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. CooperM
    Dec 14, 2009
    6
    Fan since Rome:TW, loved M2:TW and this is just a disgrace. Creative Assembly was my favorite developer but this may have ruined my faith in them. Far too many glitches to count, bought it the day it came out and I have purcheased all of the expansions and gotten all the updates and still crashes on my brand new gaming computer. The support for this game is terrible, period!
  2. Agentsmith
    Dec 13, 2009
    2
    The game is a great concept...but is also a downgrade from previous titles. for example, the assassination and spying vids were removed. performance is horrid even on a GTX295 and an INTEL i7 920. They should be fixing game play problems and the crashes instead of releasing expansion. I do not know what kind of PC it needs to run decently. Do not Buy it, my pc is high end and still lags. The game is a great concept...but is also a downgrade from previous titles. for example, the assassination and spying vids were removed. performance is horrid even on a GTX295 and an INTEL i7 920. They should be fixing game play problems and the crashes instead of releasing expansion. I do not know what kind of PC it needs to run decently. Do not Buy it, my pc is high end and still lags. Interface is very hard to grasp and there are so many things to do, the simplicity of previous titles was lost too. keep your money or just play medieval 2, its a lot better.… Expand
  3. NikitaM
    Dec 13, 2009
    2
    I like the campaign and the sea battles, but the ground battles(which i prefere more not good enough)
  4. GKiloh
    Dec 12, 2009
    5
    My vote would have been higher save for the fact that lockups are so routine
  5. danh
    Dec 8, 2009
    3
    Purchased ETW special forces on release for £50 retail. Over 12months since release or so, the game still has epic gameplay issues and have not been fixed. Graphical glitches and crashes naming a few. I rate my personal computer as a high spec with upto date drivers. CA is also adding new content to the game which you have to purchase to play. Issues should be dealt with before Purchased ETW special forces on release for £50 retail. Over 12months since release or so, the game still has epic gameplay issues and have not been fixed. Graphical glitches and crashes naming a few. I rate my personal computer as a high spec with upto date drivers. CA is also adding new content to the game which you have to purchase to play. Issues should be dealt with before expansions get released. Support is also disapointing. 90 Meta score is majorly overrated. ETW is the worst total war franchise ever played dispite the fantastic concept, set within 17th and 18th century.… Expand
  6. DylanJ
    Dec 8, 2009
    3
    Poorly scripted, poorly thought out, poor to play. Its a wretched game.
  7. AndyR
    Dec 7, 2009
    10
    Best Strategy game I've ever played. I can't go back to anything else after playing this.
  8. RomanE
    Dec 4, 2009
    9
    I bought the Special Forces edition when the game came out. I had no problems installing it, and the game has been running fine on my system. (Athlon 3200/64 with 4Gb Ram, ATI Radeon HD 3600 with 2Gb Ram, XP with all service packs). I have had very few crashes, and the gameplay has improved with each patch. I have been an avid devotee of the Total War series, and while there are some I bought the Special Forces edition when the game came out. I had no problems installing it, and the game has been running fine on my system. (Athlon 3200/64 with 4Gb Ram, ATI Radeon HD 3600 with 2Gb Ram, XP with all service packs). I have had very few crashes, and the gameplay has improved with each patch. I have been an avid devotee of the Total War series, and while there are some problems, all in all, I have found this game the best so far. I am going to purchase Napoleon when it is released, as I have always had a fascination with this period of military history. I have been able to overlook the various minor problems with each game, because the overall experience and immersion is so compelling.… Expand
  9. stavrosa
    Dec 3, 2009
    3
    very difficult game for someone who want to learn the game!!i buy it but i play only for one hour!!sorry...
  10. FelixL
    Dec 3, 2009
    10
    Perfect Game for any Strategy Lovers!! A Must Have!
  11. JoeB
    Dec 3, 2009
    4
    This was an incredibly disappointing game. I'm a huge total war fan - loved Rome, Medieval 2, and was eagerly looking forward to this. The game is OKAY, but not great. WAY too many bugs, even after patches. The game runs choppy on a decked out computer. Naval battles are kinda neat, but tiresome after a while. All in all, it's okay, but to be honest I'd rather play Rome or This was an incredibly disappointing game. I'm a huge total war fan - loved Rome, Medieval 2, and was eagerly looking forward to this. The game is OKAY, but not great. WAY too many bugs, even after patches. The game runs choppy on a decked out computer. Naval battles are kinda neat, but tiresome after a while. All in all, it's okay, but to be honest I'd rather play Rome or M2. What I don't understand is why they continue to push the expansion pack for this game before fixing all the problems with it???? How does that make sense? No expansion for me, please.… Expand
  12. MichaelR
    Dec 1, 2009
    0
    Spent days trying to install it and then it didn't work properly. Little to no support and married to Steam with no prospects for improvement. Don't buy it, don't buy from CA or SEGA and don't ever have anything to do with Steam. It's just another form of robbery.
  13. brad
    Dec 1, 2009
    3
    ca you should be fighting lawsuits right now! you sold a game that was not finished?! further more the bugs have not been fixed at all and if you happen to pick up the wrong unit at the wrong time the game crashes! although i like many of the new features of this gamelike the naval battles and new countries around the world it would help if i could play them. smooth move you retards every ca you should be fighting lawsuits right now! you sold a game that was not finished?! further more the bugs have not been fixed at all and if you happen to pick up the wrong unit at the wrong time the game crashes! although i like many of the new features of this gamelike the naval battles and new countries around the world it would help if i could play them. smooth move you retards every one of you should be taken out behind your ofice building and shot! you obviously did not learn work ethics when you went to college.… Expand
  14. RobC
    Dec 1, 2009
    5
    When it was released it crashed constantly, now that it's fixed it's actually quite a bland game.
  15. DavidS
    Nov 30, 2009
    5
    im not going to nag like all you kids about oh its soo buggy, its a complete failure, its a waste of money, blah blah blah! its got bugs. its so infested with them, the terminator wouldnt even bother with this game. but guess what? you think it will ever be 100% fixed? NO! why?, b/c the money has been made and newer, better games are coming out. If I owned a labeled software company and im not going to nag like all you kids about oh its soo buggy, its a complete failure, its a waste of money, blah blah blah! its got bugs. its so infested with them, the terminator wouldnt even bother with this game. but guess what? you think it will ever be 100% fixed? NO! why?, b/c the money has been made and newer, better games are coming out. If I owned a labeled software company and made my money back off a title that was a flop,I wouldnt fix it entirely either. why sink so much more into a flop, when i can take that money and make a winner. jeez, bunch of toddlers whining. As for my 2 cents, overall this game isnt that bad. but it sure beats East Trading Company by a mile, but 1701 has more to offer than this game does, shame too. I dont dare going online with this game and all its bugs. but i do agree with Ezra Y, it takes alot to make these type games and does deserve more than a 0, but this particular one deserves no more than a 8, so i split the difference +1.… Expand
  16. [ANONYMOUS]
    Nov 24, 2009
    7
    I ahve had no problem with game crashes and the game has excellent variety. The siege battles are awful though and pathing issues make the calvary almost useless. This game definitely feels like it was rushed through the later stages of development. Most countries have the exact same units and stats so the only difference is map position.
  17. AlexanderM
    Nov 20, 2009
    0
    I feel slightly sad about this game it is like the childhood sweet heart you have not seen in years, only to find out she is 300lbs plus and just retird from a career in head butting walls. What happened to TW , All the main review sites and mags should hold their heads in total shame, at release ETW was ...wel broken and AI is still out to lunch after many patches for the over 500 bugs I feel slightly sad about this game it is like the childhood sweet heart you have not seen in years, only to find out she is 300lbs plus and just retird from a career in head butting walls. What happened to TW , All the main review sites and mags should hold their heads in total shame, at release ETW was ...wel broken and AI is still out to lunch after many patches for the over 500 bugs most blatantly game breaking. How could reviewers miss the massive amounts of CTD'S or the fact the AI would not do naval invasions or the weak battle AI all game breakers. This for me is my last CA game, such a shame but i suppose all things come to an end even old lost loves. I could breakdown a review about the many many incomplete or shockingly bad aspects of this game, but hey why break the trend i will do as the so called proffesional reviewers did only in a diametrical fashion..this game is one to aviod with a passion.… Expand
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. ValhunK
    Oct 27, 2009
    5
    A let down after all the previous superb total war games, fortresses usually don't work as they should, the army nearby does not always seem to want to men the guns, in land battles the enemy seems to prefer charging you all too often, so there's not as much tactics to use as in the previous games as its all just a blitzkrieging of regiments... plus no time to watch the carnage A let down after all the previous superb total war games, fortresses usually don't work as they should, the army nearby does not always seem to want to men the guns, in land battles the enemy seems to prefer charging you all too often, so there's not as much tactics to use as in the previous games as its all just a blitzkrieging of regiments... plus no time to watch the carnage up close, as it is all over in seconds... I thought the armies of the day squared off and shot each other to pieces... but the game is more like a WW1 dash from the trenches by the infantry... of yeah and trying to get your horses to move in formation and gather before a charge, good luck, most get lost at fences or walls... and there are always plenty of those around even in the bloody deserts... compared to the medieval 2 game, the land battles are only half as fun... and last about 10% of the time... also I hate the fact that you do not see your units improve with tech development, I mean, if I develop new bayonets, I would expect my melee attack to increase, but no, nothing, also if my unit gains experience, I would excpect them to be better shots, or something, but there is no improvement in the campaign... a level 3 experienced unit is still just as good/crap as a greenhorn, rokie, just picked up my first musket unit... the cities are harder to manage, or more to the point, its hard to see a specific return on an improvements, oh and the same goes for tech upgrades, it says "+4 to regional wealth growth", but in your region, there is no change seen... oh yeah, and if the people are rebelling, you can't massacre them any more... not quite in line with history I'm affraid, I guess this is a more diplomatic version of the game and it ignores the wonderfull powers for example of the russian tsars to slay 1/2 of the populus and be considered a hero... nope, here the people are just pissed and continue to piss you off with strikes and such... I really hate that, as I am a tipical lover of the "civilization builder type games" where you grow your faction into a wealthy and powerfull one that eventually conquers the world... or so it went in Medieval 2... no such luck here... furthermore, diplomacy and the AI are bull shit... first of all the harder the level the less likely you are to set up a trade with someone, ok I guess because the AI faction is not into money right, also try to exchange technology? you can offer the AI 6 technologies for his shitty one, but does he accept it, noooo... there is no cost/benefit review, it's just, the AI at hard will refuse all, fullstop... I guess the harder the game, the less realistic it becomes... also in harder mode, all neighbours attack you, but in no organised fashion, and one at a time... I mean, yould you go and attact your neighbour that is 5 times more powerfull than you, only to be utterly destroyed, and after you kill the blighter, what happens, an even smaller neighbour declares war... the game is more about chasing small guerilla units and killing off the AI factions one by one, than any real large conflicts... even if you pump money and technology into your AI friend, he'll still attack you when you're at your strongest and he's at his weakest... basically the AI is crappier than in previous games for my taste...all in all I think the game was released waaay too soon, many bugs should have been solved before hand... but I gues the guys were more interested in earning a profit from sales, paying off the magazines to get good reviews and screwing the public out of their money... I guess these days no one's into putting out a good product... It just doesn't feel like a total war game and there is no way in hell I'm ever buying another one from the serries, I guess the totalwar team peaked out in Medieval 2, which I still prefer to play compared to Empires... instead of buying I suggest downloading the game from torrent, and finding better use for your money... Empires is not worth paying for...… Expand
  22. alk
    Oct 24, 2009
    6
    A fan since Shogun: TW, I have been following the series since the beginning. But this latest entry was overhyped and was clearly rushed out the door before they finished it (e.g. naval invasions left out on release? Are you kidding me?!). Buggy as hell, even many months after release. Also all factions except for England and France had clearly been left unfinished in terms of unique A fan since Shogun: TW, I have been following the series since the beginning. But this latest entry was overhyped and was clearly rushed out the door before they finished it (e.g. naval invasions left out on release? Are you kidding me?!). Buggy as hell, even many months after release. Also all factions except for England and France had clearly been left unfinished in terms of unique units; note how they have finally released some downloadable units to make up for the poor roster when it first came out: clearly released in an unfinished state. A big minus is that this series is notoriously demanding on the CPU, much more than any modern FPS for example. And yet CA still has not enabled dual-core optimisation! We've seen games use two cores for years now, some even are utilizing quad core tech. Most of these games don't even require that much power, unlike Empire: TW.… Expand
  23. MikeR.
    Oct 19, 2009
    3
    Don't believe the Hype! ETW is the worst Total War game. It was released in an unfinished state, loaded with bugs and glitches. As of October 2009, most of these issues have not been resolved. Also, CA has announced that patch 1.5 will be the last major patch for this game, despite the fact that many bugs are unfixed and the AI is horrible. CA has stopped supporting this game, a Don't believe the Hype! ETW is the worst Total War game. It was released in an unfinished state, loaded with bugs and glitches. As of October 2009, most of these issues have not been resolved. Also, CA has announced that patch 1.5 will be the last major patch for this game, despite the fact that many bugs are unfixed and the AI is horrible. CA has stopped supporting this game, a clear admission that ETW is a failed product. If you buy ETW you are paying your money to CA for the dubious "privilege" of acting as a beta tester for garbage quality software. This game is an unplayable mess, and should never have been released. Don't reward CA for producing junk. Do not buy this game, or it's related expantion packs or DLC, including Napoleon Total War. Do not get ripped off as I was. Consider yourself warned!… Expand
  24. OleK
    Oct 19, 2009
    9
    Great and gameplay that makes me an emperor in the world of Total War. Many new nations and countries are using the European campaign map and most of them I never learned about in history lessons. This is really great. The technology -tree is a fine adition that gives alot of information about the different technologies. This is also something I never learned about in history lessons. A Great and gameplay that makes me an emperor in the world of Total War. Many new nations and countries are using the European campaign map and most of them I never learned about in history lessons. This is really great. The technology -tree is a fine adition that gives alot of information about the different technologies. This is also something I never learned about in history lessons. A grand game indead.… Expand
  25. AlexL
    Oct 17, 2009
    5
    Quality of the game is very poor. A year after release and multiple patches later, I still haven't been able to completely finish a Grand Campaign. Games crash with no error messages, saves cannot be loaded, games in progress cannot be saved, white screen of death, you name it. Very frustrating.
  26. harryr
    Oct 16, 2009
    0
    Unbelievable amount of bugs. Completely unfinished at release, still only half-way playable 7 months down the road. I strongly discourage anyone from buying this hyped up excuse for a computer game.
  27. StevenR
    Oct 16, 2009
    5
    All the way back to Shogun again. This could have been the chance to step up to the next level, but the game has been released too early and just leaves the player open mouthed and screaming WHY? at the terrible AI, especially in the campaign mode.
  28. SteveM
    Oct 15, 2009
    0
    It looks pretty enough at first. But, despite the fact that my PC significantly exceeds the minimum required spec it crashes constantly making it unplayable. Steam don't care. Their support just fob you off once they have your money and refuse to help after informing you that their subscriber agreement gives them the right to sell you crap and keep your cash.
  29. JohnSmith
    Oct 15, 2009
    0
    The game was unplayable at release, now it is just playable but still it have many flaws. All the faction are the same but with different colours, and if you want some variation you have to pay for it on top of what you already paid in the fisrt place. The game could have been great but it seems to have been rushed too quickly and have left many features out, leaving things done in a rush,The game was unplayable at release, now it is just playable but still it have many flaws. All the faction are the same but with different colours, and if you want some variation you have to pay for it on top of what you already paid in the fisrt place. The game could have been great but it seems to have been rushed too quickly and have left many features out, leaving things done in a rush, like sieges, which are the worse in all the total war series.… Expand
  30. 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
  31. samt
    Oct 15, 2009
    4
    I started with shogun total war, which i loved when it came out. Then i jumped on rome total war which i also liked and played alot. This one ETW was hyped up and was suppose to be this great new total war game. Well lets just say i think im done with the total war series after this one. I gave it a 4 cause of its graphics and new battle play with ships which i like, but other then that I started with shogun total war, which i loved when it came out. Then i jumped on rome total war which i also liked and played alot. This one ETW was hyped up and was suppose to be this great new total war game. Well lets just say i think im done with the total war series after this one. I gave it a 4 cause of its graphics and new battle play with ships which i like, but other then that it hasent changed. The multi play is exactly the same which really should be changed, and the AI sucked. It is in the end simply boring!… Expand
  32. EctoP
    Oct 15, 2009
    8
    Sure it has some flaws, here and there a major bug. Bit the patches have been coming steadily and the game is still alone at the top. Nothing comes close tot the TW series in this genre. Now if only CA would provide the modtools so ETW can be polished and upgraded to a straight 9.
  33. Melter
    Oct 14, 2009
    2
    Full price for a beta game? My god i really hope that software law is changed so stuff like this stops happening because if it was the case i would have returned this game within the first day it was terrible. It was worse than a beta game, atleast beta testers dont have to pay to play a game they end up having to tell the devs to fix. I Gave it a 5 due to its sort of turn around since Full price for a beta game? My god i really hope that software law is changed so stuff like this stops happening because if it was the case i would have returned this game within the first day it was terrible. It was worse than a beta game, atleast beta testers dont have to pay to play a game they end up having to tell the devs to fix. I Gave it a 5 due to its sort of turn around since 1.5 but as CA have said themselfs no more major patches coming which is definatly not what this game needs as 1.5 fixed alot of problems but brought new ones to the table as did every other patch they released, you know what im dropping it to a 2 due to CA's pathetic attempt at ''not fixing'' covering up their mistakes. Just to note, If you want a better Meta score CA, make a better bloody game you con-artists.… Expand
  34. BrantC
    Oct 14, 2009
    2
    This game was riddled with bugs from day one. They promised features that were scrapped after a delayed release. They still have not fixed people hacking online, basically ruining any attempt at competitive play. Their staff even posted in a blog that they were not happy with the game on release, even going as far as saying they were ashamed to send copies to their friends. Creative This game was riddled with bugs from day one. They promised features that were scrapped after a delayed release. They still have not fixed people hacking online, basically ruining any attempt at competitive play. Their staff even posted in a blog that they were not happy with the game on release, even going as far as saying they were ashamed to send copies to their friends. Creative Assembly has shown that they continue to move in the wrong direction with the total war series, and are malicious towards their customers. With that said, the game is enjoyable for a campaign or so, but really lacks in any tactical depth and AI capability.… Expand
  35. gameratheartIllustrious
    Oct 14, 2009
    0
    I dub this game bugs empire total malware because this is what it is. Equipped with steam, it supposedly makes things much easier for you to dl and play it, but it's more like an inconvenience. I played it via a friend's own copy on his pc. And I'm glad I did that because I wouldn't even buy it. Will I be purchasing it future wise and Napoleon the sequel? Definite no. I dub this game bugs empire total malware because this is what it is. Equipped with steam, it supposedly makes things much easier for you to dl and play it, but it's more like an inconvenience. I played it via a friend's own copy on his pc. And I'm glad I did that because I wouldn't even buy it. Will I be purchasing it future wise and Napoleon the sequel? Definite no. WIll I be making a purchase via Steam with CA future titles? Indefinitely NO.… Expand
  36. SungaL
    Oct 14, 2009
    6
    GAme has a huge problem: IT IS POLITICALLY CORRECT !! two big flaws: NO slaves merchants (and thus slavery system), and NO ethnic minorities, like the Jewish (so important they provided most of the loaned money to governments open their imperial companies and establish central banks). Could say also theres a lack of River Plate and South America realismus, but then you would say Im a bit GAme has a huge problem: IT IS POLITICALLY CORRECT !! two big flaws: NO slaves merchants (and thus slavery system), and NO ethnic minorities, like the Jewish (so important they provided most of the loaned money to governments open their imperial companies and establish central banks). Could say also theres a lack of River Plate and South America realismus, but then you would say Im a bit regionalist.… Expand
  37. BrendanW.
    Oct 13, 2009
    8
    Once you get the game working, it's actually very fun. Of course, I did have to go through about a day of tweaking, updating my drivers, and graphics adjusting, but with that out of the way, it's a welcome addition to the Total War Series in my opinion. If one is thinking of buying this game, please make sure that your computer is strong enough to run it in the first place, as I Once you get the game working, it's actually very fun. Of course, I did have to go through about a day of tweaking, updating my drivers, and graphics adjusting, but with that out of the way, it's a welcome addition to the Total War Series in my opinion. If one is thinking of buying this game, please make sure that your computer is strong enough to run it in the first place, as I would've easily given this game a 2 or 3 if I hadn't known how well Empire could run after a bit of adjusting.… Expand
  38. yoyo
    Oct 13, 2009
    4
    It is a great game... When it is actually working and not finding new ways to crash with it's infestation of bugs.
  39. JimmyH
    Oct 12, 2009
    8
    Aside from the slow down during HUGE battles, which really, is only to be expected, this game is incredible. Such depth and tactical diversity means every battle is different. And the naval battles, while confusing at first, add a dimension missing from most games of this nature. Bravo!
  40. LucaD
    Oct 11, 2009
    8
    This game is good but on the single player mode it makes me crazy that the enemy arms comes and burn a twon there no troops ore a steal every round my new technologie but the fight mode is awsome, a other point is that when the infantry is fire than its seems like they have a M4 in burst mode.
  41. JasonL
    Oct 11, 2009
    8
    Its a great game and even though i cant seem to figure out how to play as the united states on single player its great. The riflemen fire like i expected they would and the battles are more realistic than the other total war games.
  42. MikeE
    Oct 10, 2009
    2
    What sham this game turned out to be. Poor performance, bugs out the wazoo, horrific AI and the developer has already given up on to make their next killing with Napolean Total War.
  43. HarryS
    Oct 10, 2009
    10
    Wonderfully thoughtful strategy mechanics and intense, engaging battles. With a vast array of military units and tactics as well as political approaches, Empire is essential for all weathered strategy veterans.
  44. RD
    Oct 10, 2009
    0
    This idiotic STEAM REQUIREMENT makes this thing a pain. I want to play the game. Not be forced into downloads which wont stop even when you tell them to do so. You're locked out of playing until it's finished doing whatever it wants to do. I'll never purchase any game again from these people.
  45. AndyW
    Oct 9, 2009
    5
    The game looks fantastic, the campaign map plays out pretty good but the battle ai is absolutely atrocious. It is so bad that i have shelved this game indefinitely. The game is abosolutely no challenge what so ever due the ai reforming its regiments. These soldiers, reform in front of your battle line whilst getting shot to pieces letting you easily win. Not only that reform towards your The game looks fantastic, the campaign map plays out pretty good but the battle ai is absolutely atrocious. It is so bad that i have shelved this game indefinitely. The game is abosolutely no challenge what so ever due the ai reforming its regiments. These soldiers, reform in front of your battle line whilst getting shot to pieces letting you easily win. Not only that reform towards your line so they end up in melee and rout soon after. I would give it a 8 or 9 if the bai was working, unfortunately the game is ruined by this and giving it a good rating just because it has good graphic or good campaign ai is not enough. Total war needs to be the whole package and empire is not that. I think if they do not fix the bai issues, they will be disillusioning half the community and Napoleon sales will plummet.. Also this is the first total war game i have been majorly disappointed with period.… Expand
  46. BubbaNZ
    Oct 9, 2009
    9
    If you didn't already know, ETW is set in the 18th century and combines 4X strategy and real time battles on land and sea. Back in March I gave this game a 6.1. It was a flaccid bugfest that fell far short of its marketing. Felt I had a different version than that given the 'professional review sites.' Writing now in October '09, it's a totally different If you didn't already know, ETW is set in the 18th century and combines 4X strategy and real time battles on land and sea. Back in March I gave this game a 6.1. It was a flaccid bugfest that fell far short of its marketing. Felt I had a different version than that given the 'professional review sites.' Writing now in October '09, it's a totally different experience. Since March it's received 11 (!) patches, including five major ones. Yes, there are still some (minor) problems; yes, arguably CA mishandled the first few months after release. And multiplayer still isn't there. But there's no game that comes close to a CA title in scope and intelligence, period. If you want strategy on a grand scale, this is now the one to beat. The campaign AI is spritely and the battle AI will surprise you. If you've the machine for it, it looks fabulous. There's a reasonable variety of factions. All in all, hundreds of hours of entertainment. BubbaNZ.… Expand
  47. LeeM
    Oct 9, 2009
    1
    The multiplayer side of Total War has gone backwards with Empire total war. - No Lobby -Servers are decentralised -Maps are seen as mod and change the version of your game -Every update brakes mods - Always desynchs -Easy modifiying stats to cheat In conclusion dont bother with this game or the new one they are planing to release as its just a clone with new units.
  48. CJK
    Oct 9, 2009
    10
    Easily the best game that I have downloaded. I have no idea why people would give this game bad reviews, people claim it doesnt run well. Mine has never crashed and I dont have a souped up computer. In fact I've logged over 70 hours already and never once had more than the slight lag when I owned most of the territories on the planet. This is absolute best strategy game for any Easily the best game that I have downloaded. I have no idea why people would give this game bad reviews, people claim it doesnt run well. Mine has never crashed and I dont have a souped up computer. In fact I've logged over 70 hours already and never once had more than the slight lag when I owned most of the territories on the planet. This is absolute best strategy game for any console. Period. If you say otherwise then you probably think Halo is a strategy game. It doesnt matter if you like underhanded tactics or holy crusading, this game has a way for whatever motivation you care to have. If you see red on the reviews, its either becuase of stone-age computers attempting to run it. Or because of a lack of forward planning and strategy (without that, the AI will anhillate you).… Expand
  49. Bob
    Oct 9, 2009
    3
    Would have been a wonderful game if it wasn't for the bugs. Even the new patch 1.4 doesn't resolve the glaring bugs and massive unresolved instabilities that still are very much present in the game. The game would be worthwhile if the only issue was AI. After all, all the Total War games have AI issues and Empire is no different in this respect. The AI seriously counters my Would have been a wonderful game if it wasn't for the bugs. Even the new patch 1.4 doesn't resolve the glaring bugs and massive unresolved instabilities that still are very much present in the game. The game would be worthwhile if the only issue was AI. After all, all the Total War games have AI issues and Empire is no different in this respect. The AI seriously counters my moves on the battlefield like a massive retard- allowing itself to get flanked and then letting it's melee units sit there for target practice. But the main issue is that it CTDs constantly. I can play about 5-10 moves before the computer simply freezes and program becomes unresponsive. Granted, this is on a monster rig with a GTX 275.… Expand
  50. MaxH
    Oct 9, 2009
    10
    I have been playing this game for 6 months now and I'm not a bit tired of it. There are so many possibilities and ways to play this game that you never make the same game twice. And the developers are just amazing, they have a forum were you can post suggestions and complaints, and these guy accually read them and try to improve the game as much as possible. The reason I think that I have been playing this game for 6 months now and I'm not a bit tired of it. There are so many possibilities and ways to play this game that you never make the same game twice. And the developers are just amazing, they have a forum were you can post suggestions and complaints, and these guy accually read them and try to improve the game as much as possible. The reason I think that this game haven't got higher votes from users is that their expectations on this game has been way to high. I don't know if that's because of bad marceting, but I think that everyone needs to realise that a game of this magnitude can't be made without a single bug.… Expand
  51. UngoK
    Oct 9, 2009
    0
    The worst game I've played. Horrible AI, bugs, crashes, CTD, blue screen. The magazines' reviewers have obviously decided it best to give this "game" a 10 despite the fact that they never even played it when released. They were obviously bought for this dubious "stellar" rating. This proves there is greed and corruption even in the video game industry. You'd be a fool to The worst game I've played. Horrible AI, bugs, crashes, CTD, blue screen. The magazines' reviewers have obviously decided it best to give this "game" a 10 despite the fact that they never even played it when released. They were obviously bought for this dubious "stellar" rating. This proves there is greed and corruption even in the video game industry. You'd be a fool to rush and buy whatever CA has in store next for you; Napoleon's campaign. The mag reviews forgot to take out the 1 in front of that 0 in exchange for money period. Run for the hills on this one and any future CA releases and give yourself ample time and space whenever you decide what to play next especially coming from CA.… Expand
  52. DirkB
    Oct 9, 2009
    10
    I consider medieval 2 total war to be the best experience I had in any total war game. However this game is a less popular genre then the mid ages but is still very good, the maps are gigantic and very detailed and there is so much added to the game. I think the main reason why users rate it this low is because the battles are harder to win than in medieval 2. its a very good game .
  53. KurtC
    Oct 8, 2009
    7
    Bought this off STEAM, and it's really not worth 50 bucks. They should have priced it for half of what it was worth, because the game itself was incomplete or obsolete. You see, there are so many bugs with the whole game like the AI and the crashes... For example, after I beat the the U.S. Campaign, I started on the Grand Campaign. I picked Great Britain (would've picked the Bought this off STEAM, and it's really not worth 50 bucks. They should have priced it for half of what it was worth, because the game itself was incomplete or obsolete. You see, there are so many bugs with the whole game like the AI and the crashes... For example, after I beat the the U.S. Campaign, I started on the Grand Campaign. I picked Great Britain (would've picked the U.S. but I was disappointed that CA put it in) and I was working my way to conquering the whole world. But one day, on a fateful night, I loaded my game, and did what I always do, and ended my turn. Then, it showed one of my allies sailing to an island, all of a sudden, my game crashed! I launched the game again, and did the same thing, crashed once again. I tried about 20 times but it kept crashing, and finally I reset my computer, hoping that it would fix something but it didn't. So I just stopped playing the game for 2 weeks. I just quit... So one day I decided to get back to it, I launched the game and once I get to the SEGA logo it glitches and keeps repeating "Seeeega, Seega, Seggaaa." Over and over again. So, I re-installed my game, and waited for 2 gruesome hours. I then restarted my computer, and launched the game, and guess what? The problem still existed. I decided to go to the forums, and I looked for a solution that someone might have posted. This person posted a list of instructions to fix the problem similar to mine. So I followed it, I know it could be a trick, but others were saying it work. Desperate, I followed the instructions, and you know what? My game started to work again! I know if all you hardcore gamers picked up this RTS game, you'll hate it and some of you will love it. All I am saying is, never buy a game once it's released... You should read reviews and personal critics from gamers or maybe try the game yourself.… Expand
  54. AdamWilson
    Oct 8, 2009
    0
    I cant play the single player because it CTDs after every handful of turns.

    The multiplayer is in the stone age is well behind the standard of other multiplayer games.

    The way the battles play out are very unrealistic and riflemen fire like modern day snipers.

    Avoid this game and future ones released by CA/ Total War.
  55. Matt
    Oct 8, 2009
    10
    The best game on my computer. Yes it does occasionally crash (I have an average computer) but with the good autosave, that's fine, and the amazing gameplay compensates. With patches 1.40-5 this game only got better... i've had it for months and it hasn't got old.
  56. BrianJ
    Oct 8, 2009
    9
    In my opinion this is the best RTS at the moment. - Great game play( As usual for the series) - Great graphics - Lots of new stuff compared to the previous games. There are still bugs, and at release I would have given it 6 or 7, but seeing that they have removed many of the bugs it deserves a 9!
  57. MortisN.
    Oct 7, 2009
    3
    Empire is like a Ferrari without an engine, beautiful, sleek, a marvel of design in every other regard... yet it's still not going anywhere. I have the feeling most of the critics were attempting to future proof their reviews for the eventuality when Creative Assembly would fix the glaring bugs. In which case E:TW would be an amazing game, but unfortunately CA decided to pull a Empire is like a Ferrari without an engine, beautiful, sleek, a marvel of design in every other regard... yet it's still not going anywhere. I have the feeling most of the critics were attempting to future proof their reviews for the eventuality when Creative Assembly would fix the glaring bugs. In which case E:TW would be an amazing game, but unfortunately CA decided to pull a Valve, why fix bugs when you people will pay you $50 for this game, and another $50 for a sequil of the exact same engine, with all the bug fixes! Creative Assembly lost my respect with this title.… Expand
  58. gollum
    Oct 7, 2009
    0
    ETW has been hyped to the stars and one more time it all turned out to be white lies. Not only the game is unstable, buggy and incomplete, but it is simplistic and boring as hell. The only aspect of the game that is good is the visuals, but they can't save the gameplay or alleviate the frustration. CA has become overambitious and probably quite a bit greedy. Patches admittedly fix ETW has been hyped to the stars and one more time it all turned out to be white lies. Not only the game is unstable, buggy and incomplete, but it is simplistic and boring as hell. The only aspect of the game that is good is the visuals, but they can't save the gameplay or alleviate the frustration. CA has become overambitious and probably quite a bit greedy. Patches admittedly fix things, but it is clear that the core gameplay and AI of the game wont change, and they are really really bad both on the campaign and the battles.… Expand
  59. MatthewG.
    Oct 6, 2009
    3
    A flash in the pan. Looks nice. But the competition provided by the AI makes me feel like I'm playing my 6 month old nephew in Chess.
  60. GregM.
    Oct 6, 2009
    0
    Horrible bugs, laggy and slow, no ai. They keep trying to sell everything as DLC, where are the patches!!!. Now they trying to sell the exclusive peroder content again. Hello what does exlusive mean you cant sell it again.
  61. HelgIvanov
    Oct 6, 2009
    4
    ...posle patcha 1,5 mne stalo yasno chto eta komanda shabashnikov i halturthikov.Ves etot proekt sploshnoy bag.
    Nitchego putnova eta komanda zdelat ne mojet, vmesto gramotnyh programistov nabrali horoshih piarthikov, poetomu sleduthi ih proekt NTW pokupat ne budu tak kak bolee them za 2 goda ne smogli zdelat ETW, a za 6 mesiacev oni sobirautsia zdelat Napolejna.
    RTW the BEST!
  62. WalterB.
    Oct 6, 2009
    2
    The game has been entirely unplayable for months due to a crash bug introduced in a patch. The AI was extremely weak when it was playable and instead of fixing the game, they decided to go on and make their next one. I would not recommend this for purchase.
  63. SeanH
    Oct 6, 2009
    9
    I've spent hours with the frustrating pre-1.4 versions of Empire, and can say that the game is now, finally, living up to its promise. The crippling AI diplomacy is dramatically improved in the latest version, making the solo-campaign a much more enjoyable experience. Frustrating never-ending wars have been alleviated by AI adjustments that make Peace Treaties much easier to sign, AI I've spent hours with the frustrating pre-1.4 versions of Empire, and can say that the game is now, finally, living up to its promise. The crippling AI diplomacy is dramatically improved in the latest version, making the solo-campaign a much more enjoyable experience. Frustrating never-ending wars have been alleviated by AI adjustments that make Peace Treaties much easier to sign, AI will actually offer Peace Treaties unsolicited when it's in their interest, and micronations no longer declare wars senselessly. The AI is also finally capable of naval invasions -- in my latest English campaign, I actually saw the Martha Confederacy, after subduing the entire Indian subcontinent, drop a full-stack into the European theater. After many months of work, Empire has finally developed into a really spectacular game.… Expand
  64. StevenS.
    Oct 6, 2009
    0
    Buggy game that went from broken AI, missing features (naval invaision AI) to a game that has saved games that corrupt, or won't start up now in the latest patch. Good for maybe 3 hours before you realize how horribly broken the game is, or if the game "helps" you to that realization by crashing.
  65. JohnW.
    Oct 6, 2009
    1
    This game was released with so many false promises and the dev team more interested on implementing new content rather than fixing existing bugs. still waiting on the co-op campaign that will probably never come out.
  66. HeinerG.
    Oct 6, 2009
    5
    Very nice Game but although Patch 1.5 is released, the Game still crahes to Desktop nearly every turn, in Battles or on Campaign Map. This is very frustrating and sometimes i think its waste of time to play the great Campaign, because its nearly unplayable in the last 40 Turns because of CTD! Too bad.
  67. gointomexico
    Oct 5, 2009
    2
    Very buggy, spotty customer support. I cant play some of my saves because it crashes every time. I emailed customer support,and they close my tickets after 48 hrs. The first ticket I opened got closed even after I provided the info they requested. I opened another ticket asking why that ticket was closed, and that ticket got closed too. My life is too important to waste on buggy software, Very buggy, spotty customer support. I cant play some of my saves because it crashes every time. I emailed customer support,and they close my tickets after 48 hrs. The first ticket I opened got closed even after I provided the info they requested. I opened another ticket asking why that ticket was closed, and that ticket got closed too. My life is too important to waste on buggy software, and jerky CS.… Expand
  68. JeremyJ.
    Oct 5, 2009
    1
    Promised multiplayer campaign, but never delivered. Crashes consistently under certain conditions, even with high-end hardware and up-to-date drivers. Forces me to update even when I have the auto-update setting disabled.
  69. GrahamW.
    Oct 5, 2009
    10
    Fantastic game. Has some glitches but, like a bright sun, it's shine obliterates such a wispy cloud. I was blown away be Shogun, then medieval and then Rome. This game blasts volleys into the enemy while the howitzers shell them from above and your horse await the inevitable route. The historical notes are related to the turning of the years. Beethoven dies and a capacitor is Fantastic game. Has some glitches but, like a bright sun, it's shine obliterates such a wispy cloud. I was blown away be Shogun, then medieval and then Rome. This game blasts volleys into the enemy while the howitzers shell them from above and your horse await the inevitable route. The historical notes are related to the turning of the years. Beethoven dies and a capacitor is discovered. Education fun and an awesome spectacle. I haven't been back to my wargames table since Total War came on the scene.… Expand
  70. AshParadox
    Oct 4, 2009
    8
    Bug fixes should've been done at the start. FINALLY the game is half-decent, but still not quite right in many areas. Rush-released and incomplete/broken. Had I reviewed on release, it'd have gotten a 5 at best.
  71. Alexandr
    Oct 3, 2009
    1
    Absolutely awful state at release. It was almost unplayable gameplay wise. And then with a patch they made the game technically unplayable until the following patch. Absolutely disgusting work from CA.
  72. PaulW.
    Oct 2, 2009
    9
    A very good game, more so now that they just released another update. Utterly engrosing when you get into it. I would reccomend any Total War game for those who have yet to try any.
  73. RenéH.
    Oct 2, 2009
    10
    The game was already excellently designed on release but had too many serious technical and gameplay bugs. All serious issues have been fixed by now (current patch: 1.4). The game has improved vastly in the last months.
  74. JamesM.
    Oct 1, 2009
    0
    A piss poor game sums up my feelings for this game. Dumb AI, Bugs after all their patches, No MP Campaign (which they said we would get (lairs), a lot of point less game play. And it does seem that France loves the white flag, since there is only one city in all of France. The be time reviewers where bought off and no way is this one of the best games ever made. More or less how not to A piss poor game sums up my feelings for this game. Dumb AI, Bugs after all their patches, No MP Campaign (which they said we would get (lairs), a lot of point less game play. And it does seem that France loves the white flag, since there is only one city in all of France. The be time reviewers where bought off and no way is this one of the best games ever made. More or less how not to make a game.… Expand
  75. MickN
    Oct 1, 2009
    2
    I decided to hold off on reviewing Empire even though I bought it off Steam on release day. It was broken and nearly unplayable on release due to the near total absence of AI opposition. The AI was so bad that it couldn't even land armies off ships. In short, this meant that island nations like the UK were unbeatable when played by the gamer, and worthless when acting as an AII decided to hold off on reviewing Empire even though I bought it off Steam on release day. It was broken and nearly unplayable on release due to the near total absence of AI opposition. The AI was so bad that it couldn't even land armies off ships. In short, this meant that island nations like the UK were unbeatable when played by the gamer, and worthless when acting as an AI opponent.

    Patch 1.4 FINALLY came out after six months, promising to fix the AI. Well, it's still crap. Not as crap on release, but still so utterly useless that it robs any enjoyment the player might have had were the AI even remotely competent.
    It's a slap in the face to the consumer that the game was shipped in such a terrible state, a further slap in the face that the slowly released patches have done little to ameliorate the many problems, and a final slap that CA has decided to devote their efforts into wringing more money out of dupes like me via questionable DLC and worthless expansions like Napoleon.

    Why would I care about Napoleon:TW when the base game is in such a crap state?    … Expand
  76. KurtA.
    Oct 1, 2009
    9
    I will admit that the game was as buggy as a swampland upon release, and that that state persisted for quite some time, but that is not the case now. With patch 1.4 released and 1.5 on the way The Creative Assembly have started to deliver on their promises and make Empire: Total War into a thoroughly enjoyable and highly polished game, just as it always should have been.
  77. Eamon
    Oct 1, 2009
    10
    As of patch 1.4 this game is completely different to how it was at launch. Almost no bugs, better AI across campaign and battle and new units all add up to an ambitious and awesome piece of interactive entertainment. looking forward to campaign multiplayer.
  78. Matthew
    Sep 30, 2009
    2
    I really really like this game. The total war series has always been one of my faves, and empire has been the best so far. It, for me, has the perfect balance of all the elements needed in a good stratagy game, and the introduction of navel combat was awsome. It lets me down on one cruical issue tho, bugs. I have not yet been able to complete a proper long campaign due to the fact that I really really like this game. The total war series has always been one of my faves, and empire has been the best so far. It, for me, has the perfect balance of all the elements needed in a good stratagy game, and the introduction of navel combat was awsome. It lets me down on one cruical issue tho, bugs. I have not yet been able to complete a proper long campaign due to the fact that each time i get so far throught the game for various reasons i encounter a fatal error. like taking a city causes a crash each time i try, or ending a turn causes a crash and wont work even after a re-load, due to corrupted save files, i have had the same problem on multiple computers. Without being able to play a campaign through it makes it infuriating and pointless to start a new one. This would be a 10/10 rating, if not for that factor.… Expand
  79. CedricPereyra
    Sep 30, 2009
    10
    I don't get why you guys have a hard time playing the game... It just takes time and patience to get the controls and all that. The missions and campaigns are really well made and is very rich in storyline. Everything in the land battles looks so awsome!! it looks so realistic!! especially the smokes that come out of the rifles of the infantry and artillery looks incredibly real!!!I don't get why you guys have a hard time playing the game... It just takes time and patience to get the controls and all that. The missions and campaigns are really well made and is very rich in storyline. Everything in the land battles looks so awsome!! it looks so realistic!! especially the smokes that come out of the rifles of the infantry and artillery looks incredibly real!!! and also during sea battles... when you board an enemy ship, It looks awsome! all in all, I would give it a solid 10!!!... wohoo!!… Expand
  80. mcd
    Sep 24, 2009
    4
    I am not buying a Creative Assembly game again. Game is horribly broken, diplomacy AI is weird at best, loading times are too long, changing turns take a minute at least, this is just plain disappointing. I've had it since release date and it's not gotten much better, even with the patches. And now they're trying to release NEW GAMES IN THE SAME VEIN after several months?I am not buying a Creative Assembly game again. Game is horribly broken, diplomacy AI is weird at best, loading times are too long, changing turns take a minute at least, this is just plain disappointing. I've had it since release date and it's not gotten much better, even with the patches. And now they're trying to release NEW GAMES IN THE SAME VEIN after several months? It's insulting.… Expand
  81. 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
  82. BenW
    Sep 21, 2009
    5
    Uses the same mechanics to control your soldiers as in earlier games , which isnt really any good as in the last games everyone either had a sword , or a bow and arrow and shot over there mates heads , now 60 of your own men unchecked can shoot your entire army in the back. I know you can toggle auto fire off , but in real life , even if i was told to fire at will , id probably not shoot Uses the same mechanics to control your soldiers as in earlier games , which isnt really any good as in the last games everyone either had a sword , or a bow and arrow and shot over there mates heads , now 60 of your own men unchecked can shoot your entire army in the back. I know you can toggle auto fire off , but in real life , even if i was told to fire at will , id probably not shoot every single person in my battalion. Also the game crashes about every 3rd battle. No cheats also sucks , I know people think you shouldnt cheat , but tbh my PC has never complained about me using give_money command in single player in any of the other total war games. Cant see why they thought it needed removing in this installment. I used to enjoy sending 20 cannons into a battle unaided by infantary or cavalry and watch them blow up a few people and then all get wiped out , Not exactly historically acurate, but if i want historical acurracy i wouldnt play computer games to teach me anyway. If they had made the game the same as the old total war games with the gfx and time period this game would of rocked , seems rushed and not ready for the napoleon addon pack they are releasing for it early next year. It has also had 4 patchs since release which dont actually seem to solve the main problems in the game but do address some issues. If you love the old total war games this is worth a look, but id wait until you can find it in the bargin bin rather than dishing out 30 rips for it.… Expand
  83. Michael
    Sep 19, 2009
    0
    It is a Fine game. I don't really care for some small problems . I have Only one question: How it is possible such a team with so many years in that serie to make wrong the borders of GREECE and set them as F.Y.R.O.M (Former Yugoslavian Republic Of Makedonia) because Makedonia is not inside GREEKS borders but out of them. I loved that game till the moment I saw these bullshits .It is a Fine game. I don't really care for some small problems . I have Only one question: How it is possible such a team with so many years in that serie to make wrong the borders of GREECE and set them as F.Y.R.O.M (Former Yugoslavian Republic Of Makedonia) because Makedonia is not inside GREEKS borders but out of them. I loved that game till the moment I saw these bullshits . MAKEDONIA IS GREEKS. OH I RATED 0 BECAUSE THEY HAVE CREATED AN NON-HISTORY GAME.THEY ARE ASHOLDS… Expand
  84. MarkR
    Sep 19, 2009
    5
    This game does not deserve the stellar critic reviews, and it is obvious that most of the industry reviewers must have overlooked much in order to rate this game so highly. The game clearly remains broken in spite of patches. I have resolved to try and get some value out of my purchase by playing through the Road to Independence and Grand Campaign before uninstalling and moving on. In the This game does not deserve the stellar critic reviews, and it is obvious that most of the industry reviewers must have overlooked much in order to rate this game so highly. The game clearly remains broken in spite of patches. I have resolved to try and get some value out of my purchase by playing through the Road to Independence and Grand Campaign before uninstalling and moving on. In the course of 4 hours of game play this morning, I had 5 crash to desktop, 4 in the midst of battles, and encountered AI glitches twice that forced me to either concede a battle that I was winning or reload a save game and fight the battle again. The game does not run consistently well, and often freezes momentarily or slows down for extended periods. This game looks nice, the details and the intended elements of game play are good, but it is just plain broken. It has been at best a mediocre gaming experience for me and a huge disappointment given the high expectations for this game. IMHO it is not the 9+ that reviewers are giving it. I might be able to finish it, but I would rather have not purchased it.… Expand
  85. MattE
    Sep 19, 2009
    4
    Game was fun for about a week until its several glaring defects caused me to stop playing. I have been one of the lucky few who actually never has the game CTD; however this does not make up for an inept AI and total lack of support from CA who has since moved on to work on Napolean Total War . Patches have been sporadic at best and I am still waiting on the multiplayer campaign which is Game was fun for about a week until its several glaring defects caused me to stop playing. I have been one of the lucky few who actually never has the game CTD; however this does not make up for an inept AI and total lack of support from CA who has since moved on to work on Napolean Total War . Patches have been sporadic at best and I am still waiting on the multiplayer campaign which is why CA delayed the release and over 6 months after te release there has been no feedback. Don't buy from CA again or at least until 3 months after a release and read the reviews then.… Expand
  86. 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
  87. FunS
    Sep 17, 2009
    0
    A solid 0 for a terrible game. Without bugs this game would get an easy 10. Unfortunately, it was released with bugs all over, and so much so that after almost a year diplomacy among several other features that were promised to the latest in the TW series leave us all completely in frustration. CA has definitely given themselves a serious bad reputation with this one for rushing this guy A solid 0 for a terrible game. Without bugs this game would get an easy 10. Unfortunately, it was released with bugs all over, and so much so that after almost a year diplomacy among several other features that were promised to the latest in the TW series leave us all completely in frustration. CA has definitely given themselves a serious bad reputation with this one for rushing this guy out to the gamers like you. The user rating is currently at 6.7 for a good reason. Always trust the user rating I say, NEVER with the official rating as it is promoted by greed and corruption as it is usually used for dirty marketing tricks for pretty much anything nowadays.… Expand
  88. GregH
    Sep 17, 2009
    0
    This gane is Bugged!!!, I have every Total War game from Shogun, and this one just does NOT work, it crashes to desktop constantly, and dont give me that system stuff, I have a i7,12g ram, 1g card... it played fine until you get to a point in the game and it just will not let you take an enemy city, I can do everything except capture a city, once I send troops in *crash* and it This gane is Bugged!!!, I have every Total War game from Shogun, and this one just does NOT work, it crashes to desktop constantly, and dont give me that system stuff, I have a i7,12g ram, 1g card... it played fine until you get to a point in the game and it just will not let you take an enemy city, I can do everything except capture a city, once I send troops in *crash* and it doesn't matter what city, I was seiging 3 cities, and each city attempt resulted into a *crash*.. Also it crashes to desktop when u move generals out of Cities... And I am not very fond of playing a strategy Turn base game, and be required to havea steam account to play a game that doesn't require internet: that is just to much control demands for me... This will prolly be the last Total War series I purchase, do to the inablitlty of the game to not stop crashing and having be required to have a steam account. Sad… Expand
  89. 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
  90. CarmenI
    Sep 14, 2009
    0
    Since day 1, ETW has given me only frustration installing it via a program callled Steam. On the box there is nothing indicating that I must be connected to it, just an internet connection. This is seriously a violation of basic human rights, misleading ad. To add further insult, the game had trouble installing via Steam. It took weeks for them to get this steam fixed in order to install Since day 1, ETW has given me only frustration installing it via a program callled Steam. On the box there is nothing indicating that I must be connected to it, just an internet connection. This is seriously a violation of basic human rights, misleading ad. To add further insult, the game had trouble installing via Steam. It took weeks for them to get this steam fixed in order to install it properly. The game was virtually unplayable; continuous crashes, units didn't respond to commands, the client was very unstable, wait, there wasn't one. The game didn't even have sounds just the annoying and uninspired music. The sea warfare was faring no better; formations were moot. Ships acted more like bumping cars, and still do. With every new patch came new bugs turning things for worse. I resent CA and its affiliates for doing this sort of business; Selling an unfinished product and charging for full price. This release should have been delayed for further testing. Anyone acclaiming this with a 10 are tryng to mislead you for monetary gains. This product deserves a solid 0 for failing its promises. There is no excuse for what they did; rushing an unfinished product and figuring it's ok to fix it later (8 months and counting).… Expand
  91. sweenyt
    Sep 13, 2009
    1
    Dull, a great idea very poorly delivered. the inclusion of Stream is annoying in the extreme. The game crashed frequently. Too many things to list without blood pressure rising. Terrible. Stick to the old versions of total war and enjoy the more addictive and more playable older versions. Nice promotional screen shots though.
  92. WimpieM
    Sep 13, 2009
    3
    Empires unfortunately falls short of a complete product as too many bugs plague this once amazing title. However, without all the bugs, graphical glitches, AI problems and incessant crash to desktop issues this could have been the best strategy game to date. There might be too many issues to sort out with patch releases so let's hope Napoleon Totalwar can deliver what Empires should have.
  93. PeteS
    Sep 12, 2009
    1
    Truly a good looking pc game turning ugly. We all know that in every game there are bugs, but ETW tops the cake. It is virtually unplayable without the few patches that have been available. But even with them, there are so many still! CA promised us naval battles, but the ship battles act up more like bumping karts with cannons. The formations are virtually useless. In addition, the Truly a good looking pc game turning ugly. We all know that in every game there are bugs, but ETW tops the cake. It is virtually unplayable without the few patches that have been available. But even with them, there are so many still! CA promised us naval battles, but the ship battles act up more like bumping karts with cannons. The formations are virtually useless. In addition, the diplomacy is so broken. The AI seems to think it's a fair trade exchanging your ferrari for say a lemon car; makes me look like total idiot trying to trade at all. Adding insult to injury, I have to have internet and something called Steam to register in order to play ETW??! What if I don't have internet access? I give this "game" a solid 1 and I'm being fair. ETW ought to be renamed Bugs Empire Total Disaster.… Expand
  94. 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.
  95. Juan
    Sep 11, 2009
    8
    Llevo solamente una semana jugando al Empire. En general es un buen juego, buenos gráficos, pero exije un ordenador muy potente. Parece que la IA ha mejorado un poco, el programa construye buenas unidades y es un poco mas difícil derrotarle en batalla. Tienen que seguir mejorando en diplomacia, sigue siendo muy difícil hacer la paz con naciones muy inferiores que noLlevo solamente una semana jugando al Empire. En general es un buen juego, buenos gráficos, pero exije un ordenador muy potente. Parece que la IA ha mejorado un poco, el programa construye buenas unidades y es un poco mas difícil derrotarle en batalla. Tienen que seguir mejorando en diplomacia, sigue siendo muy difícil hacer la paz con naciones muy inferiores que no tienen prácticamente posibilidades de ganar la guerra.
    El juego me ha dado algún fallo, el juego se cierra (cuando le toca el turno a la confederación iroquesa jugando yo de español tras conquistar Savannah, hacia el turno 15). Hasta ahora no me ha dado mas fallos tras cambiar mi línea estratégica (olvidarme de Savannah).
    Disculpas por no escribir en inglés, me expreso mucho mejor en español.    … Expand
  96. VonT
    Sep 10, 2009
    0
    Heaps of problems, fustrations, and no fun game if you can call it a game. Nul is what one french would say about this game. "I can fix it later, I have a deadline to meet" philosophy ends here. The time for irresponsibility is over. A game should be as entertaining as it can be. Something of historical value should not be devalued like this, even for a game of this level. A waste of my Heaps of problems, fustrations, and no fun game if you can call it a game. Nul is what one french would say about this game. "I can fix it later, I have a deadline to meet" philosophy ends here. The time for irresponsibility is over. A game should be as entertaining as it can be. Something of historical value should not be devalued like this, even for a game of this level. A waste of my time and yours as well as your money. Good day.… Expand
  97. WillC
    Sep 10, 2009
    5
    I must say I was excited to see that some one had finely made a 18th Century R.T.S. that was worth playing. Well that was what I was thinking until I installed this and began to play. Not 15 minutes into playing grand campaign mode this video game failed to perform and resulted in a crash. After attempting to re-install this program I found that these problems continued and at times got I must say I was excited to see that some one had finely made a 18th Century R.T.S. that was worth playing. Well that was what I was thinking until I installed this and began to play. Not 15 minutes into playing grand campaign mode this video game failed to perform and resulted in a crash. After attempting to re-install this program I found that these problems continued and at times got worse. Being a former tester in the video game industry I tend to think that I expect more from titles then most. But the constant software failures, Clipping issues, and lagging animation leads me to believe that this game was a rushed product that was not tested properly, and no it isn't my computer this computer is loaded with the best hardware and software on the market and runs all previous games with out issues. I understand this is a resent release and like all new games will have its issues but this game is by far the most broken game I have yet to encountered next to Dream Catchers Super Power 2. I firmly recommend this game be fixed soon or I will insure you that I will never buy another Sega product again. I'm giving this game a 5 due to it excellent concept but poor performance.… Expand
  98. JimM
    Sep 10, 2009
    0
    I have one of the latest pc system that easily handles the latest most demanding game titles and curiously not this one. Now, I wish I read the user comments instead of the shit mag reviews before heading out for it. It's disgusting to see 10's ratings on here when the truth is this game is rampant of bad coding and mistakes. Amazing stuff happens in this game. Gunfires are I have one of the latest pc system that easily handles the latest most demanding game titles and curiously not this one. Now, I wish I read the user comments instead of the shit mag reviews before heading out for it. It's disgusting to see 10's ratings on here when the truth is this game is rampant of bad coding and mistakes. Amazing stuff happens in this game. Gunfires are silent, boats ram each other no matter the formation, orders given are inverted; soldiers will go left if you tell them to go right, they will even expose their butts to the enemy fire if you tell them to take cover behind a wall ! Incredibly, this game made it to the consumer. Time to hit the beach to steer clear from this insanity.… Expand
  99. MarkF.
    Sep 7, 2009
    4
    Great concept and graphics but poor delivery. You cant play the game for more than 15 minutes without it crashing. Most features are bugged beyond playability and its just plain irritating to play. I have been a Total war fan since shogun and I must say I' m disappointed with the latest game in the series. I resent paying $69.99 for a game I can barely play even though my system is Great concept and graphics but poor delivery. You cant play the game for more than 15 minutes without it crashing. Most features are bugged beyond playability and its just plain irritating to play. I have been a Total war fan since shogun and I must say I' m disappointed with the latest game in the series. I resent paying $69.99 for a game I can barely play even though my system is well above the requirements.… Expand
  100. JoseM
    Sep 7, 2009
    10
    Very good design, over exceeds expectations. Entertainment and spread history knowledge among players, congratulations to designers.
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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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