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. pizzathehut
    Mar 5, 2009
    9
    An excellent game! The campaign map is much improved over MTW2. The battles are fun and the new slow motion feature makes it easy to get a handle on ALL of the action. Governors are easier to manage, progress, and the new dynamic of putting them into a cabinet means that all of your governors work together. The great and experienced governors can outweigh the bad done by a 20 year old An excellent game! The campaign map is much improved over MTW2. The battles are fun and the new slow motion feature makes it easy to get a handle on ALL of the action. Governors are easier to manage, progress, and the new dynamic of putting them into a cabinet means that all of your governors work together. The great and experienced governors can outweigh the bad done by a 20 year old fresh picked one. When first loaded, the game seems daunting and overly complex... after 2 hours I felt like I had a good grasp of the basic concepts and a fair hold on the more advanced features. This is the first Total War I have played that will stay on my computer's drive as long as Civilization has.… Expand
  2. AnonymousMC
    Mar 5, 2009
    9
    I hope nobody truly rates this game based on Steam because there are other options for buying...But onto the game. It is definitely worth playing for any fans of the Total War series. New strategies and gameplay make for a better and different experience. You feel more immersed into the time period and the politics. My only real complaint would be the head ache of a sometimes dumb as rocksI hope nobody truly rates this game based on Steam because there are other options for buying...But onto the game. It is definitely worth playing for any fans of the Total War series. New strategies and gameplay make for a better and different experience. You feel more immersed into the time period and the politics. My only real complaint would be the head ache of a sometimes dumb as rocks AI and how your own units can act unresponsively to your orders. But the naval battles make up for all. I won't hype it up too much but it is pretty cool. All in all a great game with a few glitches but it is definitely playable and have you coming back for more.… Expand
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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!).
  9. 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.
  10. CharlesT
    May 23, 2009
    9
    The graphics work fine and the game is amazing, the only gripe I have with it is that once your empire grows to the point where you own 2/3rds of the world it starts crashing if you try to take over the rest, which if we're honest is a very fun part of the game.
  11. NathanH
    May 27, 2009
    9
    Great addition to the series, if your computer is reasonably up to date that is. My computer is a good distance below the recommended requirements, yet I can still play relatively well on all Medium settings with a reasonably good resolution. However, just being on medium still presents a rather fantastic experience. Steam is rather annoying but it works well enough with the game. Most of Great addition to the series, if your computer is reasonably up to date that is. My computer is a good distance below the recommended requirements, yet I can still play relatively well on all Medium settings with a reasonably good resolution. However, just being on medium still presents a rather fantastic experience. Steam is rather annoying but it works well enough with the game. Most of the AI and major gameplay issues seem to be shriveling up as Steam does it's consistent small updates that CA seems willing to pump out. An altogether fantastic game if your computer has the sacs to take it on, however, it would make sense if you decided to wait a month or so for more of the updates to stream through. I didn't wait, however I'm still perfectly happy with what I've got. Right now I say a 9, but give it a while and that may go up even further.… Expand
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. Jackalen
    Jan 12, 2010
    9
    Totally love the era Empire total war is exploring. With patience, the new patches and perhaps some mods made Empire total war an excellent, beautiful and addicting game. I would recomend it to anyone that own a good computer =)
  29. edoardoed
    Jan 12, 2010
    9
    the grafic is wonderful and it s a very good strategy game. On my pc it never falls and i fink that if you have a powerful PC this is one of the best games that you can install. It s a MUST HAVE for every rts player!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  30. GregN
    Dec 23, 2009
    9
    I cant possibly believe the low scores given by people who claim to have "gaming" or "high-end" CPUs. I have a 5 year old CPU that runs the game a little slow with some chop but naval battles are clean. This game rocks!!!!
  31. 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!
  32. 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.
  33. 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.
  34. 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.
  35. 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!
  36. 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
  37. 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).
  38. 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.
  39. 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.
  40. 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.
  41. 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.
  42. 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
  43. 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.
  44. 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.
  45. [anonymous]
    Dec 17, 2009
    9
    probably the best total war game thus far. I love the naval battles and tech tree!
  46. AaronY
    Dec 31, 2009
    9
    Everyone who says this game has glitches or crashes is 1. The don't know how to run the game, or 2. They are playing the game on an ancient computer. I've been playing this game for the past few weeks and all I got was a crash and that was because my computer had to install an update. I have always wanted a strategy game that involves all aspects of a real war and this game is Everyone who says this game has glitches or crashes is 1. The don't know how to run the game, or 2. They are playing the game on an ancient computer. I've been playing this game for the past few weeks and all I got was a crash and that was because my computer had to install an update. I have always wanted a strategy game that involves all aspects of a real war and this game is as close as you can get to that. I applaud the developer for thinking of every possible angle. Although this will be a bit difficult for new players to the strategy genre to grasp, this is an excellent game. The only drawback is that the AI in single player and to aggressive and trying to make deals and agreements with them are impossible.… Expand
  47. Orlandu84
    Sep 20, 2010
    9
    Empire Total War is my third Total War game, and it lived up to my expectations. Does the AI have problems? Yes. Is the AI mindless? No. Perhaps I am an idiot and really do not know how to play, but I found the AI challenging and competent. Now, I am speaking from the perspective of a patched game, but the circumstances surrounding the release of the game explain much (having yourEmpire Total War is my third Total War game, and it lived up to my expectations. Does the AI have problems? Yes. Is the AI mindless? No. Perhaps I am an idiot and really do not know how to play, but I found the AI challenging and competent. Now, I am speaking from the perspective of a patched game, but the circumstances surrounding the release of the game explain much (having your main AI programmer have to leave for family problems is going to harm any game at release). Enough of an apologia. This game has a lot going for it. Stunning graphics. A much better balanced economy. Actual naval combat! A tech tree!

    Lastly, know that the Total War mod community has delivered some great mods for this game. If you do not like the game vanilla, then find the mod that works for you.    … Expand
  48. widez
    Mar 10, 2012
    9
    I just finished playing another long campaign in this game after having reinstalled it again some weeks ago and so I thought I should do a review of this game, having played it for over 350 hours in all.
    This is one epic game overall. The move to the age of muskets, rifles and cannons is a very welcome addition to the Total War franchise. The real time battles are stunningly awesome. Both    I just finished playing another long campaign in this game after having reinstalled it again some weeks ago and so I thought I should do a review of this game, having played it for over 350 hours in all.
    This is one epic game overall. The move to the age of muskets, rifles and cannons is a very welcome addition to the Total War franchise. The real time battles are stunningly awesome. Both land and sea battles are fun to play. They have really great graphics and seeing your units and ships fire off volleys of death never gets old. The campaign map is also nice and works smoothly most of the time. Sound is great throughout the whole game from the soundtrack to the sound of cannon fire to the command acknowledgements of your units. UI looks great and is very friendly.
    I would say Empire is definitely on par with Rome and Medieval2 when it comes to Total War games and epicness and awesomeness. There are a few annoyances with the game though of course. The well documented initial legion of bugs that the game was released with are now mostly gone but you can still get some CTDs occasionally. Diplomacy and AI leave a lot to be desired but what else is new about Total War games? Rakes are almost useless, small ships fire longer than bigger ships, some factions have too few unique units, France is represented by a single region etc etc. There are a lot of minor stuff that you can complain about but with a game this big in scope it is only natural.
    Empire: Total War is one of my favorite games from recent years and I probably won't stop playing it until I have played all the major factions in it.    … Expand
  49. Gadget
    Mar 21, 2011
    9
    I have spent just over 360 hours playing this game and I have really come to love it. I have played using Prussia and after more than 400 turns I have almost taken every province in the game. Initially when the game was first released I was plagued by crashes and memory problems. Also Steam got in the way as well. If it wasn't for all of the crashing initially, i would have given the gameI have spent just over 360 hours playing this game and I have really come to love it. I have played using Prussia and after more than 400 turns I have almost taken every province in the game. Initially when the game was first released I was plagued by crashes and memory problems. Also Steam got in the way as well. If it wasn't for all of the crashing initially, i would have given the game a 10.
    The Pros: gorgeous battle scenes, good controls, good variation in battle locations (particularly the ocean battles).
    The Cons: if you are obsessed with controlling everything (if you can't trust an AI!), then the larger your empire gets, the lengthier each turn can get with managing all of your units. Also, I have a problem where the campaign map won't scroll, so I need to click on the mini-map. Auto-resolve of battles always yields a crappy result as compared with what you can do yourself, so you end up fighting a lot of battles that really you could skip over.

    Overall, although my list of cons is lengthy, the the joy of beating off multiple nations at the same time, and the gorgeous battles makes this game a winner.    … Expand
  50. Luca
    Jun 30, 2011
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. empire total war is a great game, but like every game its not perfect and has some problems for example:in the previous total war edition you could be multiple nations but in empire total war you just can be 10 nations i think. but I still recommend it.… Expand
  51. 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
  52. Interloper
    Dec 30, 2011
    9
    The Total War series have always impressed me, mainly due to their vast size, complexity and attention to detail. Empire Total War raises the bar even higher with its absolutely HUGE map size, its meaningful strategy and addictive gameplay. Truly one of the most immersive and engrossing strategy games ever made.
  53. 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
  54. 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
  55. namDa65
    Jan 6, 2012
    9
    I am very surprised at the user score for this game. This is a step up in graphics, and the game involves a different kind of strategy this time around. My pc died and choked to death on the campaign map at 1080p max settings. Endless replayability, great animations, top notch gameplay. Haters get out!
  56. 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
  57. Hardcard
    Apr 11, 2015
    9
    I'll review Empire:Total War v1.5 plus all DLCs.

    Like a lot of people here I discovered the Total War series with Rome:TW, back in 2005. After ten years of playing every title Creative Assembly has released, I think Empire:TW has all the necessary elements to claim the throne of the Total War saga. Its attention to detail and richness of features is remarkable. Powerful ships of    I'll review Empire:Total War v1.5 plus all DLCs.

    Like a lot of people here I discovered the Total War series with Rome:TW, back in 2005.
    After ten years of playing every title Creative Assembly has released, I think Empire:TW has all the necessary elements to claim the throne of the Total War saga. Its attention to detail and richness of features is remarkable.

    Powerful ships of the line, pirates, best sea battles ever, commerce all around the globe, profitable trade lanes, plenty of colonies, very useful technology research options, musketeers of all kinds and the first riflemen, devastating artillery, classical music, very interesting historical announcements, silly mustaches, wigs and uniforms, great graphics, details and effects, gunpowder and smoke everywhere, etc. If you have a craving for these things, Empire:TW is just the thing you are looking for.

    This game separates itself from the rest of TW titles (except for Shogun II and perhaps Rome II in certain aspects) with respect to naval commerce and battles, regions on the map, types of agents, unit replenishment, building options and tech tree
    If you are used to the endless building options from Rome:TW or Medieval II:TW, you'll find Empire:TW a tad simplistic in this regard, but the amount of amazing stuff this game has to offer compensates for it. Don't get me wrong, you can still build a fair number of different buildings in both cities and towns, but the assortment has been reduced in comparison (cosmetic buildings have been eliminated, which is a good thing, if you ask me).
    Empire:TW is all about smart diplomacy, a strong navy, colonization, trade, trade and yet more trade.
    Trade lanes can be raided by fleets, damaging the economy and, for the first time in TW, the blockade of a major commercial port (connecting you to your colonies and major trade partners) can lead to disaster.
    In Rome/Medieval II you could conquer most of the campaign map without a decent navy, that's not the case in Empire:TW... without a strong navy you can't secure trade lanes, can't defend your ports, can't transport invasion forces safely, etc. Besides, you'll be missing one of the best things in the game: naval battles between frigates, galleons, brigs, sloops, etc.
    In Rome II:TW I usually autoresolve naval battles because they are pretty dumb and broken, but in Empire:TW I just can't stop commanding my fleets personally, positioning my ships for a deadly broadside, taking the wind into account, surrounding the enemy fleet, boarding enemy ships and capturing them when they are worth it, fighting pirates in the Caribbean, researching technologies to improve my fleet, it's exhilarating!!! Graphics and effects are pretty good too, even for 2015. I can't get enough naval battles in Empire:TW, I'm totally addicted... Every time my first /second rate ships of the line fire their three decks of heavy cannons at the enemy, I feel a unique excitement. The sound of the cannons, the smoke from the gunpowder, the wooden hulls being splintered, the sails being ripped, the masts being broken...as I said, graphics and effects are great, naval battles are thrilling and feel quite realistic, also, strategy is essential, which finishes the package.

    What about the regular land battles? Well, effects and graphics are great too, the unit firing dynamics is amazing too, specially after researching milestone technologies like "fire in ranks", "platoon fire" and others. It's awesome to see how the first rank of soldiers crouches after firing, so the second rank can fire right after, and then the third one. The musket sounds, the gunpowder smoke, units being decimated by enemy fire, etc., it's just awesome. Not to mention the artillery, mortars and howitzers are specially deadly when loaded with special kinds of ammo, which needs to be researched too.
    Strategy is vital here too, which also finishes the package nicely.

    Research is conducted in special buildings (schools, colleges, universities) and can be accelerated using gentlemen (agents than can duel other agents, steal technologies or research them), technologies can be exchanged with other nations through diplomacy, which is great.

    Diplomacy options are more complete than in previous TW titles.
    Several buildings can be constructed in specific landmarks outside major cities.
    Ministers can be sacked if they are incompetent.
    Units can be replenished almost everywhere and can also be separated from their parent army.

    To summarize, Empire:TW is a delight to play, specially if you have a craving for this historical period.

    As always, TW titles are vastly improved using mods, in this case I recommend DarthMod.
    It introduces tons of improvements, several new units, increased income from settlements and trade, graphical improvements, AI improvements, new awesome classical music and themes, etc.    … Expand
  58. MrStaggerLee69
    Nov 4, 2012
    9
    Best game i have ever played (so far).... siege battles are disappointingly bad to say the least, although that is the only blemish on this amazing game.. clocked up at least 700 hours on this badboy.. cant wait until Rome 2.
  59. Zabatsue
    Jul 11, 2013
    9
    People do not give this game or CA enough credit for this game. The sheer scale of the battles and the size of the campaign map is almost unrivaled and it makes the player feel like they are actually conquering the known world from the 18th century. Sea battles are a welcome addition to the series, and though unit variety is rather low. The game makes up for this with the added tactics ofPeople do not give this game or CA enough credit for this game. The sheer scale of the battles and the size of the campaign map is almost unrivaled and it makes the player feel like they are actually conquering the known world from the 18th century. Sea battles are a welcome addition to the series, and though unit variety is rather low. The game makes up for this with the added tactics of a primarily ranged army. The only flaw with Empire is the easy and sometimes stupid AI. Players are forced to wait or sacrifice their soldiers because they are unresponsive. To make up for this players can install a variety of Mods to the game that increase the Unit cap and add additional nations and units to make the game more realistic… Expand
  60. Apapin
    Sep 3, 2013
    9
    I love Empire total war. For me this is the best total war after Medieval 2. Having 3 continents and a bit of North Africa is awesome. And i love the 18th sentury a lot.
  61. Thatweirdguy
    Dec 8, 2013
    9
    Awesome Game completely different to when it was launched but now its like the best game ever ..Heaps of fun with many countries and Unit DLCs The Conquest of america is just the best of the game ..Gave it a 9/10 is because i hate that artillery don't even route when the battle is over ..Other Stuff its great
  62. maor4774
    Jan 23, 2014
    9
    this game is one of the best in the total war sries, the map is huge and with many nations to play, the battles from india to america and all around europe make you fell like you are in the 1700s, it is one of the best RTS games i have ever played, it have few problems like the not so good AI, and the minor bugs but in the it a great game and every RTS fan sould love it.
  63. Atilla1456
    Aug 30, 2016
    9
    An amazing game, one of the best in the Total War series and my personal favorite. The game runs very smoothly and gives interesting gameplay, allowing players to use different playstyles with different nations. Each nation offers unique gameplay. Overall, I am impressed with this and give it 9/10 rating. The game could be a bit more historical, although I understand the game was not meantAn amazing game, one of the best in the Total War series and my personal favorite. The game runs very smoothly and gives interesting gameplay, allowing players to use different playstyles with different nations. Each nation offers unique gameplay. Overall, I am impressed with this and give it 9/10 rating. The game could be a bit more historical, although I understand the game was not meant to be played in all ways historically.… Expand
  64. sanyos
    Jun 8, 2022
    9
    Excellent game! So many possibilities to evolve your empire hehe I don't like only naval fights - it's so chaotic and ai has advantages against the user. You have to control every step of every ship from 20 in your army on the battleground because without this control your fleet is too silly. If you click only attack then with 99% chance your ship will ruin everything
  65. 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.
  66. DanielC
    Mar 5, 2009
    8
    This is a great game, but it currently has a few drawbacks. I have played Total War games since Shogun and this I think is by far the best. The Campaign is much more dynamic and interesting and battles have more of the tactical element. Furthermore, AI is vastly improved! On the down side, it currently crashes a lot, save every turn till this is taken care of. Also I have at lest the This is a great game, but it currently has a few drawbacks. I have played Total War games since Shogun and this I think is by far the best. The Campaign is much more dynamic and interesting and battles have more of the tactical element. Furthermore, AI is vastly improved! On the down side, it currently crashes a lot, save every turn till this is taken care of. Also I have at lest the recommended specs and the battles, even small ones, lag horribly when you get near any troops. I have to run it on medium-low settings and it still lags. Also Load times are drawn-out. But I think all of the problems can able addressed in a patch or three, and despite these problems it is still a good game.… Expand
  67. AttilaCsatari
    Mar 6, 2009
    8
    9 for the game -5 for "Steam". As we used with the earlier versions of TW but with enchancments like sea battles and building you can inhabite on battlefield. Terrible the way activating with "steam" and the need if you want to play! Come on! I am certain that a pirated version is better and I am started to wonder why I've bought mine from store with all these "hocus-pocus"...
  68. LiamD
    Apr 7, 2009
    8
    Great gameplay on both land and sea. but the game needs some extreame updates. theres so many bugs that i cant believe that they released the game without noticing all of this. campaign map lag, random dead spots were the sound will go dead on land or sea battles. random crashes. and so much more that i cant remember! i would recommend that anyone looking to get this game to wait a few Great gameplay on both land and sea. but the game needs some extreame updates. theres so many bugs that i cant believe that they released the game without noticing all of this. campaign map lag, random dead spots were the sound will go dead on land or sea battles. random crashes. and so much more that i cant remember! i would recommend that anyone looking to get this game to wait a few months for a tonne of updates to come out so there not disapointed to find a bug fest of a game.… Expand
  69. Highelf
    Aug 30, 2009
    8
    The game itself is great. For the first time the Dutch play their part, and the ships aswell. A few negative points of the game are the following: first of all, Steam. The idea of Steam is great, but it should not be a prior for a game to play... Next, I miss the movies when rakes do their jobs. Luckily, the gentlemen do have the movies when they are duelling. Unfortunately, they are not The game itself is great. For the first time the Dutch play their part, and the ships aswell. A few negative points of the game are the following: first of all, Steam. The idea of Steam is great, but it should not be a prior for a game to play... Next, I miss the movies when rakes do their jobs. Luckily, the gentlemen do have the movies when they are duelling. Unfortunately, they are not able to duel with their eastern counterparts, the scholars...After all, an 8.… Expand
  70. 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
  71. 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.
  72. 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!
  73. H.L
    Mar 10, 2009
    8
    My initial nostalgia for this game has worn off now after 30hrs. The game is still rather buggy and had some kinks it needs to work out before it can even consider being great. The most frustrating bug is occasionally trade ships sitting in a trade port will essentially disappear. There are also a few game play issues that need to be sorted out as well. Like when a flag carrier is killed My initial nostalgia for this game has worn off now after 30hrs. The game is still rather buggy and had some kinks it needs to work out before it can even consider being great. The most frustrating bug is occasionally trade ships sitting in a trade port will essentially disappear. There are also a few game play issues that need to be sorted out as well. Like when a flag carrier is killed no one picks the flag up. Also England is disproportionately stacked (no suprise it was developed in England). The trade zones are a cool concept but it would be even better if these were actual zones you could settle. Also no Asia, WTF!?!? I played as the Dutch and one of the monopolies the Dutch had was Japan but its not in the game, neither is Hong Kong. Would also like the play as Portugal, but can't. Also complete lack of diversity among countries it all feels the same playing as a different country. Same units, minor exceptions, and same tech tree. Also same buildings, again a few minor exceptions. I might have been expecting more, and it still is a good game, but I was a little let down.… Expand
  74. Czar
    Mar 8, 2009
    8
    Amazing depth of play - very exciting to watch the 3d RTS battles are just awesome. However, I am getting some weird graphical glitches glitches on a system that plays all games with very little problems. Also the whole steam set up was a pain as after installing from disk Steam decided it also need to be downloaded - luckily I am not the only one and some works-arounds can be found in Amazing depth of play - very exciting to watch the 3d RTS battles are just awesome. However, I am getting some weird graphical glitches glitches on a system that plays all games with very little problems. Also the whole steam set up was a pain as after installing from disk Steam decided it also need to be downloaded - luckily I am not the only one and some works-arounds can be found in forums - in short a brilliant game that just falls short due to some terrible polishing and distribution decisions. I have never been anti-steam but quickly heading that way.… Expand
  75. ScottK
    Mar 9, 2009
    8
    While it's easy to immerse yourself in the game, it's not nice to have the game crash 36 rounds into a campaign. Just when I've got to grips with my expanding empire I can no longer continue. Many others have this problem and there seems to be no solution. I guess it's going to be a long wait for the first patch. However, the worst thing about Total War is the use of While it's easy to immerse yourself in the game, it's not nice to have the game crash 36 rounds into a campaign. Just when I've got to grips with my expanding empire I can no longer continue. Many others have this problem and there seems to be no solution. I guess it's going to be a long wait for the first patch. However, the worst thing about Total War is the use of Steam. Why? It puts people off!… Expand
  76. BrianL
    Mar 9, 2009
    8
    This is a great game... when it works. It works long enough to get serveral hours into a campaign then the campaign gets buged and unless you have a recent save... you may as well start over. I don't know quite what else to say its very frustrating that game developers feel it more important to get the game to market than to have it actually work correctly.
  77. CW
    May 31, 2009
    8
    A good game, I like the new areas to play in, and the diplomacy is a lot easier to use. The series has become more accessable after this game, but the fact that you have to use steam to even play it is dissapointing. I haven't had any technical issues like the ones others have described, and overall I enjoy playing it. I just hope that they don't use steam again because I A good game, I like the new areas to play in, and the diplomacy is a lot easier to use. The series has become more accessable after this game, but the fact that you have to use steam to even play it is dissapointing. I haven't had any technical issues like the ones others have described, and overall I enjoy playing it. I just hope that they don't use steam again because I won't be buying the next one if they do.… Expand
  78. DavidB
    Jun 24, 2009
    8
    While a great game one issue which really bugged me was the fact that you could never see why a nation refused your treaties- that's all, beside a few bugs that have gotten patches recently.
  79. AymericPROFFIT
    Jun 8, 2009
    8
    Un très bon jeu sur le plan immersion. Les commandes sont intuitives comme ces prédécesseurs et certaines améliorations de l'IA sont intéressantes comme une utilisation plus judicieuse de la cavalerie et la mise en place de stratégies réactives a vos propres actes. Les nouveautés comme les batailles navales jouables, lesUn très bon jeu sur le plan immersion. Les commandes sont intuitives comme ces prédécesseurs et certaines améliorations de l'IA sont intéressantes comme une utilisation plus judicieuse de la cavalerie et la mise en place de stratégies réactives a vos propres actes. Les nouveautés comme les batailles navales jouables, les technologies à rechercher, le nouveau système de diplomatie et autre, d'abord déconcertant pour un habitué des total war, se révèlent au final un moteur pour la recherche de toutes les possibilités de jeu existantes (du moins, pour ma part). Mais, car il y a toujours un mais, de trop nombreux bugs dans les batailles et certaines incohérences diplomatiques toujours présentes comme sur les autres total war ternissent ce si bon jeu.… Expand
  80. TimRawlins
    Jul 7, 2009
    8
    Its a good game. The strategy elelments are just the filler for the real game, which in MHO is the tactical battles, which are amazingl! (10 out of 10). But the campaign is pretty crap really, because the campaign AI is really dumb-ass, every faction goes to war at the drop of a hat and there is ZERO real conversation or meaningful alliance system.

    This game has a ways to go to be    Its a good game. The strategy elelments are just the filler for the real game, which in MHO is the tactical battles, which are amazingl! (10 out of 10). But the campaign is pretty crap really, because the campaign AI is really dumb-ass, every faction goes to war at the drop of a hat and there is ZERO real conversation or meaningful alliance system.

    This game has a ways to go to be really good. The developers need a good hard think about the strategic AI and need to make the alliances and trade and all the diplomacy actually worthwhile. After playing through about 8 campaigns on various difficulties, I think it might actually get interesting if you have a multiplayer campaign, because the AI always acts in the same totally boring way, so there is only ever one way to play a campaign, and you can't lose.

    Maybe with Empire Total War II they will sit down and create an actually interesting game where there is more to it than a linear expansion of your holdings, while most factions are swallowed up and disappear. Maybe you can get victory points by ways of scientific progress,. and peaceful trading and other kinds of things that will mean you actually have to think about a way to win rather than the present unimaginative mode of waiting for everyone else to attack you so you can crush them in self defence.

    I mean for a strategy game, this has pretty well ZERO strategy required.

    The battles though, the battles, they are AWESOME    … Expand
  81. Delta23h
    Jan 31, 2010
    8
    I can agree with some of those votes but i think that the problem does not lie with the game manufactures its Steam. Steam is processor intensive as it has to load with the game or you cannot play the game. I open my processes and find steam running higher then most programs i run normally and its not a primary selected program. Steam needs to get off there asses and fix this issue. If i I can agree with some of those votes but i think that the problem does not lie with the game manufactures its Steam. Steam is processor intensive as it has to load with the game or you cannot play the game. I open my processes and find steam running higher then most programs i run normally and its not a primary selected program. Steam needs to get off there asses and fix this issue. If i sut down stean i cant play total war at all. so why should i play a game that a distributor takes all of the fun out of buy making the game laggy trust me I have done the tests on my system and if i can get it to run with out steam in the back ground please let me know! because its giving the manifacture a bad name!… Expand
  82. 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.
  83. 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
  84. 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.
  85. PAC
    Mar 12, 2009
    8
    As a loyal fan of the Total War experience, I am both impressed and a little disappointed. Many of the things that should have been ironed out in earlier versions seem to have been over-stepped in favour of the new design, particularly in campaign mode, which seems to have taken a step backwards. Instead of the inviting 3D map with quality graphical icons, it has an almost cartoon As a loyal fan of the Total War experience, I am both impressed and a little disappointed. Many of the things that should have been ironed out in earlier versions seem to have been over-stepped in favour of the new design, particularly in campaign mode, which seems to have taken a step backwards. Instead of the inviting 3D map with quality graphical icons, it has an almost cartoon quality, the sea shines like plastic and figures, originally so elegantly mounted like playing pieces from a chess game, now look thin and sallow. There also seems to have been a move towards Imperial Glory style unit icons, although the economic and development system seems to have taken a turn for the worse. Somehow it just looks... well, basic. Then there are all the really annoying mouse-over tabs that flash before your eyes before you can finish reading them. REALLY annoying. Simple things, like unit description pop-ups can't be dragged out of the line of sight and the help advisor is fixed annoying in the corner so that when you use the nice touch of renaming your units, the advisor gets in the way. It doesn't always close down either. On the battlefield, there is no doubt that this game rules supreme. It offers the best yet in battlefield tactical feel and the graphics where treated right ARE amazing. However, there are still let downs. Collapsing Walls still look like the large chidish building blocks that breakup in Rome TW and you can see through the Ships in naval combat, which can spoil the effect somewhat. The biggest failure however is simply the failure to embrace Total War. Instead of focusing just on the battlefield level, this game has the potential to expand it's following by creating a multiplayer campaign function. Relatively easy to do compared with the graphic challenges of the battles themselves but endlessly rewarding if you consider that fighting other commanders is eminently more challenging than a computer AI. Campaigns are the future of where this format needs to go, and on this level Emprie TW failed.… Expand
  86. SantiagoElizalde
    Mar 13, 2009
    8
    The game is almost perfect at its conception, game features are almost endless to describe and the graphics are truly breathtaking for the enormous scale of the game. Just like all the TW titles that came before this, this game is a black hole sucking all my free time. I think It should be a perfect 10. However, just like in previous installments of the series, this game is quirky and The game is almost perfect at its conception, game features are almost endless to describe and the graphics are truly breathtaking for the enormous scale of the game. Just like all the TW titles that came before this, this game is a black hole sucking all my free time. I think It should be a perfect 10. However, just like in previous installments of the series, this game is quirky and buggy. I have a very powerfull PC that can run this game at super high settings, then tell me why do I have to put up with all-low settings so the game wont crash on a video? what is happening here? If the game wasnt worth a dime, I wouldnt care about this and dump it in the trash, but its so frustrsting to be completely addicted to a game that wont stop crashing! the AI is also a bit frustrating, we [again] are facing AI opponents that dont know how to invade through sea and that think that militia scares the hell out of human players! w00t? Cmon Creative Assembly, I know you can do better!...for the time being, Ill give it an 8.… Expand
  87. PhilB
    Mar 14, 2009
    8
    Anyone who has given this game 10 has not played it or just marked for aesthetically. I have played all the TW series and this is both the most exciting and dissapointing at the same time. Some of the land battles i have had are great with the varying terrain and buildings the tactics required have improved. Also the sea battles are tense long affairs that require skill and tactics. (If Anyone who has given this game 10 has not played it or just marked for aesthetically. I have played all the TW series and this is both the most exciting and dissapointing at the same time. Some of the land battles i have had are great with the varying terrain and buildings the tactics required have improved. Also the sea battles are tense long affairs that require skill and tactics. (If you get into a mess too often then your not playing them right) Quite often using superior maneuvering and angles to defeat bigger fleets.The research tree is also a welcome addition; as are developments outside the main towns and cities (adds more flexibility and tactical problems). I also love the trade part and again this adds more tactics and gameplay. The not so good is poor AI particularly the lack of aggression (except the cherokees who have drivenoff 2 invasions by me the British) Is the AI broke for the major nations? Land invasions are not coded in/broke? Pathfinding needs some work but is not that bad (seen a lot worse). I also think the diplomacy system needs tweaking. With a few patches the game can be up there with some of the best, I have enjoyed playing it. Phil… Expand
  88. TorstenK.
    Mar 21, 2009
    8
    Empire Total War is an masterful improvement over Medieval TW II in every conceivable way... it have a new great campaign with a much-improved map and many many more things you have never seen in a TW Series Game before. A few bug fixes and overhauls could turn this into the best Strategy Game ever.. Greetz from Germany
  89. DarrenG.
    Mar 23, 2009
    8
    Ok you can sail a ship which is very good and about time but when you've played medieval total war 2 to tend to think hmm, I've seen this all before. But still a very great game, and if you've never played it before I would say 10 / 10 personally.
  90. JoopvandenH
    Mar 25, 2009
    8
    Being a Total War fan since the very first game (Shogun), I was looking forward to the change in setting in Empire, and wasn't disappointed. The game does a good job in portraying the era, if your PC got the power to show it. My rig is at or above the RECOMMENDED levels, and I play with the graphic setting tuned down (no max. shaders for me), and the game is still laggy in some Being a Total War fan since the very first game (Shogun), I was looking forward to the change in setting in Empire, and wasn't disappointed. The game does a good job in portraying the era, if your PC got the power to show it. My rig is at or above the RECOMMENDED levels, and I play with the graphic setting tuned down (no max. shaders for me), and the game is still laggy in some areas. The campaign map lags a bit in normal play, and a lot if a cutscene is shown. Land battles with full stack armies are also a problem at some particular zoom levels (zoomed fully in or out is OK, but the mid-levels are troublesome), but oddly enough the naval battles play smoothly, even with graphics on maximum settings and with full stack navies. I've experienced two crashes so far, both on the (pre-patched) retail edition. My game has been stable since the first patch came out. A lot has been said about the AI for this game, both before and after release. The battle AI is very good, easily the best in the series so far. The AI makes good use of the new map features (walls, buildings), deploys its cannons on good spots, and will actively try to outflank you if you are entrenched behind a wall. Still, it does not do a good job at protecting its cannons from quick cavalry charges, and is still very vunerable to flanking (a flaw the AI has had in the whole series so far). The naval AI also generally does a good job, but can be tricked rather easily in messing up his own line of battle by approaching it from a different angle (sailing around him and attacking from the rear). The campaign AI however is not so strong. It does do a decent job at raiding your outlying settlements (farms, mines, weavers cottages etc.), but only very rarely attacks your main settlements in force if you keep these well garrisoned. The AI waists no time in attacking weakly protected cities, but if you keep a half stack in them the AI will no longer try to attack it. This makes for very easy and boring gameply, because you can just sit back and build a steamroller army, while the AI wastes his own forces in small attacks at your outlying settlements, easily defeated by sorties from your larger garrisons. Despite this sometimes weak campaign AI, I find that I'm absolutly hooked to this game. I've completed short campaigns with all the major factions , and am now playing three long campaigns. To me, this proves that this game has a strong basis to build from, and all else can be patched or modded. Taken as a whole, this game deserves a solid 8 as is. And when the first mods start appearing, this figure should probably be even higher.… Expand
  91. tacoj
    Mar 27, 2009
    8
    Good game. Plays great (minus the bug crashes) and looks amazing. Epic battles, good map and unit features.... once again however, Pathetic AI. I find myself completely knocking out entire neighboring countries in 15 turns or less. This was the problem with kingdoms and every other release. I destroyed lithuania in 8 turns with teutonic. PLEASE, upgrade the AI b/c this game is boring and Good game. Plays great (minus the bug crashes) and looks amazing. Epic battles, good map and unit features.... once again however, Pathetic AI. I find myself completely knocking out entire neighboring countries in 15 turns or less. This was the problem with kingdoms and every other release. I destroyed lithuania in 8 turns with teutonic. PLEASE, upgrade the AI b/c this game is boring and easy. Wheres the challenge!?!? (if your not going to release updates to the AI, first and foremost do it b4 your next release. watching me fight the AI is like mahatma gandhi vs muhammed ali).… Expand
  92. DavidC
    Mar 28, 2009
    8
    I have every Total War game and I have thouroughly rnjoyed every one of them. I looked forward to this one with great anticipation. I have played it now (as the British) up to 1778. I find it absolutely fantastic - really engrossing - with some problems however. My game played flawlessly until about the 1750's, and now I tend to get crashes when I click on a port or a fleet. Also, I have every Total War game and I have thouroughly rnjoyed every one of them. I looked forward to this one with great anticipation. I have played it now (as the British) up to 1778. I find it absolutely fantastic - really engrossing - with some problems however. My game played flawlessly until about the 1750's, and now I tend to get crashes when I click on a port or a fleet. Also, the AI is terribly stupid. Nevertheless, it is a game I will continue to play, with great pleasure - but I do look forward to the patches!!!!!… Expand
  93. MojoJojo
    Mar 5, 2009
    8
    Over all a good game, but it still seems to suffer from the usual TW flaws. Units turn to ugly sprites zoomed out, AI is a bit wonky (it IS better now though), units sometimes decide they want to go in odd directions unless you really baby sit them. What really has me worried is that this one looks a lot harder to mod than some of their past games, and those mods really bring the realism Over all a good game, but it still seems to suffer from the usual TW flaws. Units turn to ugly sprites zoomed out, AI is a bit wonky (it IS better now though), units sometimes decide they want to go in odd directions unless you really baby sit them. What really has me worried is that this one looks a lot harder to mod than some of their past games, and those mods really bring the realism into the game that CA seems to forgo.… Expand
  94. 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
  95. 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.
  96. 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.
  97. 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
  98. 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.
  99. 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
  100. 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.
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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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