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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. JaredP.
    Jan 30, 2010
    10
    This game offers so much to time of fun. You can command almost 15+ nations! AI are great; they can make it easy, or hard for veterans. (And I mean HARD!). This is the game that has the best graphics I've ever seen in my history of gaming.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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 .
  6. 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
  7. Joel
    Mar 4, 2009
    10
    Ever Wondered what it would be like to eat the worlds best ice cream and orgasm at the same time well the answer is simple EMPIRE TOTAL WAR. I am going to keep this short but just make your troops charge a enemy position watch as the tumble over from incoming fire and numerous cannon balls hitting so close it makes the ground vibrate (it really does) and say that it inst awesome. Bottom Ever Wondered what it would be like to eat the worlds best ice cream and orgasm at the same time well the answer is simple EMPIRE TOTAL WAR. I am going to keep this short but just make your troops charge a enemy position watch as the tumble over from incoming fire and numerous cannon balls hitting so close it makes the ground vibrate (it really does) and say that it inst awesome. Bottom Line buy it buy it now and no steam isnt all bad only for those that cant use it.… Expand
  8. JohnD
    Mar 5, 2009
    10
    Amazing game, and the critic reviews speak for themselves. In response to John R., are you inept? For you to rate a game, which is for all intensive purposes a masterpiece, a 2 simply because you dislike steam or it is causing you trouble is nothing short of pure idiocy.
  9. TimR
    Mar 6, 2009
    10
    This isn't a comment on the game, but the statement above about the user who gave the game 2 stars. First off, no game should be penalized because of Steam or any other distribution service. None of the comments in this "review" above have anything to do with the game. Editors, please make sure that the review comments actually have relevance to the game. In the case of the comment This isn't a comment on the game, but the statement above about the user who gave the game 2 stars. First off, no game should be penalized because of Steam or any other distribution service. None of the comments in this "review" above have anything to do with the game. Editors, please make sure that the review comments actually have relevance to the game. In the case of the comment above, the user is reviewing Steam, not Empire:Total war, which is available all over the place, not just on Steam.… Expand
  10. CallumM
    Mar 9, 2009
    10
    Brilliant! The step up in the campaign map was a welcome change. The user seems to have more control over their settlements now and the diplomacy feels more in depth. I havn't noticed any assassin or sabotage videos yet (which is a bit of a shame) but apart from that I haven't really got a bad word to say the game. Worth every penny.
  11. AlexanderW
    Apr 5, 2009
    10
    Absolutely stunning. This game is incredibly detailed, both historically and visually, and epically enjoyable. No crashes for me so far, so one does wonder how much of this is undeserved critique is down to the failings of clueless players.
    Steam is about the only thing that I wasn't keen with this, but thanks to shameless pirates we're going to have to accept it's the only    Absolutely stunning. This game is incredibly detailed, both historically and visually, and epically enjoyable. No crashes for me so far, so one does wonder how much of this is undeserved critique is down to the failings of clueless players.
    Steam is about the only thing that I wasn't keen with this, but thanks to shameless pirates we're going to have to accept it's the only way the PC game industry is going to survive. So man up and install Steam, it doesn't hurt that much.    … Expand
  12. RobT
    Jun 27, 2009
    10
    Empire total war is a game with all the good signs and attributes expected of a strategy game. It has variety and can be played by anyone of any skill level. It has a smooth learning curve and an atmosphere that promotes strategy and smart thinking and rewards it accordingly.It is a game that is addicting, fun and easy to learn but hard to master.
  13. PedroM
    Aug 6, 2009
    10
    JUst simple the best game ive played untill now .Im a number one fan of TW series.Bugs,errors etc we always find in other games to .But the qualitie of the details,uniforms,fields,campaign,naval battles,multiplayer etc just dont have any kind of comparation with any other game ive seen untill today.And im 30 years old i know what im talking about.
  14. 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
  15. AndyA
    Sep 6, 2009
    10
    Brilliant game-it has some glitches, the patch helps, (and I am sure more patches to come), but given the flaws it still gets a 10 for pure brilliance! If all games reached this level I would have little social life! An expansion into the 18th century and the Napolionic wars would be great1.
  16. EricB.
    Jan 30, 2010
    10
    I love this game, and luckily I had none of the problems that everyone else had with it, and I've clocked in around 300 hours on it. Great game.
  17. LiamH
    Jan 3, 2010
    10
    Excellent game although the online has been ruined by people doing anything to win for example massed skirmisher armies. This was a big let down for me but other than that it is great.
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. MarkT
    Mar 11, 2009
    10
    Initial experience of this game, the Road to Independence game, is truly magnificent. The gameplay is even better than the tremendous MTW2 and RTW. The setting - of which I was skeptical - is a great breath of fresh air. Muskets change things! Must have for gamers and students of the C18 alike.
  22. AndrewS
    Mar 11, 2009
    10
    This is the best game, dont listen to people who are mad at steam, steam IS NOT EMPIRE: TOTAL WAR, IT IS STEAM!! I suggest buying it at a store, not on steam to avoid those issues. It is very fun, if you liked any total war game, you will love this one, and if you havent played one, you will be even more in love with it.
  23. PeterKang
    Mar 10, 2009
    10
    For all YOU STEAM HATERS. THIS IS TO RATE THE GAME NOT THE STEAM. THEY RELEASED A "PATCH" where you don't have to work with steam. ALSO, IF YOU DOWNLOADED FROM STEAM... DON"T COMPLAIN CUZ U WERE SIMPLY TOO LAZY TO GO TO THE STORE TO PICK IT UP instead YOU DECIDED TO DOWNLOAD. STFU AND SIT DOWN. So to all YOU HATERS FOR STEAM DON"T GIVE THIS GAME A BAD RATING JUST CUZ U HATE STEAM.For all YOU STEAM HATERS. THIS IS TO RATE THE GAME NOT THE STEAM. THEY RELEASED A "PATCH" where you don't have to work with steam. ALSO, IF YOU DOWNLOADED FROM STEAM... DON"T COMPLAIN CUZ U WERE SIMPLY TOO LAZY TO GO TO THE STORE TO PICK IT UP instead YOU DECIDED TO DOWNLOAD. STFU AND SIT DOWN. So to all YOU HATERS FOR STEAM DON"T GIVE THIS GAME A BAD RATING JUST CUZ U HATE STEAM. Anyways I believe this game was just amazing except the fact that they delayed this whole time to get the multiplayer campaign included and they still haven't included in yet. That's like the only disappointment but other than its fantastic. I showed it to my friends and they are all addicts of the game now.… Expand
  24. NathenS.
    Mar 3, 2009
    10
    This game is truly an amazing feat from Total War it was everything I expected it too be! Even better I was never a huge strategy fan of these styles they just weren't nearly as interactive in strategy like the Total War series. Seriously I feel any gamer will enjoy this game beyond anything else too date! I was somewhat irritated by another critics review saying the computer feels This game is truly an amazing feat from Total War it was everything I expected it too be! Even better I was never a huge strategy fan of these styles they just weren't nearly as interactive in strategy like the Total War series. Seriously I feel any gamer will enjoy this game beyond anything else too date! I was somewhat irritated by another critics review saying the computer feels to passive. Well reason being is more than likely the difficulty you set and your Empires rateing in terms of technology and other advancements obviously everyone is entitled to their opinion but I hope these things are taken into consideration!… Expand
  25. CorneliusSanchez
    Mar 3, 2009
    10
    I am mostly writing this review in response to John R...Dont rate this game a 2 because you are upset with the way steam functions, you are supposed to rate the game (which coincidently is available from many venues other than steam). John has not played the game and is here to review steam, so I will vote 10 to offset his score of 2
  26. SamuelW
    Mar 30, 2009
    10
    I haven't noticed any of these 'bugs', strange! I've enjoyed every single minute I've played. The campaign is amazing, the introduction of multiple towns and resource centres within a province are neat too. Multiplayer is great too, although it would be nice if more maps were introduced for 2vs2 and up. (There are plenty of 1vs1 maps)... All-in-all Empire comes I haven't noticed any of these 'bugs', strange! I've enjoyed every single minute I've played. The campaign is amazing, the introduction of multiple towns and resource centres within a province are neat too. Multiplayer is great too, although it would be nice if more maps were introduced for 2vs2 and up. (There are plenty of 1vs1 maps)... All-in-all Empire comes very close to the amazing game that is Rome: Total War, and is possible even on par with it. This game is truly awesome, I've spent countless hours on it (about 50 so far, and I'm a little more than a quarter through my first campaign). Very entertaining!… Expand
  27. LoneMedic
    Mar 3, 2009
    10
    This is simply the best strategy game out there right now. If you want a long game full of depth and strategy, order this game now! I usually don't buy games until they go down, but this game is worth every penny. I'll be playing this for years like I have with all the other Total War games. A 10 doesn't do this game justice. It deserves a 14. It's epic. Simply epic.
  28. TristanDowbiggin
    Mar 4, 2009
    10
    Hey John R., why do you give a bad rating to a game because you bought it from a crappy system like steam. The game itself is great and very well done, i hope no one listens to someone who blames the game being bad on steam, because steam didnt make it.
  29. SteveG
    Mar 4, 2009
    10
    Magnificent. I was very concerned with the demo i played on steam not two days before my purchase, load times were gigantic, the game looked and ran very poorly on my computer, the ai was unresponsive and unintelligent, the sounds were repetitive and buggy, indeed i thought i was headed straight for buyers remorse. But after buying and playing the full version for a few hours now, i am Magnificent. I was very concerned with the demo i played on steam not two days before my purchase, load times were gigantic, the game looked and ran very poorly on my computer, the ai was unresponsive and unintelligent, the sounds were repetitive and buggy, indeed i thought i was headed straight for buyers remorse. But after buying and playing the full version for a few hours now, i am anything but disappointed. I found NONE of the problems i experienced in the demo, and it become more apparent to me with each passing minute, that this is the total war game to end all total war games. Every expectation i had for this game was either met or exceeded. There is so much to do on the campaign map, and both land a sea battles are exciting, and extremely tactical. Not to mention the game looks incredible. I have yet to scratch the surface of this wonderful, wonderful game, and i believe it will provide me with more hours of entertainment than both rome and medieval 2 total war combined. My only complaint is that it took some tweaking with the settings to get it to run smoothly on large battles, but i am very pleased with the looks and performance on my 2-year old computer.… Expand
  30. ScottMitchell
    Mar 4, 2009
    10
    Empire: Total War is the greatest addition to the Total War series. It is truly epic in size, the new ways to play the game, including naval battles and The Road to Independance, are absolutly amazing with little to no flaws. This game leaves nothing to be desired. My only wish is that the next one they make will be "Modern: Total War".
  31. GarethK
    Mar 4, 2009
    10
    Best Total War Yet! The Grand Campaign is Slightly Daunting at first with many changes from previous Total War games, however when you understand all the features and get used to all the Interface windows, the game becomes one of the best turn-based strategy games. You can also play the road to interdependence, a structured campaign that will guide you through playing the game, so this is Best Total War Yet! The Grand Campaign is Slightly Daunting at first with many changes from previous Total War games, however when you understand all the features and get used to all the Interface windows, the game becomes one of the best turn-based strategy games. You can also play the road to interdependence, a structured campaign that will guide you through playing the game, so this is the best place to start. The AI is improved, the separation of each of the three 'theatres" is great, I also love the separation of buildings from a single city in a region to multiple docks, towns, farms and other places, the management of all of this is made easy with a very informative and intuitive Interface. The scale and the size of the Campaign map combined with the amount of factions is absolutely great! Naval battles are a great addition to the land battles and really add some variety to the RTS aspect of the game. The requirement of steam isn't so bad; most experienced gamers should be used to Steam and have no problems. The additional features of steam are great with Automatic Updates, Backups, in-game Web Browser, Friends/Community management as well as the ability to install it on any pc without the disks is great. The Publishers need some form of DRM, so now steam is becoming the normal now and it is far better than SecuROM or any other protection, only issue is you NEED and internet connection to activate the game, after which you can play off-line without any problems. I would recommend this game to anyone, in particular Strategy fans should absolutely love Empire: Total War.… Expand
  32. JohnH.
    Mar 5, 2009
    10
    Empire Total War is in no way bogged down or ruined by Steam. Steam runs fine for me, has no bugs or issues i cant fix. Empire is a great game that lasts a long time and is unlike many other generic RTS games out right now, which is a good thing. AI is much improved over other Total War games and is a challenge to beat, especially in naval battles. The graphics are great and the new story Empire Total War is in no way bogged down or ruined by Steam. Steam runs fine for me, has no bugs or issues i cant fix. Empire is a great game that lasts a long time and is unlike many other generic RTS games out right now, which is a good thing. AI is much improved over other Total War games and is a challenge to beat, especially in naval battles. The graphics are great and the new story telling features and campaigns make this game a must have.… Expand
  33. JaredD
    Mar 5, 2009
    10
    This is the best game I've played in a long while. The naval battles are as fun to play as they are to watch, and challenging on top of that. The battle AI is much improved over Total War games in the past; it seems to actually respond to changing situations and redirect its plans mid-battle. The new interface is streamlined so that it is much easier to manage, especially when you This is the best game I've played in a long while. The naval battles are as fun to play as they are to watch, and challenging on top of that. The battle AI is much improved over Total War games in the past; it seems to actually respond to changing situations and redirect its plans mid-battle. The new interface is streamlined so that it is much easier to manage, especially when you start gaining more territory. The only real problems I've had with the game come from Steam, which is a separate issue altogether.… Expand
  34. JosephJ
    Mar 5, 2009
    10
    John. R and all other steam haters, if you don't like steam, learn to get up, walk to the store, and buy the disc like us old folks still do! Live in the middle of nowhere? Buy the disc online, and actually have the...dare I mention it...patience for it to arrive at your door. As far as the game goes, Empire doesn't disappoint. Total War games keep getting better and better, and John. R and all other steam haters, if you don't like steam, learn to get up, walk to the store, and buy the disc like us old folks still do! Live in the middle of nowhere? Buy the disc online, and actually have the...dare I mention it...patience for it to arrive at your door. As far as the game goes, Empire doesn't disappoint. Total War games keep getting better and better, and this is no exception. Welcome to the gunpowder age people! Also, I bought and play this game through steam, and I have never had any trouble with the steam app ever, and I'm talking all the way back to 2004.… Expand
  35. MarkVerveld
    Mar 5, 2009
    10
    The whole total war series is an awesome product, but Empire's scope and depth are so much bigger. This is absolutely stunning. The combination of overall startegy with the very detailed and realistic battles gives the the player a sense of immersion that I have not found anywhere else in the genre.
  36. BrettD
    Mar 5, 2009
    10
    Giving this game a poor review simply based on the fact that you have issue with the Steam client is utterly ridiculous. Having not played the game at all, you are not rating the game, but rating Steam. With that said, it is people like you, John R., that cause inaccuracies in rating review systems. You remind me of all the reviewers on NewEgg who buy new computer parts and give them a 1 Giving this game a poor review simply based on the fact that you have issue with the Steam client is utterly ridiculous. Having not played the game at all, you are not rating the game, but rating Steam. With that said, it is people like you, John R., that cause inaccuracies in rating review systems. You remind me of all the reviewers on NewEgg who buy new computer parts and give them a 1 out of 5 because UPS didn't deliver them on time. Makes no sense at all and is very ignorant to say.… Expand
  37. StuartV
    Mar 5, 2009
    10
    Please can people stop saying it's crap due to Steam, neither me nor any of my friends with the game suffered any problems with Steam, you cannot slag Empire off for something that a) Is pretty irrelevant to almost all of the game and b) Works perfectly well for most people. Just because you have happened to have a bad experience with Steam does not make the game bad.
  38. ChrisD
    Mar 5, 2009
    10
    One of the best RTS's I've played; each game in the Total War series becomes a more polished and exhilarating experience. Few things are more satisfying than watching a line of infantry unleash a volley at the enemy. As for the comment about Steam, I love the service and wish each game I purchased had Steam functionality; its a great way to stay connected with friends and allows One of the best RTS's I've played; each game in the Total War series becomes a more polished and exhilarating experience. Few things are more satisfying than watching a line of infantry unleash a volley at the enemy. As for the comment about Steam, I love the service and wish each game I purchased had Steam functionality; its a great way to stay connected with friends and allows for ease of updating and multiplayer matchmaking that many non-Steam games deserve.… Expand
  39. Alex
    Mar 5, 2009
    10
    A simply incredible game! The best I have played in a long long time. If you love strategy games and/or TW games you will love this one! The campaign map is more complex than all of the other games combined, and turns can now take hours to complete. With the addition of new theaters of war and trading theaters every move has to be made so carefully! There are also the addition of naval A simply incredible game! The best I have played in a long long time. If you love strategy games and/or TW games you will love this one! The campaign map is more complex than all of the other games combined, and turns can now take hours to complete. With the addition of new theaters of war and trading theaters every move has to be made so carefully! There are also the addition of naval battles now - they look great and play really well. The land battles are out of this world (both in strategy and visuals). The AI is also much improved on previous games, although there could still be some improvements. Further, with the addition of Steam you can quickly join multiplayer battles...the game is also automatically updated! Worth every penny (especially for the replay value - every nation has a completely different strategy on the campaign map).… Expand
  40. [Anonymous]
    Mar 6, 2009
    10
    This is definitely the most immersive and realistic real-time strategy game that I have played to date. The graphics aren't anything groundbreaking, but for such a grand-scale RTS such as itself, I'd say they're outstanding. The sound is exceptional, and the gameplay itself is a bit of a learning curve, but very easy to master. The grand campaign is easier to play, with This is definitely the most immersive and realistic real-time strategy game that I have played to date. The graphics aren't anything groundbreaking, but for such a grand-scale RTS such as itself, I'd say they're outstanding. The sound is exceptional, and the gameplay itself is a bit of a learning curve, but very easy to master. The grand campaign is easier to play, with many things being scaled down in easy-to-use and easy to access format, with some new and fantastic features, like a government policy screen to control all taxes for various groups of people, as well as a diplomacy screen for easy trade and negotiations without having to send a diplomat clear to the other side of the world. Naval battles are also a visually stunning and awe-inspiring approach to a new system of combat for RTS'. However, every game has its flaws, and Empire is no exception. Don't make this ruin it though-because the flaws are few, and I foresee them being easily patched in the near future. I found the game's AI to be way too confused when playing in single player. In battles, the AI never rests defensive unless you're playing a siege map, and they always scatter around like headless chickens facing certain doom. Naval battles are extremely clunky, with it being difficult to individually manage more than 4 ships manually, and if you rely on the auto-fire, you'll be in a world of hurt, with ships sitting dormant whilst moving from side to side, trying to figure out the best direction to a target. There are graphical glitches at times, too, such as when I attempted boarding an enemy ship and the offending ship went clear into the defending ship's interior-but this only happened once. I've found the sound to fade out a few times and then return to normal, but I'm sure this will be fixed in a patch. Flaws notwithstanding, this game receives a perfect score. It's definitely not for people who are impatient and like to charge at everything in sight immediately. I'm actually finding books on battlefield tactics, such as Napoleon's Art of War (Yes, he wrote one too), to be extremely useful in conquering the enemy. I'm completely amazed that a game offers enough realism to be able to take references from history to use as tools for a video game. Speaking of history, the grand campaign offers amazing historical information, as well as occasional discoveries (or at least they were back in the day) corresponding with the appropriate year, such as the first effective smallpox treatment and the use of three basic colors to print the first color picture on a printing press. Empire: Total War is the game for any [military] history buff or for anyone who loves challenges. It offers rich backgrounds to everything, vivid visual detail, and unparalleled realism. You'll find yourself immersed just watching the crew diving off of the ship as it sinks from enemy cannon-fire, or staring at your line-men as they raise their muskets and disappear in a cloud of smoke as the approaching French troops' lines diminish. This game is a must-have, and I know I'll be playing it for years to come.… Expand
  41. robertalderman
    Mar 6, 2009
    10
    All ten stars for me, this game is truly remarkable through out the whole thing game play is great , replay is great, and overall game smoothness is great, i have no problem running this game on ultra and it being very smooth. -AMD dragon spec pc.

    very well done creative, im usually a tough customer but you have really done great work and it is available steam!! yay
  42. TS
    Mar 9, 2009
    10
    This game is nothing short of spectacular. Though some have questioned the download method (Steam! Oh Noes!) The game itself is solid, filling in every detail that makes this a 10. There are a few bugs, but they hardly effect gameplay at all, and the more you play the more you get sucked in. Its a good game, buy it.
  43. JeromeS
    Apr 21, 2009
    10
    All people who gave this game below ~5 are complete retards. Any who criticised Steam are complete retards. Shut your whore mouth and quit complaining about DRM that isn't there. Steam is the saviour of PC gaming, not DRM you retard.
  44. LukeM.
    Apr 25, 2009
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  45. iain
    May 30, 2009
    10
    I always see these whiney comments about "it's buggy, it crashes, it's unfair or sea battles boring and so on" and i even saw one bitching about in the campagin that people started with terriroty in america, well genious if you ever pick up a history book you would know that the french and british had their colonies there as well as the dutch,the sea battles i find them a I always see these whiney comments about "it's buggy, it crashes, it's unfair or sea battles boring and so on" and i even saw one bitching about in the campagin that people started with terriroty in america, well genious if you ever pick up a history book you would know that the french and british had their colonies there as well as the dutch,the sea battles i find them a realistic a can be if your a going "there boring" well yes the ships in the 18th century wern't that fast! and also you should really try and get the updates from steam they fix everything becuase i have no bugs that everyone who gives this game a bad score have, oh yea for those whiny basterds who say "it wont work on my computer" are stupid how are using windows 98 or some crappy system, because im playing this game of a damn laptop if it can work on you comp your comp sucks! yes, and for those people who choose the other style of combat in the other games like ME2 or Rome TW please do not comment because yes i do engoy all the other games from TW series but i like this one to because not only dose it have naval battles it brings a whole new perspective to the game unlike the others oh yea for thoues people who try to play the game without steam updates do not post a single remark because it is unfare to the makers of this game and give a real sold resaon why it is bad not "it wont work, or it has bugs, the battles are boring" and what ever else they say.… Expand
  46. MikeF
    May 8, 2009
    10
    What's good about this game has already been said. However, I do not think these low votes people have given it are fair just because they have crappy computers and are mad they can't play the game because of that. This game deserves the highest score out of any RTS. Just because you have a crappy computer and can't play the game doesn't mean the game is bad!
  47. ValentinoGamboa
    Aug 10, 2009
    10
    Awsome much btter than other total wars but unit graphics well still really cool but its the same way rome tw looks all units same but no problem and campaigh may go fast but makes u fight faster and to all the whiners complaining abought boring als its beacuse ur setting difficulty on easy retard and the graphics are still awsome on laptop come on u stupid dumbass
  48. EdwardV
    Aug 26, 2009
    10
    This game is more than what people just play and get over with this game is telling storys about the men who fought and died.This game can be be played over and over and you still wouldn`t get the same result.This game is the one to stop all other games in the 18th centruy.This is unstopible
  49. MickeyS
    Aug 31, 2009
    10
    One of the best games I've played in years, and I game a few hours a day. It combines RTS with turn based strategy like I have never seen before. From full control over sea and land battles that are awesome, to meticulous turn based tech and structure building. Diplomacy, religion, trading, etc... Best RTS/Turn Based I've played yet. Voting down for crashes seems silly to me. One of the best games I've played in years, and I game a few hours a day. It combines RTS with turn based strategy like I have never seen before. From full control over sea and land battles that are awesome, to meticulous turn based tech and structure building. Diplomacy, religion, trading, etc... Best RTS/Turn Based I've played yet. Voting down for crashes seems silly to me. Could be your machine, etc... should vote on game play, not vague computer issues. It hasn't crashed on me once (three months of playing so far).… Expand
  50. JKing
    Aug 4, 2009
    10
    Absolutely a great game. Now most crashes are fixed. I was a little dissapointed in the game with the crashes but in time all was corrected and I love it! This is definetly worthy of being considred one of the best in the total war series!
  51. CarlF
    Aug 9, 2009
    10
    I think this is the best game ever played. Even though 15 GB i quite a lot for a game. I've just got myself a new grafic card, so there's no problem there.But i didn't like to have a Total War game on Steam but it works, so that's why i gave it a 10.
  52. FatMan
    Sep 2, 2009
    10
    I don't know what is wrong with u ppl's computers, seriously. Steam works perfectly fine, and for Half Life 2 as well. The GAME IS NOT SLOW, just u ppl's cmops suck. A battle for me loads in 13 or less seconds, even te big ones, sure the custom battles are shit, but great campaign makes up for it! Even thouhg u can play as only 12 Nations is still enjoy it, adn the part I don't know what is wrong with u ppl's computers, seriously. Steam works perfectly fine, and for Half Life 2 as well. The GAME IS NOT SLOW, just u ppl's cmops suck. A battle for me loads in 13 or less seconds, even te big ones, sure the custom battles are shit, but great campaign makes up for it! Even thouhg u can play as only 12 Nations is still enjoy it, adn the part about crappy AI is only partly true. The AI IS AGRESSIVE and i have seen seaborne invasions happen, like a french capture of Ceylon. In around 50 turns the map looks so diffrent, Prussia has slaughtered everyone around it, Sweden is kicking Scandinavian ass, Spain has the Iberian and other areas, and the Maratha have all of India, those are just some examples. Crashes happen only around every 40 turns for me, and never during battles, so u ppl clearly have a CRAP COMP. Overall, aside from some very minor bugs, everything else is fine with the game.… Expand
  53. JoseM
    Sep 7, 2009
    10
    Very good design, over exceeds expectations. Entertainment and spread history knowledge among players, congratulations to designers.
  54. NelsonX
    Jan 24, 2010
    10
    This is the best game I have ever seen. I didnot mind some bugs, that is normal in every software. I play it every day when I can.
  55. DonG.
    Feb 1, 2010
    10
    I think this is a really good game. A little hard to put the graphics on very high and make the game the best it should be. What I wanted to see was some fighting in Asia. And what happened the Africa and South America? And another thing is that troops from Europe look kind of the same just with different names and colors. Out of that the graphics could be really good (I just can't) I think this is a really good game. A little hard to put the graphics on very high and make the game the best it should be. What I wanted to see was some fighting in Asia. And what happened the Africa and South America? And another thing is that troops from Europe look kind of the same just with different names and colors. Out of that the graphics could be really good (I just can't) and the game is cool.… Expand
  56. Leonardf
    Feb 7, 2010
    10
    This game is most likely the best game that i have ever played, and i have played a lot of games through my life. This game is truly epic, a icon to the games of the 2100 century. the cut scene of this game is breath taking, the story is far beyond exiting and the game play is nothing less then addictive. The only flaw about this game is that it ends.
  57. JasonH
    Dec 17, 2009
    10
    An absolute masterpiece. With a powerful PC, I can run this game with everything one Very High or Ultra, and it is smooth. The detail present is incredible, the range of units, the range of buildings, the different forces you can play, etc make it superb. Now the prospect of Napoleon Total War has me waiting impatiently. Since Shogun I have followed this gaming franchise, and it just gets An absolute masterpiece. With a powerful PC, I can run this game with everything one Very High or Ultra, and it is smooth. The detail present is incredible, the range of units, the range of buildings, the different forces you can play, etc make it superb. Now the prospect of Napoleon Total War has me waiting impatiently. Since Shogun I have followed this gaming franchise, and it just gets better and better. I only hope that there is scope for more games and perhaps even a full global theatre in the future. Perhaps the First World War or American Civil War?… Expand
  58. RolfK.
    Mar 10, 2009
    10
    After you gotten passed the crap application and the way it works called STEAM, (Steam is the worst thing there for game applications, yet they convince developers with fake truths). You get to enjoy a great game. In the beginning the it will be rough to get the going with the game, but this is a learning curve, the more you play it the more you get attuned. A big recommendation is stop After you gotten passed the crap application and the way it works called STEAM, (Steam is the worst thing there for game applications, yet they convince developers with fake truths). You get to enjoy a great game. In the beginning the it will be rough to get the going with the game, but this is a learning curve, the more you play it the more you get attuned. A big recommendation is stop playing easy after you gotten a few provinces and won a few 50-50 odds battles on land and then go towards normal. After you did the same there, but also with fleet battles, with some lesser odds for you go to a higher difficulty. That way you have learned enough for battles and can taste the strength. (The hardest I recommend after defeating a major power on hard due some lesser deaths they get in battles).… Expand
  59. SigurdB
    Mar 11, 2009
    10
    The diversity and depth of gameplay in Empire is one of the best i have seen so far. They have managed with perfection to implement things you did not even realise you missed before, but now flows natualy. The civ type gameplay has been improved imencely making it more realistic for players to contrl. On the battlefront not much has changed apart from a new era (and the tech that The diversity and depth of gameplay in Empire is one of the best i have seen so far. They have managed with perfection to implement things you did not even realise you missed before, but now flows natualy. The civ type gameplay has been improved imencely making it more realistic for players to contrl. On the battlefront not much has changed apart from a new era (and the tech that follows). Because it was not needed to change it to much.… Expand
  60. JohnnyT
    Mar 12, 2009
    10
    This is one of the best games i have ever played it runs through the period of 1700-1799 as far as i know and has brilliant gameplay features. You can go practically all over the world, and as a new feature Sea Naval battles that just practically pwn. for those who complete games fast there is online too and a second campaign for America. There are very little bugs i have seen so far and This is one of the best games i have ever played it runs through the period of 1700-1799 as far as i know and has brilliant gameplay features. You can go practically all over the world, and as a new feature Sea Naval battles that just practically pwn. for those who complete games fast there is online too and a second campaign for America. There are very little bugs i have seen so far and graphics are brilliant for a real time strategy game. The tactics are easy to follow and in game battle is much more realistic, the multiplayer is fantastic, and slow motion never gets old :D all in all i give this 10/10.… Expand
  61. Alex
    Mar 13, 2009
    10
    A simply incredible game! The best I have played in a long long time. If you love strategy games and/or TW games you will love this one! The campaign map is more complex than all of the other games combined, and turns can now take hours to complete. With the addition of new theaters of war and trading theaters every move has to be made so carefully! There are also the addition of naval A simply incredible game! The best I have played in a long long time. If you love strategy games and/or TW games you will love this one! The campaign map is more complex than all of the other games combined, and turns can now take hours to complete. With the addition of new theaters of war and trading theaters every move has to be made so carefully! There are also the addition of naval battles now - they look great and play really well. The land battles are out of this world (both in strategy and visuals). The AI is also much improved on previous games, although there could still be some improvements. Further, with the addition of Steam you can quickly join multiplayer battles...the game is also automatically updated! Worth every penny (especially for the replay value - every nation has a completely different strategy on the campaign map).… Expand
  62. Riordan
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    Brilliant game, got the total war feel while bringing it to the 17 hundreds! Brilliant units, and beautiful graphics. Naval battles while being widely appreciated by most were not high on the list for me but they are very good none the less. The only thing i wished for was the 'British Grenediers' song being played as the redcoats marched into battle! But alas it was not meant to be!
  63. RuudC
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    I really like this game as a real totalwar fan. It's the best game ever played! Like everytime before I can't choose what nation because I all like them to much, especcialy in empire totalwar because whit all factions you need another stratagy. some require a lot of trade and some big powers. The only thing I hate is that people give bad ratings because of the bugs.. if they had I really like this game as a real totalwar fan. It's the best game ever played! Like everytime before I can't choose what nation because I all like them to much, especcialy in empire totalwar because whit all factions you need another stratagy. some require a lot of trade and some big powers. The only thing I hate is that people give bad ratings because of the bugs.. if they had readed the forums and blogs a little better they would know it contained those on the beginning of the game. but they will all update it!!… Expand
  64. Harle
    Mar 20, 2009
    10
    Brilliant game, the depth exceeds the previous Total War titles by leaps abound. The somewhat cartoony approach to history that the older games featured has been done away with for a much more serious feel, and it's pulled off very well; even if it isn't perfectly historically accurate, compared to previous games it is apples and oranges. This is not only by far the best Total Brilliant game, the depth exceeds the previous Total War titles by leaps abound. The somewhat cartoony approach to history that the older games featured has been done away with for a much more serious feel, and it's pulled off very well; even if it isn't perfectly historically accurate, compared to previous games it is apples and oranges. This is not only by far the best Total War game to date, it may very well be the best strategy game in recent years. Yes, the game was released with bugs, but I don't feel that the game itself can be rated based on bug issues. Some people are giving it low scores because they are frustrated with bugs, but I prefer to rate based on content. It might be worth waiting a month or two past release, but the fact is that it runs more than playably for most people, and the bugs will get ironed out. Also, for other people, please stop rating games based on their performance. It's like saying that Disneyland sucks because your plane was delayed. Rate on content.… Expand
  65. StefanP
    Mar 31, 2009
    10
    There are some crashes and sometimes, especially in the late game, the game runs a little slow and/or reacts a little slow (especially when selecting fleets and ports), but I love it. I already finished three Grand Campaigns and I'm about to finish my fourth (~12 more years and already 65 regions). Also no problems in multiplayer.
  66. MichaelStuart
    Mar 3, 2009
    10
    I would say this game will be the best game until 2015 The graphics are excellent the collision database is better New naval battles with Super detailed water and cannans actually make holes in the ships. The land battle are awesome, you can make your very own Barriers to avoid musket fire i would say to give this game atleast at metascore of 96!
  67. doicescuradu
    Mar 3, 2009
    10
    Every history addict and strategy game players should try not only this game but all the games from the Total War series.
    This time CA has outdone themselves, making a game that will last in the annals of computer gaming....a true masterpiece in every possible aspect from graphics to gameplay and story ambience
  68. DeanD
    Mar 4, 2009
    10
    Best strategy game to come along in a very long time,this really has taken the total war series to a much higher level. Everything you ever wanted is here,so you always wanted to play the part of a hero?Well now's your chance soldier,the sheer size of the game is emense,you wont be finishing this in a hurry. SO what if steam is part of the install process,for those who moan about it Best strategy game to come along in a very long time,this really has taken the total war series to a much higher level. Everything you ever wanted is here,so you always wanted to play the part of a hero?Well now's your chance soldier,the sheer size of the game is emense,you wont be finishing this in a hurry. SO what if steam is part of the install process,for those who moan about it i say go with it and you may actually see the benefits in a short space of time,least you will get all the updates as they appear and saves you having to regularly search online for patches. In short this total war game is nothing short but the best and greatest war/strategy experience in modern times.… Expand
  69. StevenM
    Mar 6, 2009
    10
    Definitely the best TW game I have ever played. Set the AI to Very Hard, and you'll certainly be in for a challenge. The Grand Campaign truly is grand this time around. You'll be watching over your troops in the old world, new world, and the east Indies. Not to mention all the naval forces you'll have to manage in order to secure trading at various ports around the world. Definitely the best TW game I have ever played. Set the AI to Very Hard, and you'll certainly be in for a challenge. The Grand Campaign truly is grand this time around. You'll be watching over your troops in the old world, new world, and the east Indies. Not to mention all the naval forces you'll have to manage in order to secure trading at various ports around the world. Truly an epic masterpiece.… Expand
  70. CraigA
    Mar 6, 2009
    10
    A magnificent game, truly amazing gameplay and something you'll play again and again. The graphical attention to detail is incredible and the sound effects stunning. The music really makes an ordinary battle, an epic battle. This is one PC game that should be in every gamers collection.
  71. JimI
    Mar 6, 2009
    10
    This is a brilliant game. I can't help but get really annoyed with people sabotaging the score for others to read by moaning about Steam. I mean it's meant to be a review of the game. Fine if you have issues with the gameplay, but you wouldn't give a movie a bad review score if your dvd was scratched or if the cinema played it out of focus. It's meant for people to This is a brilliant game. I can't help but get really annoyed with people sabotaging the score for others to read by moaning about Steam. I mean it's meant to be a review of the game. Fine if you have issues with the gameplay, but you wouldn't give a movie a bad review score if your dvd was scratched or if the cinema played it out of focus. It's meant for people to read about the game! If I was metacritic I'd remove that 2/10 nonsense as abuse. It really misleads. I think the game itself is amazing. Completely absorbed in the campaign, and the battles look out of this world. 10/10.… Expand
  72. CurtisO
    Mar 6, 2009
    10
    Dude, John, seriously? You just lowered the score of an AMAZING game because of steam. If you have that much of a problem with steam, just go out and buy a copy (at Best Buy in America you can get a free unit) like I did (For some reason i think it might run slower or worse because its downloaded....) Anyways, this is definitely a game worth its money and more. If you love RTS, Strategy, Dude, John, seriously? You just lowered the score of an AMAZING game because of steam. If you have that much of a problem with steam, just go out and buy a copy (at Best Buy in America you can get a free unit) like I did (For some reason i think it might run slower or worse because its downloaded....) Anyways, this is definitely a game worth its money and more. If you love RTS, Strategy, or are already a fan of the Total War series, this game is a MUST. New graphics engine makes the game that much cooler, and the water in the sea battles is amazingly real. I know the sea battles have been over discussed and shown, but it is definitely a great addition to the series. Watching the chunks of wood fly off your ship and land in the water, only to be discovered later when your panning over the area and are like "what is that" truly gives the game a more realistic feel. And the management for the Campaign Map or Grand Campaign/Road to Glory map is heaps easier. No more pesky Diplomats or Merchants, and the fact that cities form in the area instead of being all in one spot makes building buildings that much easier. If your considering buying this game, stop reading this and go buy it. But make sure your computer can run it, otherwise you well be up shit creek without a paddle.… Expand
  73. IanWilliams
    Mar 7, 2009
    10
    The people whining about Steam are just frustrated free-loaders, so let's just ignore them. In terms of atmosphere and gameplay, ETWis as good as it gets. This isn't just the best strategy game ever, it's quite probably the best video game ever. And to think we're here to witness it in person! Unbelievable.
  74. MichaelC
    Mar 7, 2009
    10
    Empire Total War is THE game for PC strategy games. Combining an epic (key word) grand strategy campaign game with challenging, tactical real-time battles, Empire Total War defines the PC gaming strategy genre. Indeed, it has set the bar so high I'm interested to see what Creative Assembly's competitors come up with! If you are new to the Total War series, ETW may at first seem Empire Total War is THE game for PC strategy games. Combining an epic (key word) grand strategy campaign game with challenging, tactical real-time battles, Empire Total War defines the PC gaming strategy genre. Indeed, it has set the bar so high I'm interested to see what Creative Assembly's competitors come up with! If you are new to the Total War series, ETW may at first seem over-whelming. I'm a veteran Total War fan and even I was, at first, taken aback at the sheer scale of Empire. The campaign map is HUGE, spanning nearly the entire world. Once you get the hang of balancing your armies, your development, diplomacy, trade, and so forth, you'll really begin to appreciate the depth and re-playability this game has to offer. The real-time battles, both on land and sea, are truly amazing to behold. Surprisingly, the game performs well even on medium level gaming PCs. Soldiers and ships are highly detailed, nearly life-like, and the smoke of musket and cannon, the clash of swords and pikes, and the vibrant realism of redcoats and hussars charging across 18th century battlefields is simply stunning. I've played the game exhaustively for the past couple days and, aside from a few minor issues that will soon be patched (some sound stuttering problems during video sequences, as reported by some gamers), Empire is technically flawless. CA spent years developing this game and it truly shows. Nearly all review sites have given Empire an average score of 9.5...which is superb and well deserved. I HIGHLY recommend Empire Total War!… Expand
  75. StevenB
    Mar 7, 2009
    10
    As far as I am concerned, this is the best game I have played in many, many years and is the game that the PC gaming world has been waiting for. The navy battles may be a little messy at the moment but it still easily outclasses any real-time strategy on both land and water. A must buy.
  76. SpencerH
    Mar 7, 2009
    10
    An amazing game! The enemy AI is ridiculously intelligent and the battles are breathtaking! Also Steam is awesome, John R. must have been paid by Microsoft. I don't see why he would rate the game down to a 2 simply because it has an awesome online service.
  77. NicM
    Apr 19, 2009
    10
    First..... Steve W....... 1) im playing france and the spanish have no qualms with sending invasion force after invasion force into the west coast on ships.... even if they didn't include enough men to do anything other than run around torching villages. 2) So what if they changed the layout of the campaign map? You get used to it. 3) yea i guess.... although if you have issues withFirst..... Steve W....... 1) im playing france and the spanish have no qualms with sending invasion force after invasion force into the west coast on ships.... even if they didn't include enough men to do anything other than run around torching villages. 2) So what if they changed the layout of the campaign map? You get used to it. 3) yea i guess.... although if you have issues with the packaging of a game.....
    My only real problem with this game is that the seiges are a dissapointment... what happened to cities being in the CENTER of the battle map eh? and why does the capital of Austria look like a fort when attacked?

    Im giving this a ten to try and lift it up from all these unwarranted ones and twos    … Expand
  78. JC
    Apr 28, 2009
    10
    Great game exactly what i was expecting not sure what everyone is moaning about have played alot and haven't noticed any major bugs or had any other problems. Steam isn't too bad, a lot of people should have this already not half as annoying as installing gta4. If you liked previous total war titles you will like this, units do get a bit samey after a while but there are also a Great game exactly what i was expecting not sure what everyone is moaning about have played alot and haven't noticed any major bugs or had any other problems. Steam isn't too bad, a lot of people should have this already not half as annoying as installing gta4. If you liked previous total war titles you will like this, units do get a bit samey after a while but there are also a lot of naval units. The campaign mode will entertain you for hours have been playing a long campaign and after several weeks of playing haven't quite reached the half way mark, hoping lots of other nations will be unlocked once completed as before. A great way to kill the time.… Expand
  79. KoteeO
    May 1, 2009
    10
    I am not a fan of RTS games at all. I have tried 10 to 20 of them in the last few years. However, this game is amazing! The graphics, the attention to detail, and the gameplay is fun fun fun! I have not even tried multiplayer yet...I'm addicted!
  80. BlueKeyboard
    May 22, 2009
    10
    If you like strategy and/or millitary games, this would be a good one to grab. only thing i don't like are the new naval battles, but you can sim them just as you would in the other total war games. i like the replay value with this one too. make sure your computer can run it - it's a little demanding. my pc runs it without skiping a beat. i don't normally rate games this If you like strategy and/or millitary games, this would be a good one to grab. only thing i don't like are the new naval battles, but you can sim them just as you would in the other total war games. i like the replay value with this one too. make sure your computer can run it - it's a little demanding. my pc runs it without skiping a beat. i don't normally rate games this high. last one before this to get a perfect score was rome: total war. before that, warcraft 3.… Expand
  81. JosephR
    May 26, 2009
    10
    Great Game. Too many bugs hopefully they produce more updates. Had to upgrade my computer but it is so worth it. Every gamer should own this game.
  82. ChrisR
    Jun 18, 2009
    10
    1st of all do not listen to those who have whined and whined constantly about bugs, its only been out a few months and every single bug I had on release seems to have been fixed, this game is now honestly the greatest strategy game I have ever played, (and I've played a lot, trust me ;) ) It really does deserve all those high scores it got from the media. I hear a lot of people 1st of all do not listen to those who have whined and whined constantly about bugs, its only been out a few months and every single bug I had on release seems to have been fixed, this game is now honestly the greatest strategy game I have ever played, (and I've played a lot, trust me ;) ) It really does deserve all those high scores it got from the media. I hear a lot of people complaining about the AI in this game and I really, honestly think they're just doing it because CA have had a few bad AIs in the past (lets face it rome total war's AI did suck pretty badly, and Medievals wasn't much better) but really, the AI in this game has been improved so, so much from the last game; the battle AI makes some smart moves and it can actually prove a challenge now, it flanks properly, uses buildings chooses the units it attacks wisely etc, and the campaign AI is a perfect balance between aggressive and passive; it forms and actually holds alliances really well this time, anyway before I start to drone on, I just think people are too harsh on this game - it really is fantastic!… Expand
  83. JackL
    Jun 23, 2009
    10
    Jake B is reviewing the game before he even has it working! Clearly has no understanding of the game proper as of yet and appears to be criticizing Steam! By arguing with steam you are basically arguing with 20 million people who use steam! E:TW is a fantastic game, people may have played the rubbish tutorial missions and dismissed the game as being awful. They may have attempted the main Jake B is reviewing the game before he even has it working! Clearly has no understanding of the game proper as of yet and appears to be criticizing Steam! By arguing with steam you are basically arguing with 20 million people who use steam! E:TW is a fantastic game, people may have played the rubbish tutorial missions and dismissed the game as being awful. They may have attempted the main singleplayer campaign and found it awful. They may appear to reach the minimum settings but it lags and they go crying to their mothers for a better system! Now I don't have a great system it can run crysis warhead on medium/ high but can't run this overly well. But the employment of a semi-non linear singleplayer campaign with chapters based around the American war of independence gently eases you into the fantastic new features of the game, and is fantastic for both new and old players alike! Ship combat is fantastic fun and gives a new twist to the usual total war strategy! Land combat is more involving than ever, organizing your lines efficiently and making good use of both melee and ranged combat are a good mix! if you want to feel the intensity of melee combat, which by the way is better than ever before in an RTS, just zoom down to your troops and watch fast paced intense and brutal fights between soldiers. The game should appeal to both new players of the Total war series and veterans of previous TW games! overall a fantastic experience and I would recommend this game to you any day of the year!… Expand
  84. ShayanA
    Jun 26, 2009
    10
    By far one of the best RTS's I have ever played. I've never played a Total War game, but I've always been a huge fan of RTS games and this games goes on top to be one of the best. It's an excellent mix of RTS and Civilization.
  85. PhillipF
    Aug 5, 2009
    10
    i gave this game a 10/10 because (sorry if i am off with my spelling) i have played the other total war games besides shogun. I have no problem with steam because i also play sins of an solor empire with uses impusle it is just like steam. for the one persion that stated that he had a 9 hour install with a quad i would check your system it sounds like you were intalling with win 98 it i gave this game a 10/10 because (sorry if i am off with my spelling) i have played the other total war games besides shogun. I have no problem with steam because i also play sins of an solor empire with uses impusle it is just like steam. for the one persion that stated that he had a 9 hour install with a quad i would check your system it sounds like you were intalling with win 98 it only took me a half an hour to intall but the paches took me about an hour more. i love war games and this one has my moneys worth also people that complaine so much about the game i have notice is ether crack, bad intall or they are over doing the computer needs to end the bad reviews steam and impuse are much better than EA games and now Uibsoft games becase it has a 3 time intall. peolpe that have real problems sorry if i affended you but i had to say it and to the makers of the game hope to see a WWI - WW2 game built like this game. PS i preorderd tis game befor it came out and cancelled it because of iddots spaming hatered about this game and steam but now i got the game and i am loveing it and for any one in the future that reads reviews do not fully belive them Long live Prussia.… Expand
  86. 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.
  87. 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
  88. 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
  89. 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
  90. DonS
    Jan 11, 2010
    10
    keep up the great work, you can almost smell the gunpowder
  91. 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
  92. YermakirumY.
    Dec 19, 2009
    10
    Very good game.
  93. FelixL
    Dec 3, 2009
    10
    Perfect Game for any Strategy Lovers!! A Must Have!
  94. AndyR
    Dec 7, 2009
    10
    Best Strategy game I've ever played. I can't go back to anything else after playing this.
  95. JonR
    Mar 11, 2009
    10
    Empire is truly an amazing game. Graphics are stunning, gameplay is awesome, naval battles are loads of fun, multiplayer is good and when the multiplayer campaign comes out it should be great. I don't know what people are talking about when they say the AI is horrible. I have a question for them, have you ever played on Expert level?? It is quite challenging. I have been playing Empire is truly an amazing game. Graphics are stunning, gameplay is awesome, naval battles are loads of fun, multiplayer is good and when the multiplayer campaign comes out it should be great. I don't know what people are talking about when they say the AI is horrible. I have a question for them, have you ever played on Expert level?? It is quite challenging. I have been playing Total War games since Rome and I have to say this is the best by far. I also have a question for those of you who don't like Steam. WHY??? Steam is great for online play and if Steam is giving you problems just turn of Steam's connection to the internet and then it's like playing any other game. The only alternative would be GameSpy and gamespy is truely horrible. For people who have been crashing to the desktop I can only say that has got to be bad luck, or your specs aren't good enough. I have only crashed to the desktop once and the problem was fixed in the patch. The only complaint I have for CA is the variety of music in the game. The are maybe 3 different sound tracks for the battles, and the campaign map music puts me to sleep. Hopefully though when they release an unpacker for the game files I'll be able to mod them. I'm thinking Pirates of the Caribbean music for the Naval Battles. Any way Empire is a great strategy game and if you are an immature child and only like fast paced FPS games then Empire is definitely not for you. Because in Empire you actually have to think. The game obviously has several bugs but CA seems very adamant in their promise to fix them soon so I have no worries. I give Empire a 10.… Expand
  96. AaronS
    Mar 12, 2009
    10
    The game is a phenomenal addition to the TW series. Definitely a choppy launch with a lot of memory leaks and bugs, but when you consider the epic scale of the game and the plethora of new features it's far beyond a fair trade. Unlike Medieval TW, this game doesn't have a bunch of pointless features and boring objectives. The battles are epic and the graphics are breathtaking. The game is a phenomenal addition to the TW series. Definitely a choppy launch with a lot of memory leaks and bugs, but when you consider the epic scale of the game and the plethora of new features it's far beyond a fair trade. Unlike Medieval TW, this game doesn't have a bunch of pointless features and boring objectives. The battles are epic and the graphics are breathtaking. Just finished my first campaign and it grows on me a little more every time I play.… Expand
  97. DanA
    Mar 13, 2009
    10
    Empire is by far the best strategy game that i have ever played. Grpahics are breathtaking, runs on my xps 400 like silk(8800gts, 3 gigs of ram and intel core duo 3.2).
    @ RYAN S
    GET A BETTER COMPUTER.. its a mystery to me why people like you even exist, if you cant get a good computer dont buy the game!!!!! otherwise stop your whining becasue no one wants to hear it
  98. JoonaH
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    First off, I was very critic about the gunpowder age since the gunpowder weapons werent very special in earlier games, but the game suprised me very much with its excelency! The naval fights are great too! I always wanted to have naval fights and now I got it! Only thing bad I have to say about the naval fights is that they are always on the open seas and the lack of islands, reefs and First off, I was very critic about the gunpowder age since the gunpowder weapons werent very special in earlier games, but the game suprised me very much with its excelency! The naval fights are great too! I always wanted to have naval fights and now I got it! Only thing bad I have to say about the naval fights is that they are always on the open seas and the lack of islands, reefs and coastline. Otherwise, an excelent Total War game. PS. I'm a huge Total War fan :P… Expand
  99. BenBoeve
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    Although the Steam aspect of the game is somewhat disappointing, the game itself is very good with a campaign map across three theaters. The battles play very much the same of Medieval Total War 2 which is fine because the battles were great. Naval battles are also very enjoyable with a good amount of attention paid to detail.
  100. AdrianChorley
    Mar 16, 2009
    10
    truly awesome game. can't see what peoples issues are. steam has worked a treat for me, and while the naval battles are more basic than the land battles, they're still a great addition that i'm sure will get better over time with the next few total war games. much more instantly addictive than medieval 2, and that was a 10/10 too!!!
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 62 Critic Reviews

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