14. BarneyW
    Apr 25, 2009
    9
    A fantastic entry to the series raising the bar in terms of visuals and scale. Those complaining about steam or it needing a powerful computer shouldent lower their review scores based on that as it isnt anything to do with how the game actually plays. A few technical issues mar the game though (crashes and a few graphical bugs) and the siege battles are less than impressive. This is made A fantastic entry to the series raising the bar in terms of visuals and scale. Those complaining about steam or it needing a powerful computer shouldent lower their review scores based on that as it isnt anything to do with how the game actually plays. A few technical issues mar the game though (crashes and a few graphical bugs) and the siege battles are less than impressive. This is made up for in every other field though such as the brutal (and stunning) naval battles and the fantastic implementation of the artillery. AI has been massivly improved as well although there are some instances where the pathfinding might break down and the diplomacy AI isnt all that better. Overall it is a game that deserves they title, "Masterpiece" but falls just short due to some technical errors and a few pathfinding glitches.… Expand
  15. JC
    Apr 28, 2009
    10
    Great game exactly what i was expecting not sure what everyone is moaning about have played alot and haven't noticed any major bugs or had any other problems. Steam isn't too bad, a lot of people should have this already not half as annoying as installing gta4. If you liked previous total war titles you will like this, units do get a bit samey after a while but there are also a Great game exactly what i was expecting not sure what everyone is moaning about have played alot and haven't noticed any major bugs or had any other problems. Steam isn't too bad, a lot of people should have this already not half as annoying as installing gta4. If you liked previous total war titles you will like this, units do get a bit samey after a while but there are also a lot of naval units. The campaign mode will entertain you for hours have been playing a long campaign and after several weeks of playing haven't quite reached the half way mark, hoping lots of other nations will be unlocked once completed as before. A great way to kill the time.… Expand
  16. KoteeO
    May 1, 2009
    10
    I am not a fan of RTS games at all. I have tried 10 to 20 of them in the last few years. However, this game is amazing! The graphics, the attention to detail, and the gameplay is fun fun fun! I have not even tried multiplayer yet...I'm addicted!
  17. RyanC
    May 14, 2009
    9
    It takes a little while to get used to the interface (especially if you've played the Total War series in the past) but I've got to say it is probably one of the best games, if not the best game, in that series.
  18. AndreasH
    May 19, 2009
    9
    Great game , but it had and has many bugs thats not cool. and even doh i do play with the lowest settings it still lags sometimes! (i have amd dual core 6000+ 3Ghz and Nvidia XFX geforce 8600 GT and 2gb ram that is more than enough i think!).
  19. StanleyR
    May 20, 2009
    8
    Game is good , naval battles work , only problem is that AI is bad and acts idiotically sometimes , and btw , why you guys whine that Empire Total War is bad game if u cant go to play it if your steam doesn't launch it ??? Dont rate the game bad if u don't even know what is it like.
  20. Martin
    May 20, 2009
    8
    Well I played the total war series since medieval and i liked it...so i was looking forward to play this one, and it hits me. I know, the major savebug that deletes your former campaign is annoying, but i really like the new gameplay, the graphics and the naval battles...as for overpowered hardware you must have...well...my pc is a athlon 3500+ with a geforce 9600gt and 3 gig of ram, and Well I played the total war series since medieval and i liked it...so i was looking forward to play this one, and it hits me. I know, the major savebug that deletes your former campaign is annoying, but i really like the new gameplay, the graphics and the naval battles...as for overpowered hardware you must have...well...my pc is a athlon 3500+ with a geforce 9600gt and 3 gig of ram, and it works fine on med settings overall..so whats the point? 8 for the many minor bugs that i have been experienced, but overall a good and addictive game...oh yes, the ai is very, very stupid, even on hard setting, but well...its not that annoying...and i had steam before, so i dont know how people are bothering about...havent any problems about it since 2006.… Expand
  21. TiberiusN
    May 22, 2009
    9
    I'm not crazy about the game requiring Steam, for starters. There are a few minor things that I really wish the developers would fix/add to the game (e.g. Hotseat!). Overall, though, very good game. I recommend it.
  22. BlueKeyboard
    May 22, 2009
    10
    If you like strategy and/or millitary games, this would be a good one to grab. only thing i don't like are the new naval battles, but you can sim them just as you would in the other total war games. i like the replay value with this one too. make sure your computer can run it - it's a little demanding. my pc runs it without skiping a beat. i don't normally rate games this If you like strategy and/or millitary games, this would be a good one to grab. only thing i don't like are the new naval battles, but you can sim them just as you would in the other total war games. i like the replay value with this one too. make sure your computer can run it - it's a little demanding. my pc runs it without skiping a beat. i don't normally rate games this high. last one before this to get a perfect score was rome: total war. before that, warcraft 3.… Expand
  23. JosephR
    May 26, 2009
    10
    Great Game. Too many bugs hopefully they produce more updates. Had to upgrade my computer but it is so worth it. Every gamer should own this game.
  24. GeorgeD
    May 4, 2009
    9
    One of the most detailed -- perhaps the most detailed -- strategy games ever released. It offers compelling real time strategy on the games battle fields. When not on the battlefields though, the game incorporates wonderfully complex turn based empire management. It combines some of the best elements from traditional RTS games with some of the best of the Civilization games. Truly worth One of the most detailed -- perhaps the most detailed -- strategy games ever released. It offers compelling real time strategy on the games battle fields. When not on the battlefields though, the game incorporates wonderfully complex turn based empire management. It combines some of the best elements from traditional RTS games with some of the best of the Civilization games. Truly worth any strategy gamers time.… Expand
  25. AlexanderB
    May 7, 2009
    8
    This is a great game, but like everyone else has mentioned, the crashes still proved to be a huge downfall. Until the latest patch that is, where my system has not experienced a crash since. I have games from the very start to late 1780s and i havent crashed yet, so all in all my rating will be 8.
  26. Artyom
    May 7, 2009
    9
    I give it a 9 at of 10. It has some crash to desk top bugs, but the developer team is in full communication with the consumer base and works hard with patching bugs. The game experience is definitely fun, but not perfect. AI in campaign mode sometimes doesn't act smart like refusing peace no matter your offer for over a 100 years! Other than these flaws, this game has brought lined I give it a 9 at of 10. It has some crash to desk top bugs, but the developer team is in full communication with the consumer base and works hard with patching bugs. The game experience is definitely fun, but not perfect. AI in campaign mode sometimes doesn't act smart like refusing peace no matter your offer for over a 100 years! Other than these flaws, this game has brought lined combat and strategy of trading with countries to a very interesting level. I don't dare attack Great Britain not only due to their army, but they are my biggest trade partner. So I believe this game is great and will definitely mature into a classic Strategy Game.… Expand
  27. NickP
    May 8, 2009
    9
    Empire: Total War is a great game. It's opening stages had several issues: one for me was Steam. However, once the kinks are all worked out and since the updates have fixed a large number of crashes, Empire: Total War has matured into a wonderful game. The units move more realistically than any other Total War game and the several changes (especially to the economy) have made this Empire: Total War is a great game. It's opening stages had several issues: one for me was Steam. However, once the kinks are all worked out and since the updates have fixed a large number of crashes, Empire: Total War has matured into a wonderful game. The units move more realistically than any other Total War game and the several changes (especially to the economy) have made this game worth playing. I just hope the next time CA releases a game, they will have a significantly less number of bugs than Empire.… Expand
  28. JohnA
    May 9, 2009
    9
    I have read some harsh criticism from some users about Steam and other things about Empire. I think that Steam has it's pros and cons but about the game itself - it is awesome! I own all of the Total war games and I play them not so much as a hard core "gamer" but more as someone who likes historical type war games. I have loved all of the TW series and hope they come out with more, I have read some harsh criticism from some users about Steam and other things about Empire. I think that Steam has it's pros and cons but about the game itself - it is awesome! I own all of the Total war games and I play them not so much as a hard core "gamer" but more as someone who likes historical type war games. I have loved all of the TW series and hope they come out with more, maybe a TOTAL CIVIL WAR ;) . As for those who have critizied the historical accuracy of the games - it's close enough to be fun and I dare say that there is enough great content for most people (probably about 99%) to learn a thing or two. The only reason I did not give it a 10 was because of the bugs. I am pretty forgiving but it really was pretty bad in that respect, but I'm sure they will patch it all up and itI can be a 10 when they do. All in all great job to Creative Assembly. Thanks!!! By the way it occurs to me if enough people slam the game and sales aren't as good as they could be because of it they might not make anymore. Then what will I do?… Expand
  29. PaulR
    Jun 13, 2009
    9
    A really really good game, it's my first TW but I'd say it's the best strategy game I ever played, including EU, Civ, and various RTS games. Tough the game could use a little more debugging and stability, it hurts not too much.
  30. StephenL.
    Jun 16, 2009
    8
    In the Total War line up this is the best so far anyone who complains that there pc crashes should spend money and get a real pc the AI is the only thing i think sucks they are stupid and to easy to destroy with little effort the naval battles are an awesome addition to Total War with updates im sure the bugs will get worked out but i have yet to have the game crash the graphics in the In the Total War line up this is the best so far anyone who complains that there pc crashes should spend money and get a real pc the AI is the only thing i think sucks they are stupid and to easy to destroy with little effort the naval battles are an awesome addition to Total War with updates im sure the bugs will get worked out but i have yet to have the game crash the graphics in the game look friggin awesome with SLI and i cant wait to see whats next in the line-up for Total War.… Expand
  31. ChrisR
    Jun 18, 2009
    10
    1st of all do not listen to those who have whined and whined constantly about bugs, its only been out a few months and every single bug I had on release seems to have been fixed, this game is now honestly the greatest strategy game I have ever played, (and I've played a lot, trust me ;) ) It really does deserve all those high scores it got from the media. I hear a lot of people 1st of all do not listen to those who have whined and whined constantly about bugs, its only been out a few months and every single bug I had on release seems to have been fixed, this game is now honestly the greatest strategy game I have ever played, (and I've played a lot, trust me ;) ) It really does deserve all those high scores it got from the media. I hear a lot of people complaining about the AI in this game and I really, honestly think they're just doing it because CA have had a few bad AIs in the past (lets face it rome total war's AI did suck pretty badly, and Medievals wasn't much better) but really, the AI in this game has been improved so, so much from the last game; the battle AI makes some smart moves and it can actually prove a challenge now, it flanks properly, uses buildings chooses the units it attacks wisely etc, and the campaign AI is a perfect balance between aggressive and passive; it forms and actually holds alliances really well this time, anyway before I start to drone on, I just think people are too harsh on this game - it really is fantastic!… Expand
  32. EmilTorkelsson
    Jun 21, 2009
    9
    This game is good and I mean really good.... But then there is the Sound. Apparently my sound stutters when ever I view a cinematic in the game... This is yet to be fixed but with the latest patch to be released soon I have great hopes that this problem will disappear. But other than that this is a milestone in gaming and i hope that a expansion pack is released soon. Then I can finally This game is good and I mean really good.... But then there is the Sound. Apparently my sound stutters when ever I view a cinematic in the game... This is yet to be fixed but with the latest patch to be released soon I have great hopes that this problem will disappear. But other than that this is a milestone in gaming and i hope that a expansion pack is released soon. Then I can finally take my Swedish Empire to even greater heights and glory.… Expand
  33. lefevrel
    Jun 22, 2009
    9
    At the beginning i couldn't play because it had a lot of bugs and always crashed with my computer which is powerful enough to un it at very high. after patch 2 i manage to play and Whow!!! the best strategy game i've ever played until now.
  34. jeremyporter
    Jun 22, 2009
    8
    This game possessed too many glitches and steam is more work than merely installing to your computer.I didn't play for a month due to a sudden glitch do to upgrades to the game. That being said I love this game and can't wait till you develop a civil war version.
  35. AdamW
    Jun 22, 2009
    8
    Very good game but not with out its bugs, most of them have been fixed in patches and post release patches have been good including new units added to the game.
  36. JackL
    Jun 23, 2009
    10
    Jake B is reviewing the game before he even has it working! Clearly has no understanding of the game proper as of yet and appears to be criticizing Steam! By arguing with steam you are basically arguing with 20 million people who use steam! E:TW is a fantastic game, people may have played the rubbish tutorial missions and dismissed the game as being awful. They may have attempted the main Jake B is reviewing the game before he even has it working! Clearly has no understanding of the game proper as of yet and appears to be criticizing Steam! By arguing with steam you are basically arguing with 20 million people who use steam! E:TW is a fantastic game, people may have played the rubbish tutorial missions and dismissed the game as being awful. They may have attempted the main singleplayer campaign and found it awful. They may appear to reach the minimum settings but it lags and they go crying to their mothers for a better system! Now I don't have a great system it can run crysis warhead on medium/ high but can't run this overly well. But the employment of a semi-non linear singleplayer campaign with chapters based around the American war of independence gently eases you into the fantastic new features of the game, and is fantastic for both new and old players alike! Ship combat is fantastic fun and gives a new twist to the usual total war strategy! Land combat is more involving than ever, organizing your lines efficiently and making good use of both melee and ranged combat are a good mix! if you want to feel the intensity of melee combat, which by the way is better than ever before in an RTS, just zoom down to your troops and watch fast paced intense and brutal fights between soldiers. The game should appeal to both new players of the Total war series and veterans of previous TW games! overall a fantastic experience and I would recommend this game to you any day of the year!… Expand
  37. ShayanA
    Jun 26, 2009
    10
    By far one of the best RTS's I have ever played. I've never played a Total War game, but I've always been a huge fan of RTS games and this games goes on top to be one of the best. It's an excellent mix of RTS and Civilization.
  38. JohnSmith
    Jun 6, 2009
    9
    Apart from the few crashes I've had, this is the ultimate online strategy game. If you did not buy the game then you will most likely be unable to play online, the campaign mode is truly epic from the first series Shogun: Total War. Playing online is completely worth every single dollar, but don't think it's easy if you're a strategy beginner. Patches need to comeApart from the few crashes I've had, this is the ultimate online strategy game. If you did not buy the game then you will most likely be unable to play online, the campaign mode is truly epic from the first series Shogun: Total War. Playing online is completely worth every single dollar, but don't think it's easy if you're a strategy beginner. Patches need to come out quick to help these other folks with their crashes.… Expand
  39. Mike
    Jun 7, 2009
    9
    Great game. Anyone who whines about crashes has never played a computer game before, it's not that bad. This game looks amazing and is a blast to play, especially the combat. It is way more in depth than previous Total War games, but not so much that it becomes tedious. It's just right as far as i am concerned.
  40. Ironic
    Jul 17, 2009
    9
    Best total war game yet! Instead of just sticking new units in medievil 2 and calling it a new game, the campaign map is vastly improved, the ai seems to be more intresting, overall its a better and more tactical game. It seems pretty stable, and ive not had a crash yet, and ive been able to play it with steam in offline mode without any problems. Only issue is it is still missing anyform Best total war game yet! Instead of just sticking new units in medievil 2 and calling it a new game, the campaign map is vastly improved, the ai seems to be more intresting, overall its a better and more tactical game. It seems pretty stable, and ive not had a crash yet, and ive been able to play it with steam in offline mode without any problems. Only issue is it is still missing anyform of proper multiplayer map campaign.… Expand
  41. markm
    Jul 22, 2009
    9
    Really good game, shame about the gliches on steam from time to time. I can get buried in this game for days on end. Could do with HMS Victory being made available to all Empire owners through Steam though!. And would really benefit from having all factions, including the pirates available to players.
  42. Tarkus(ITA)
    Jul 30, 2009
    9
    This game is worth it. I'm sorry about all the bad comments I've read but I'm still happy with it. The game is not too heavy (though you still need a good graphic card and RAM) and the gameplay is great just like all the other Total War games we've played. I've played all of them except Shogun and Empire is a good step forward. The new campaing map edits improved This game is worth it. I'm sorry about all the bad comments I've read but I'm still happy with it. The game is not too heavy (though you still need a good graphic card and RAM) and the gameplay is great just like all the other Total War games we've played. I've played all of them except Shogun and Empire is a good step forward. The new campaing map edits improved the game and made it more realistic, economy is more realistic and it is hard as it should be. Land battles are simply awesome; I don't think enemy AI sucks, it's always been the worst characteristic of Total War series, but this time AI is acceptable. Sea battles are a welcomed innovation and they are cool, though when there are too many ships in your side, like 6 or 7 (or even more), it is hard to control your fleet. The graphic is great, aswell as the sound, I'm glad I spent my money on this game because Creative Assembly really deserved my 50 … Expand
  43. NathanW.
    Jul 9, 2009
    8
    The total war game series is probably the best RTS game I've ever played. At first I thought medieval was the best thing ever but when this came out it blew medieval away. Empire:total war has the best graphics AI deaths and unit control system out of all the RTS I've played before except maybe universe at war on unit control. One of its best features is the new campaign map The total war game series is probably the best RTS game I've ever played. At first I thought medieval was the best thing ever but when this came out it blew medieval away. Empire:total war has the best graphics AI deaths and unit control system out of all the RTS I've played before except maybe universe at war on unit control. One of its best features is the new campaign map with the fact that it,1, has the buildings outside of the towns which I think is more realistic and,2, that there is three theaters of war, India, North America, and Europe. The only reason I gave it a eight is that in single and multiplayer battles there isn't very many factions to choose from and I dont want to have to get a mod just to play a faction. Also, the faction's units are so similar and that it doesnt show the factions strengths and weaknesses, its not a important feature but its fun to know and could help when choosing a faction. Lastly, when you kill a faction in campaign their not playable, thats what gave me more of a reason to kill them off in medieval. Oh and I never patched and it never crashed or anything except once and because my pc had a virus.… Expand
  44. OliverSlaughter
    Aug 26, 2009
    9
    An amazing new edition to the Total War: Empire Total War improves on the earlier games in the series in nearly everyway. The game is massive in scope as you find yourself taking on massive amounts of strategic diplomacy and fighting. This game is definitely not casual as days need to spent on it to complete the 'Grand Campaign' and some more casual people will go insane with theAn amazing new edition to the Total War: Empire Total War improves on the earlier games in the series in nearly everyway. The game is massive in scope as you find yourself taking on massive amounts of strategic diplomacy and fighting. This game is definitely not casual as days need to spent on it to complete the 'Grand Campaign' and some more casual people will go insane with the micro-management. The game runs on steam, which some don't agree with but I personally find to be great as you do not need a disc and you can link it easily to your friends and find great servers everywhere in the world.… Expand
  45. Kazuma-
    Aug 29, 2009
    9
    First time in the total war series where you can actually fight using boats, it is also very different from previous ones in the fact that it takes a little more stratagy to play and doesn't mean you will win if you have the majority of the troops sad that it likes to crash sometimes (it happens once in a while) and you have to go through steam, glitches don't really happen that First time in the total war series where you can actually fight using boats, it is also very different from previous ones in the fact that it takes a little more stratagy to play and doesn't mean you will win if you have the majority of the troops sad that it likes to crash sometimes (it happens once in a while) and you have to go through steam, glitches don't really happen that much for me, sure they do happen but i've seen far worst so i was okay with that it is defintely a fun game to play though and i'm happy i have it.… Expand
  46. PhillipF
    Aug 5, 2009
    10
    i gave this game a 10/10 because (sorry if i am off with my spelling) i have played the other total war games besides shogun. I have no problem with steam because i also play sins of an solor empire with uses impusle it is just like steam. for the one persion that stated that he had a 9 hour install with a quad i would check your system it sounds like you were intalling with win 98 it i gave this game a 10/10 because (sorry if i am off with my spelling) i have played the other total war games besides shogun. I have no problem with steam because i also play sins of an solor empire with uses impusle it is just like steam. for the one persion that stated that he had a 9 hour install with a quad i would check your system it sounds like you were intalling with win 98 it only took me a half an hour to intall but the paches took me about an hour more. i love war games and this one has my moneys worth also people that complaine so much about the game i have notice is ether crack, bad intall or they are over doing the computer needs to end the bad reviews steam and impuse are much better than EA games and now Uibsoft games becase it has a 3 time intall. peolpe that have real problems sorry if i affended you but i had to say it and to the makers of the game hope to see a WWI - WW2 game built like this game. PS i preorderd tis game befor it came out and cancelled it because of iddots spaming hatered about this game and steam but now i got the game and i am loveing it and for any one in the future that reads reviews do not fully belive them Long live Prussia.… Expand
  47. tysonw
    Aug 6, 2009
    9
    First off let me say ive been a huge fan of total war series. never been disappointed. i picked it up in early march. i don't like to give reviews to games when they are first release i believe give them some time to get fixed up. this game had serveral bugs in it upon release which did disappoint meh. but after several months theres been some new content and fix serveral major bugs. First off let me say ive been a huge fan of total war series. never been disappointed. i picked it up in early march. i don't like to give reviews to games when they are first release i believe give them some time to get fixed up. this game had serveral bugs in it upon release which did disappoint meh. but after several months theres been some new content and fix serveral major bugs. this game isn't polished but alot better then release. it has very nice graphics, i enjoy the music cause it fits the mood of the game. also lots of fun little mods out there now days. i never really cared for this era untill i played empire total war. i love the trading and naval battles do get a bit repetive but can be epic if u have a massive navy. the new unit commands and cannons having different types of ammo that does matter makes this game hours of fun. i first got this game i put 40 hours plus into it. overall the only really disappointing thing was i wish they were more creative with the campaign victory conditions and more factions were playable overall this is a fun addictive game. just like CA promised they have fixed it up quite and bit and give u free content and thats how a company should be =). i give it an 8 for minor bugs and victory conditions can be tedious.… Expand
  48. DesmondK
    Aug 9, 2009
    9
    The last total war game I played was Rome. It was, and remains to this day, one of my favourite games of all time. Empire, while not quite as perfect as Rome, is still a bloody good game. The only problem it has is a plethora of bugs (which in my opinion have been greatly exaggerated - I've had the game 2 weeks and haven't had a problem starting up nor gotten a single CTD) and The last total war game I played was Rome. It was, and remains to this day, one of my favourite games of all time. Empire, while not quite as perfect as Rome, is still a bloody good game. The only problem it has is a plethora of bugs (which in my opinion have been greatly exaggerated - I've had the game 2 weeks and haven't had a problem starting up nor gotten a single CTD) and even then there is nothing that can't be fixed with patches (although I do agree that it could have used a bit more time in the oven).… Expand
  49. LukasA
    Sep 12, 2009
    10
    This game is close to perfect, but i must say it's annoying to play "Grand Campaign" it requires alot of patience because of the almost sick 100 different nations and you have to wait for them to finish their turn, it takes forever to get to year 1799. But the new Naval battles are amazing but low-end PC's can't have more than 4 ships before they start to lag, or worse even crash.
  50. DaveLevesque
    Sep 16, 2009
    10
    The epire total war game has exelent graphique comparated to other games like warcraft and age of empire 3.I say that this game is one of the best game 2009 that i have seen out for now(maybe exept starcraft 2 that i need to test to see if its bether thean empire total war). Its a good game that could be very interessing to see a second empire total war go out because it could be moreThe epire total war game has exelent graphique comparated to other games like warcraft and age of empire 3.I say that this game is one of the best game 2009 that i have seen out for now(maybe exept starcraft 2 that i need to test to see if its bether thean empire total war). Its a good game that could be very interessing to see a second empire total war go out because it could be more perfectionnated.

    hi to all ^^    … Expand
  51. ChristopherK
    Sep 19, 2009
    10
    It does have a bit of a learning curve, like all games should. But once you get used to it, this game is intensely awesome, I run on minimum settings on a laptop and i don't have glitching or crashing issues, of course Im not using a 10 year old computer with Vista recently installed on it. Yes, to make it more awesome get a good graphics card. Double plus for strategy gamers, it has It does have a bit of a learning curve, like all games should. But once you get used to it, this game is intensely awesome, I run on minimum settings on a laptop and i don't have glitching or crashing issues, of course Im not using a 10 year old computer with Vista recently installed on it. Yes, to make it more awesome get a good graphics card. Double plus for strategy gamers, it has both RTS and Turn Based strategy, and it can be rather realistic and challenging, I haven't had the computers milling about aimlessly and Ive had numerous AI teaming up to stop my expansion... If you play on the harder difficulties you will of course, find more challenge. Definitely worth it.… Expand
  52. ofpomaster
    Sep 23, 2009
    10
    Very good game, better that all other Total war Games. Its the first Stategy Game in witch the KI is very good. But only if you play an hard difficult game the ki is good. All others they think the KI is bored are stupid, They shuld play the game n hard difficult before they leave a comment. At first time i was angry about total war, and sure it is sad that we all need a good PC to play Very good game, better that all other Total war Games. Its the first Stategy Game in witch the KI is very good. But only if you play an hard difficult game the ki is good. All others they think the KI is bored are stupid, They shuld play the game n hard difficult before they leave a comment. At first time i was angry about total war, and sure it is sad that we all need a good PC to play this game in his full epic graphic. But wenn you don't play with Good Graphic so leave no comment like "the graphic is bad" thats stupid. The Game has made me an Fan of Total War. I'll know and have Many STrategy Games and all i've ever wanted was a Game like this. Good Graphic, Very Good Computer Enemy Intellegence, and the nicest is.. You can help other Nations to groow Up like Greece, Hessians, Quebec, Norway, Mongoles, Ungary, Ukraine, Scottland, Ireland, Neapel & Sicilia . Great idea and Great Game! I'll gove this a Raiting of 10, its Grat!… Expand
  53. zanzabar
    Nov 11, 2009
    8
    This game is all about the MP experience but unfortunately it was gutted and coming from cod4 its a huge downgrade, using a p2p connection and rotating the server on a persons computer laggs and forces at least a 150ms ping but also limits the game to 9v9, removes user generated maps and has no mod kit. this is unaceptable for a game thats purchased for MP only.
  54. EzraY.
    Nov 17, 2009
    8
    Well, for all those who are complaining about how ETW is so buggy... I have this thing, to say: it can't be helped! ETW is a big step for CA, dropping swords for muskets, which means that ETW is the prototype for Napolean Total War. To prove this point, Shogun was the prototype for Medieval just as Rome was for Medieval 2. So even though it is still buggy, but it is still a Total War Well, for all those who are complaining about how ETW is so buggy... I have this thing, to say: it can't be helped! ETW is a big step for CA, dropping swords for muskets, which means that ETW is the prototype for Napolean Total War. To prove this point, Shogun was the prototype for Medieval just as Rome was for Medieval 2. So even though it is still buggy, but it is still a Total War title. I would expect Napolean Total War to be much more better and also lesser buggy since CA would have solved most of the bugs by then. Anyone who gives a '0' to a game that deserves at least a 7 doesn't know how much work is required to make such a game.… Expand
  55. DannyA
    Oct 15, 2009
    10
    New to Total war games, but loving it. It's rough around the edges but a very good game none the less, it's improved with each patch and is now in a great state. I had a look on some TW forums recently and the split love it or hate it seems amusing, you have a large ammount of people mad at the game but still complaining because it isn't exactly the simulator they wanted New to Total war games, but loving it. It's rough around the edges but a very good game none the less, it's improved with each patch and is now in a great state. I had a look on some TW forums recently and the split love it or hate it seems amusing, you have a large ammount of people mad at the game but still complaining because it isn't exactly the simulator they wanted and the rest of the people who love it, I thankfully fall into the latter. Buy it if you love good stratergy games with awesome battles, buy HOI if you love simulators with no epic battles. Can't wait for Napoleon.… Expand
  56. NicholasF
    Dec 16, 2009
    8
    very fun and challenging game. a bit harder to get into than medival ii or rome, because of the busy-ness of the map and new features to get used to (polotics, more buildings per region, ect. ) but a very fun game.
  57. FelixL
    Dec 3, 2009
    10
    Perfect Game for any Strategy Lovers!! A Must Have!
  58. AndyR
    Dec 7, 2009
    10
    Best Strategy game I've ever played. I can't go back to anything else after playing this.
  59. AndresV
    Mar 11, 2009
    8
    Do I have to write a review? Well, let me say that I really enjoy this game. I bought it through steam but have had no problems due to that fact. The naval combat is a lot of fun. The battle music can get a little annoying after a while. Many of the other poor reviews I've read simply haven't applied to my experience though. All I can say is that you should buy it if you have Do I have to write a review? Well, let me say that I really enjoy this game. I bought it through steam but have had no problems due to that fact. The naval combat is a lot of fun. The battle music can get a little annoying after a while. Many of the other poor reviews I've read simply haven't applied to my experience though. All I can say is that you should buy it if you have enjoyed any of the other Total War series. If you havent tried any of the others, why even Rome is still fun. I play it modded still, you should try the previous ones first because they are cheaper. But otherwise it is alot of fun this new one.… Expand
  60. JonR
    Mar 11, 2009
    10
    Empire is truly an amazing game. Graphics are stunning, gameplay is awesome, naval battles are loads of fun, multiplayer is good and when the multiplayer campaign comes out it should be great. I don't know what people are talking about when they say the AI is horrible. I have a question for them, have you ever played on Expert level?? It is quite challenging. I have been playing Empire is truly an amazing game. Graphics are stunning, gameplay is awesome, naval battles are loads of fun, multiplayer is good and when the multiplayer campaign comes out it should be great. I don't know what people are talking about when they say the AI is horrible. I have a question for them, have you ever played on Expert level?? It is quite challenging. I have been playing Total War games since Rome and I have to say this is the best by far. I also have a question for those of you who don't like Steam. WHY??? Steam is great for online play and if Steam is giving you problems just turn of Steam's connection to the internet and then it's like playing any other game. The only alternative would be GameSpy and gamespy is truely horrible. For people who have been crashing to the desktop I can only say that has got to be bad luck, or your specs aren't good enough. I have only crashed to the desktop once and the problem was fixed in the patch. The only complaint I have for CA is the variety of music in the game. The are maybe 3 different sound tracks for the battles, and the campaign map music puts me to sleep. Hopefully though when they release an unpacker for the game files I'll be able to mod them. I'm thinking Pirates of the Caribbean music for the Naval Battles. Any way Empire is a great strategy game and if you are an immature child and only like fast paced FPS games then Empire is definitely not for you. Because in Empire you actually have to think. The game obviously has several bugs but CA seems very adamant in their promise to fix them soon so I have no worries. I give Empire a 10.… Expand
  61. AaronS
    Mar 12, 2009
    10
    The game is a phenomenal addition to the TW series. Definitely a choppy launch with a lot of memory leaks and bugs, but when you consider the epic scale of the game and the plethora of new features it's far beyond a fair trade. Unlike Medieval TW, this game doesn't have a bunch of pointless features and boring objectives. The battles are epic and the graphics are breathtaking. The game is a phenomenal addition to the TW series. Definitely a choppy launch with a lot of memory leaks and bugs, but when you consider the epic scale of the game and the plethora of new features it's far beyond a fair trade. Unlike Medieval TW, this game doesn't have a bunch of pointless features and boring objectives. The battles are epic and the graphics are breathtaking. Just finished my first campaign and it grows on me a little more every time I play.… Expand
  62. ML
    Mar 13, 2009
    8
    This is an amising game, but i expected more of it. I find he turns to be short, despite the large campain map. Naval battles get very chaotic very fast. Some people complain the AI will never transport troups over seas. I have founs this to be false as i was i got attacked by the french while playing the brittish. The AI pathfinding might seem terrible, but when u think about it, u see This is an amising game, but i expected more of it. I find he turns to be short, despite the large campain map. Naval battles get very chaotic very fast. Some people complain the AI will never transport troups over seas. I have founs this to be false as i was i got attacked by the french while playing the brittish. The AI pathfinding might seem terrible, but when u think about it, u see wat their trying to acomplish, wich is not much and could still use alot of improvements. The techtree, land battles in general the addition of sea battles and small towns are great. I have seen very litle bugs and crashes.The historaical acuracy could be beter. I find M2TW and Rome to be more "user friendly"(in lack of beter words). I realy liked the family tree in rome and medieval, wich has been remooved. I hope in the first expantion pact they will fix most of these problems and include the erly XIXth century and a seperate campain simular to the road to independance, but based on the napoleonic war.… Expand
  63. JoonaH
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    First off, I was very critic about the gunpowder age since the gunpowder weapons werent very special in earlier games, but the game suprised me very much with its excelency! The naval fights are great too! I always wanted to have naval fights and now I got it! Only thing bad I have to say about the naval fights is that they are always on the open seas and the lack of islands, reefs and First off, I was very critic about the gunpowder age since the gunpowder weapons werent very special in earlier games, but the game suprised me very much with its excelency! The naval fights are great too! I always wanted to have naval fights and now I got it! Only thing bad I have to say about the naval fights is that they are always on the open seas and the lack of islands, reefs and coastline. Otherwise, an excelent Total War game. PS. I'm a huge Total War fan :P… Expand
  64. JesusZ.
    Mar 19, 2009
    9
    Excellent awesome game... a pity that lots of common bugs make the game unplayable at this date. I'm awaiting the necesary patches urgently in order to play without continuously crash to desktops and autodestructible savegames. Anyway, when CA launches the patch(es) that will correct all this things, this will be an epic game!
  65. MarkusS.
    Mar 23, 2009
    9
    Greatest Game ever!!!! outstanding graphics and good tutorial. The batles are lots of fun and the campaign really keeps you on the game!!! Only kritik I have is that the first Patch keeps crashing the game...hope 2nd patch will solve this problem! 9/10 points.
  66. NickW
    Mar 24, 2009
    8
    A fairly solid game that could use a little polish. Campaign AI is meak and the ship AI is even worse. Rakes, the assassination and spy unit, are quite weak and have a very low probability at succeeding in their task - making them quite unreliable. Sea battles are very hard to control, which is suprising considering that the land battles are so intuitive. I have to say, the focus on A fairly solid game that could use a little polish. Campaign AI is meak and the ship AI is even worse. Rakes, the assassination and spy unit, are quite weak and have a very low probability at succeeding in their task - making them quite unreliable. Sea battles are very hard to control, which is suprising considering that the land battles are so intuitive. I have to say, the focus on Firearms makes this Total War far more exciting than previous titles and the tactics change accordingly. Melee still has its place however, which some of the most effective units belonging to this catagory.… Expand
  67. TysonW
    Mar 25, 2009
    9
    Great game, hours of fun. didn't know if i would like it cause it takes place in 1700. got it cheap for 40 dollars at best buy 1 week ago. it has its bugs but just got the new patch that came out today and hasn't crashed or glitched on me yet. i highly recomend you buy this game.
  68. JohnE.
    Mar 27, 2009
    9
    I have played a few total war games now and this is far the best of the lot. Naval battles take it all to a new dimension. I found it easy to understand, the only problem is random crashing which is annoying especially when you have just taken over a major town.
  69. MattP
    Mar 31, 2009
    9
    I read that it crashes a lot but purchased it anyways a week ago. It probably has crashed 5 times and I have played it for 3-6 hours a day so I wouldnt worry about the crashes especially since they have released four patches since it came out. Love this game!
  70. ChrisR.
    Mar 31, 2009
    9
    While the game does have its glitches, and yes, it is laggy at times, the full scale of control that it gives you over every facet of economic and military institutions available in the 18th century makes it a spectacular game. Yes, the campaign map is a step down in graphics, but this is more than made up for by the in battle graphics and the ability to control towns, trade theaters, While the game does have its glitches, and yes, it is laggy at times, the full scale of control that it gives you over every facet of economic and military institutions available in the 18th century makes it a spectacular game. Yes, the campaign map is a step down in graphics, but this is more than made up for by the in battle graphics and the ability to control towns, trade theaters, colonies, and three zones of fighting that give the game a much larger presence than former Total War titles. In addition, the AI has been drastically increased and the addition of minor nations and the vast amount of territory in the maps give a large world to be ruled by diplomacy, trade, and war. The AI has also been made more aggressive, making the game more challenging, and, unlike previous Total War's, allowing the computer to attack you instead of you always having to go to the computer. While I'm a big fan of both Rome and Medieval II, Empire Total War definately tops them all.… Expand
  71. IanB
    Apr 27, 2009
    9
    Not quite perfection but very close. The Naval element, although a bit basic, is the bit that takes it up a level against other Total War games. It's tie-in with Steam seems unnecessary and causes difficulties if there is a problem with the internet. It would be interesting to include a squad-level element (land) or individual Captain in a fleet (sea).
  72. Karolis
    Apr 27, 2009
    8
    A great game, lacks some sound maybe. Because they weren't only playing drums while marching, there were flutes and all kinds of stuff. A bunch of bugs, and some balance issues. Overall a freakin awesome game! i bought it, and i suggest others to do it
  73. BryanD
    May 11, 2009
    10
    I dont know what your all crying about. if your crappy comp cant run the game dont give it a low score. Works fine for me and i have a 2 year old vista so stop ur wining. great battles fun gameplay its hard at first but overall a great game. cant see how you dont like it unless you can run it... and thats y it has such a low score.
  74. JamesA.
    May 13, 2009
    9
    The gameplay is great for the most part, I still would have liked to see more depth in the options of diplomacy. You should note most of the negative user reviews come from people who either just dislike Steam, or experienced their share of crashes. The game has been heavily patched though, and the bulk of their complaints are therefore irrelevant.
  75. AndrewD
    May 14, 2009
    10
    This game rocks!!! Plan and simple. Sure some bugs are their but if you save often, which the game does for you, then just go back and dont repeat the move go on one turn and NO PROBLEM. The battles are fun, the campaign challenging, and the new streamlined diplomacy helps tremendously. Way to go Total War!!!!
  76. KurtL
    May 14, 2009
    10
    Like Bryan said, I don't know why all of you are whining. Get new computers. I have a 2 1/2 year old computer with an 8600gt, 1gig of ram, and a 3.2ghz singlecore. The game runs flawlessly on medium settings. Ive only crashed twice. Sure, when the game came out it was really glitchy, but there has been patches and its really improved.
  77. RustyR
    May 18, 2009
    10
    This is possibly one of the best ballanced and presented games I have played and it compares favorably with its previous versions (Rome and Medieval). The combination of grand-strategy and empire managment in a tun-based model with real-time tactical battles is probably the best way to present total global or theatre warfare and makes other so-called real-time strategy (no such thing) This is possibly one of the best ballanced and presented games I have played and it compares favorably with its previous versions (Rome and Medieval). The combination of grand-strategy and empire managment in a tun-based model with real-time tactical battles is probably the best way to present total global or theatre warfare and makes other so-called real-time strategy (no such thing) games look rediculous.… Expand
  78. EmilH
    May 24, 2009
    8
    Game is good, but as with alot of new games they release them to early, crashed alot when i started playing which causes frustration.

    Read a previous guys review and he said the game was very unstable, i have a similar setup to him, i got a Q6600 @ 3.4ghz 8gb of ram and a 4870X2, i run the game at max settings with 8AA at 1680x1050 and i have seen no lagg so far whatsoever, and i have    Game is good, but as with alot of new games they release them to early, crashed alot when i started playing which causes frustration.

    Read a previous guys review and he said the game was very unstable, i have a similar setup to him, i got a Q6600 @ 3.4ghz 8gb of ram and a 4870X2, i run the game at max settings with 8AA at 1680x1050 and i have seen no lagg so far whatsoever, and i have unit scale turned up to huge. Check ur comp for viruses dude ;)    … Expand
  79. ColbyF
    May 26, 2009
    9
    Though not as good as Rome, this is a good game. I had no technical problems (lucky me, I suppose) and it is very fun to forge an empire in the 18th century.
  80. KyleK
    Jun 13, 2009
    9
    Hands down, the Total War series is the best RTS series ever. Combines all the strategy and planning from turn-based games in the campaign mode to RTS action in the land and naval battles. Empire:Total War, in my opinion could use a little more achievement feeling like unlocking new playable factions after you beat them, as in the previous titles.
  81. PaulU
    Jun 19, 2009
    9
    Really good game, and those saying steam is so horrible are wrong. I myself love steam, its very convenient. Anyway, the game itself is great. The graphics are good, the AI is pretty good as well. I like how each individual unit fights, they aren't all clones doing the same thing. I do not have any bugs, but maybe that's just me.
  82. KevinR
    Jun 21, 2009
    10
    I think that this is a modern classic of gaming. I do not agree with all of the people that say it requires much tweaking. Yes some tweaking would be nice but as a basic game it did everything that it said it would do and could do. Naval Battles:Check Land Battles:Check Historical Accuracy: Check Graphics:Check I have never spent a better $50 in my life. Another great Total War game. I think that this is a modern classic of gaming. I do not agree with all of the people that say it requires much tweaking. Yes some tweaking would be nice but as a basic game it did everything that it said it would do and could do. Naval Battles:Check Land Battles:Check Historical Accuracy: Check Graphics:Check I have never spent a better $50 in my life. Another great Total War game. 10/10 all of the way.… Expand
  83. EivindE
    Jun 27, 2009
    9
    This is technically the best of the series in my opinnion, and the most packed i think. With different stuff you can do. I have played it since the first medieval total war. I was worried beacouse of the time period picked that it wouldnt be interresting. But they pulled it off and its a blast playing it. It would have gotten a 10 but because of bugs it gets one point lower. there are This is technically the best of the series in my opinnion, and the most packed i think. With different stuff you can do. I have played it since the first medieval total war. I was worried beacouse of the time period picked that it wouldnt be interresting. But they pulled it off and its a blast playing it. It would have gotten a 10 but because of bugs it gets one point lower. there are however, fewer bugs than in some of the older games at launch.… Expand
  84. VictorN
    Jul 13, 2009
    8
    This game is great, don't get me wrong, but the bugs and glitches just ruined my overall experience with this game. However, the game is pretty enjoyable if you are willing to get past its problems, so I'm gonna give this an 8/10. But just because it's a great at its core.
  85. NeilH.
    Aug 18, 2009
    9
    Buggy when it first came out, but CA have supported and patched this to become the most complex and addictive Total War yet. Still a little more work to do (upcoming 1.4 patch looks as though it will solve most pressing problems), but if you like your strategy deep, Empire will give you many many hours of gaming pleasure. I recommend trying some of the excellent mods out there too.
  86. joew
    Aug 21, 2009
    9
    This new edition to the total war franchise is the most easy to play and navigate with a 100% epic campaign map with a lot more detail than any of the previous games. The only downside is you need a very high performance computer for it to work but this is no a game fault just annoying.
  87. SterlingS
    Nov 17, 2009
    8
    With an overclocked core 2 duo, NVidia GTX 260 video card, and only 2 GB of DDR2 800 memory the game runs great (custom built on newegg). Then again, there were a lot of complaints about Vista (I use Vista Ultimate 64 bit), which I could only describe as pathetically easy to use. The game was buggy at its release, but now, if your still having severe problems, it is either your hardware With an overclocked core 2 duo, NVidia GTX 260 video card, and only 2 GB of DDR2 800 memory the game runs great (custom built on newegg). Then again, there were a lot of complaints about Vista (I use Vista Ultimate 64 bit), which I could only describe as pathetically easy to use. The game was buggy at its release, but now, if your still having severe problems, it is either your hardware or you (unless I just happen to have a fluke operating system/hardware setup that is superior to everyone else, which I know is not the case.) My advice would be to use your computer for necessary tasks and get a console for gaming if your not a computer nerd (yes, I called myself a nerd) because it really is your fault that the game is running like garbage. Computer games like Crysis and Empire: Total War are not for people who have cheap computers or don't know what they're doing. A GTX 260 makes PS3 or XBOX 360 video rendering look like garbage, but If you don't know what a GTX 260 is, buy a console and stick with it. This game is awesome.… Expand
  88. DrCola
    Nov 10, 2011
    8
    Dont give into the trolls, the bugs have been fixed, the games campaign is really immersed in tactical stratagems, in comparison to other RTS (that usually just have you click in rapid succession) I have played over 200 hours of this game, beaten it twice on hard and once on easy, you will constantly find yourself playing as different factions getting a different idea of the campaign, suchDont give into the trolls, the bugs have been fixed, the games campaign is really immersed in tactical stratagems, in comparison to other RTS (that usually just have you click in rapid succession) I have played over 200 hours of this game, beaten it twice on hard and once on easy, you will constantly find yourself playing as different factions getting a different idea of the campaign, such as how the dutch tend to win economically against their enemies while russia uses its huge space to slowly move out as a dominant super power, I will admit that the missions are more lame than in previous total war games, its not as polished as all the other total wars, but it brings in new stuff like sea battles, commanding your empire is easier than ever, take out the bugs and the user "totalwarfan" would be forced to bump this up to a 7 at least. But in retrospect, medieval 2 and empire are very different games, dont take it from the trolls that dont want to take the time to learn the endlessly complex game that is empire total war. They tried something new, and I like the new thing they did.… Expand
  89. Bekenel
    Oct 28, 2011
    10
    Truly an exceptional game. This is one of the very best in the series, alongside Medieval 2 and Napoleon.
    The campaign has been expanded by a massive amount, becoming perhaps two-thirds again the size of that in Medieval 2, which means that the capacity for re-playability has become huge. granted, in the main campaign, the number of playable factions has been reduced from 17 to 11, however    Truly an exceptional game. This is one of the very best in the series, alongside Medieval 2 and Napoleon.
    The campaign has been expanded by a massive amount, becoming perhaps two-thirds again the size of that in Medieval 2, which means that the capacity for re-playability has become huge. granted, in the main campaign, the number of playable factions has been reduced from 17 to 11, however there are now a large number of minor factions, those that are unplayable, very accurately reflecting the various nations around at the time., and these can be exploited both for profit and for territorial expansion.
    Trade has become a huge aspect of the game, encompassing up to perhaps 45% of all income, and the aspects of it, including establishing trade lanes to particular trading resources such as ivory or coffee through your faction's navy, exploitation of regional resources in the Americas and India, and of course raiding other nations' trade lanes, pirating them in an attempt to ruin their economy.
    Technology research has become a hugely important aspect of the game, vital to improvement of your economy, army, navy, and political systems.
    Micromanagement has been more-or-less downgraded, with a single page to control tax rates for a whole theatre rather than individual regions. However unrest and rebellion are still a very prominent threat, and if not managed well, can turn to revolution, that can be turned one way or another, with your choice of preserving your political system, or you can engineer a revolution to change to another.
    The vast scope of the campaign makes the game thoroughly enjoyable, which is also reflected in the other major aspect of the game - your military.
    As with every Total War game, your Army is the most important feature of the entire game. However there are obvious changes to it, reflecting of course the new 18th-century setting. Guns - encompassing muskets, and artillery, are now the weapon of choice for the vast majority of factions, meaning largely different tactics are required to achieve victory - simply charging headlong into combat will get your soldiers shot and likely lose you the battle, unlike with the other games in the series. This does however mean that the factions with still prominent melee-based armies: the native americans and Indian factions, will have to utilise their armies cleverly if they want to defeat their superior european opponents The Navy also now has a massively improved role, since naval combat has become real-time. Combat by sea is a very new addition and is hard to master thanks to the very different tactics needed to succeed than with land battles. The graphics are excellent, however it can lag when settings are too high, but even on low settings, the visuals are rewarding.
    However, as with most games, it does have its weak points. The AI in battle is still not up to scratch, although it has been improved, and in several cases i have found it executes the odd suicidal charge, stupid manoeuvre or sometimes does not move at all. At least twice I have not lost a single soldier thanks to the AI force simply running in front of my gun line, being shot to pieces and retreating, not bothering to engage in combat even once - although amusing, clearly not how it should fight.
    All in all, Empire is one of the best strategy games there has ever been thanks to its immense depth, re-playablity, how well it has been built and though it does have its downfalls, it is well worth playing.    … Expand
  90. spasmoid
    Jul 5, 2011
    9
    I love the total war series. And here it is with muskets, cannon, and tall ships. I love this game. I never experienced any tech issues that people have mentioned but I bought from steam in 2011 so perhaps all issues are fixed (or maybe it just needed a quad core CPU?) The battle maps are kind of sparse in settled areas. They could have made some sort of urban combat outside theI love the total war series. And here it is with muskets, cannon, and tall ships. I love this game. I never experienced any tech issues that people have mentioned but I bought from steam in 2011 so perhaps all issues are fixed (or maybe it just needed a quad core CPU?) The battle maps are kind of sparse in settled areas. They could have made some sort of urban combat outside the fortifications, etc. But still fun and playable. Not the best in Total War, but a worthy addition to a great series.… Expand
  91. dmreichard
    Sep 27, 2011
    9
    After reading the many negative and mixed reviews of this game I was wary of purchasing it at first. After a recent sale I decided to pick it up and I am very happy that I did. The game play is similar to that of previous Total War games, with a few additions mixed in to the formula that made it even more fun in my opinion. The graphics are very good considering all of the processing powerAfter reading the many negative and mixed reviews of this game I was wary of purchasing it at first. After a recent sale I decided to pick it up and I am very happy that I did. The game play is similar to that of previous Total War games, with a few additions mixed in to the formula that made it even more fun in my opinion. The graphics are very good considering all of the processing power and video ram needed to render the many textures and shader effects being used during battles. After the many patches since launch and a decent workaround provided at http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=238484, crashes to the desktop are much less prevalent than before, making the game playable to a good degree. Game play wise, I sat down to play for an hour or two and six hours later I realized I soon had to go in to work! It is fun and addictive, which will have you leaning forward in your seat during very intense moments. I only took one point off for the fact that I had to do a manual workaround for virtual memory addressing issues (see above). Bottom line, if you enjoy the previous Total War games and/or enjoy historical, huge scale strategy games, this is a must have.… Expand
  92. Ericius
    Nov 13, 2011
    9
    Great game. Huge world with a very exciting struggle for power. I really enjoy the historical background of the game, the trading is nice, maybe the slave trading is missing to the game but I understand this would insult a lot of people. (but on the other hand you kill a lot of Indians to gain land in America which is also a sore historical subject). Only down point in my opinion is thatGreat game. Huge world with a very exciting struggle for power. I really enjoy the historical background of the game, the trading is nice, maybe the slave trading is missing to the game but I understand this would insult a lot of people. (but on the other hand you kill a lot of Indians to gain land in America which is also a sore historical subject). Only down point in my opinion is that the game crashes a lot.… Expand
  93. iceonfire1
    Dec 15, 2011
    8
    Meh. This game had a lot of potential, and that's probably a big part of the reason that it wasn't able to go through with all of it. Going down the list, everything was "fine." The strategy hadn't changed much, neither had pretty much anything else. The game was basically a polished version of Medieval II, which was a plus, but it came out shortly before Napoleon, which started theMeh. This game had a lot of potential, and that's probably a big part of the reason that it wasn't able to go through with all of it. Going down the list, everything was "fine." The strategy hadn't changed much, neither had pretty much anything else. The game was basically a polished version of Medieval II, which was a plus, but it came out shortly before Napoleon, which started the process of obsolescence early. I had just finished Rome when I started Empire, so I saw a lot of rough edges and dubious plausibilities.… Expand
  94. strangermoon
    May 24, 2023
    8
    empire tw have great potensial over legedanry mediveal 2 but miss the potenisal greatly. game focuses sea battle and gun play more than nations maps and close combat. ottomans here compared mw2 feels west nastinon. some untis like normal janssary use sword but every nation mostly gun focused untis more. maps also feels much smaller. less cityies. game simply go too forward on time beempire tw have great potensial over legedanry mediveal 2 but miss the potenisal greatly. game focuses sea battle and gun play more than nations maps and close combat. ottomans here compared mw2 feels west nastinon. some untis like normal janssary use sword but every nation mostly gun focused untis more. maps also feels much smaller. less cityies. game simply go too forward on time be good history total war game.… Expand
  95. AlexanderVascus
    Jan 30, 2012
    10
    Many of the reviews here are either graphics bugs based on ones system or lag. This game uses shader models that impact animations and almost the game's entire system. For those who's graphics cards can run SM3, but seem to have graphical issues or lag. Change it to SM3 Low, or SM2 on which I play it on.
    Performance is now perfect for me and my frames hardly fall with battles unit sizes on    Many of the reviews here are either graphics bugs based on ones system or lag. This game uses shader models that impact animations and almost the game's entire system. For those who's graphics cards can run SM3, but seem to have graphical issues or lag. Change it to SM3 Low, or SM2 on which I play it on.
    Performance is now perfect for me and my frames hardly fall with battles unit sizes on Ultra and everything except grass turned in basic settings.

    Gameplay- If your a die hard veteran of the Total War franchise, you may find yourself a tad disappointing based on your preferences. The previous games have all been either Medieval or Ancient warfare from Thermopylae or the Fields of Agincourt. This game is the Imperialistic expansion of Europe to the new world and setting a foot hold in India. This game takes some serious strategy both on the game map in turn based strategy to the real-time battles of heated combat the series is so known for. Muskets, cannons, and cavalry, placing is key and making units work together well is required for a less costly victory or victory at all. The Naval combat which was unheard from the previous titles is now in real time rather then CPU calculated and auto-resolved. Whilst you can still do this, I find some of the most fun is the naval combat, that hair raising moment of pulling off a well timed broadside strike can seriously cause some eye satisfying carnage. This game holds up to the franchise. I have had absolutely count it ZERO crashes, and minimal graphic issues, with some common sense and tweaking this game runs like a dream. The modding community has also made the improvements to the game that it should have had at launch, including better fire and smoke textures, and improved naval combat. One such mod is the well known DARTHMOD, playing this game turns the already wonderful vanilla game into a perfect RTS with even more satisfying combat, fixing the inconsistencies the game suffered from beforehand. This game is a gem, and to anyone suffering issues with the game, I don't know what to say to you, complaining about it won't help, consulting these issues on forums like Total War center is highly advised. This game is to good to miss out on because of some graphical issues or bugs, the community is there to help.    … Expand
  96. Dusty_Hayes
    Oct 4, 2012
    8
    One of the best Early modern period warfare game still and the first Total War to include actual naval combat, which is a plus and apart from the standard campaign mode which has large amount of content, the game includes a special campaign "Road to Independence" which chronicles the birth of the US from settlement of Jamestown to the American War of Independence and a multiplayer mode.One of the best Early modern period warfare game still and the first Total War to include actual naval combat, which is a plus and apart from the standard campaign mode which has large amount of content, the game includes a special campaign "Road to Independence" which chronicles the birth of the US from settlement of Jamestown to the American War of Independence and a multiplayer mode. With improved interface and controls 15+ nation including Native American armies & an introduction of a technology tree make Empire an excellent addition to the total war series and will provide many hours of gameplay & complex and rewarding fun.
    The only downside is the AI isn't always reliable & the custom mode lacks the some options and flexibility compared to medieval 2 all in all Empire is still a great strategy game    … Expand
  97. scottish1900
    Jan 15, 2012
    10
    This game is immensely fun. I have played this game in total for 144 hours so I think I have played this long enough to rate it. I enjoy the units it has, It adds a new difficulty to assaulting forts. It adds a new dimension, Sea warfare, and that is probably the highlight for me. I have had ZERO issues with the game crashing and lagging. I love this game, and i still play it. It may notThis game is immensely fun. I have played this game in total for 144 hours so I think I have played this long enough to rate it. I enjoy the units it has, It adds a new difficulty to assaulting forts. It adds a new dimension, Sea warfare, and that is probably the highlight for me. I have had ZERO issues with the game crashing and lagging. I love this game, and i still play it. It may not be the most realistic in terms of warfare, diplomacy etc, but I still like it.… Expand
  98. Jacob8287
    Feb 4, 2012
    8
    Great strategy game, adds a new perspective while maintaining a fast-paced epic gameplay. Sea battles may be slow, but it's more realistic that way, even if we would like it to be faster. The land battles are great, but the campaign could use some work. Also, the trading system was descent. Though there may be a some flaws, the good outweighs the bad.
  99. Jay8329
    Sep 16, 2013
    9
    As everyone already knows, the launch for this game was a disaster, but, and ultimately still unacceptable, after a yr or so of patching, the game as actually become one of my favs of the total war series. But to be honest, it should not take me a yr or better to actually enjoy this game when I made the horrible mistake of purchasing it upon release. Now those bugs and little glitchyAs everyone already knows, the launch for this game was a disaster, but, and ultimately still unacceptable, after a yr or so of patching, the game as actually become one of my favs of the total war series. But to be honest, it should not take me a yr or better to actually enjoy this game when I made the horrible mistake of purchasing it upon release. Now those bugs and little glitchy issue are relatively gone. Not to mention that there are a ton of mods out for this game, Darth Mod and Toon Total War are 2 of which should really be checked out by any new comers to this game.

    With that being said, the overall size of the map, tons of excellent features and a tech tree, mixed with a huge variety of units to customize your armies with, makes this game great. I mean there is hrs upon hrs of replay ability for this game. over all I'd change my previous 3/10 to a 9/10 for this game. Well worth the money and it's pretty cheap now too.    … Expand
  100. Casual_gamer
    Mar 31, 2014
    10
    I truly like this game very much! Its a pitty there are so few players anymore, its difficult to get a hold on a multiplayer battle nowadays. Huge replayablity value.
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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]
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  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.
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  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.
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