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. TotalWarFan
    Feb 27, 2010
    4
    Though I love Total War games and believe that they are among the greatest games of any genre ever made, I can't say that I was impressed. The battle graphics are horrible, especially when you zoom out, and the diplomacy is also terrible. The custom battle maps are also very bad, with the fact that there are barely any buildings, and the AI players are absolutely horrible! The Though I love Total War games and believe that they are among the greatest games of any genre ever made, I can't say that I was impressed. The battle graphics are horrible, especially when you zoom out, and the diplomacy is also terrible. The custom battle maps are also very bad, with the fact that there are barely any buildings, and the AI players are absolutely horrible! The campaign is fun, but Africa, South America, and at least parts of Central and Eastern Asia should be included. The unit detail is fairly good, but the men all look exactly the same; even the militias, Native Americans, and minutemen! Empire: Total War is okay but Medieval II: Total War is, without a doubt, the best video game ever made, and no one should ever make the mistake of comparing Empire to Medieval II or even Rome: Total War. I would give it a higher score because of the campaign, and even with all the problems it is a good game, but I must give Empire: Total War a 4 because it is a terrible game in comparison to the rest of The Creative Assembly's games. I only hope that Napoleon: Total War is better.… Expand
  2. socokid
    Aug 14, 2010
    10
    An absolutely incredible game.

    I still find it strange how a few off the wall Critic Reviews, and a slew of asinine 0 scores from users for computer/Steam issues, can keep the true greatness of this game from being fully revealed to casual searchers. A user score of 6.7 is shameful for this masterpiece.
  3. TChips
    Apr 3, 2009
    2
    Waited a few months to buy the game as suggested by other users, but its been a huge dissapointment, I installed the game and tried to load it but the annoyin windows messag came up saying that the game had stopped working. Ive been a huge fan since shogun came out and i feel let down so far by empire. im gonna write another review when the game decides it wants to work and then ill see ifWaited a few months to buy the game as suggested by other users, but its been a huge dissapointment, I installed the game and tried to load it but the annoyin windows messag came up saying that the game had stopped working. Ive been a huge fan since shogun came out and i feel let down so far by empire. im gonna write another review when the game decides it wants to work and then ill see if it lives up to game spys reivew… Expand
  4. PeteB
    Apr 18, 2009
    1
    This game doesent play properly and it crashes continually- I cant understand how anyone can say it is good!! You are lucky to finish a couple of campaign moves before a crash. Avoid at all costs.
  5. AustriaFrance
    Apr 3, 2009
    0
    What a Steaming pile! I cannot even get the demo to load (through Steam) without crashing. $50 for what? So Steam can regulate what I do? No thanks. Good luck to everyone who chooses to support such pile of waste (Steam that is). I agree with the afforementioned boycott strategy! DO NOT BUY THIS GAME UNTIL STEAM GOES AWAY!!!
  6. harmbrands
    Mar 5, 2009
    1
    I can't play the game because steam is messing things up . as they most of the time do.
    i bought the original special forces edition. but it is a waste of money next time i will get an cracked version from th internet. quess then i will have a much better chance the works fine.
  7. MatthewW
    Mar 13, 2009
    0
    So far, I can't even get past the opening menu of the game, it keeps crashing when trying to download the campaign or scenarios. I have plenty of disk space, yet the game took over two hours to download. I liked the other TW series, but this has been the worst gaming experience thus far.
  8. DanL
    Mar 16, 2009
    2
    I was looking forward to this game. Just recieved it delivered to find i have to load STEAM in order to play it. I hate Steam, I hate it with a passion. And for it to be added into a single player game is pathetic. Poor show for the Total War team
  9. SteveF
    Mar 4, 2009
    4
    I would have given this game a higher score, but the fact that it is tied to Steam ruins the game for me too.
    I bought the retail DVD version and it still needs Steam running in the background to work.
    It really bugs me having stuff consuming resources running in the backround, especially when it is probably monitoring your every click. Steam sucks..
  10. H.Schmoll
    Mar 8, 2009
    4
    Steam is awful. The game crashes all the time. I love the total war series, but I can barely get it to work under this horrible engine. When it does work the load times are too long. All the finesse that existed in the former series are now gone. Plus you get to witness the Steam advertisements every time you start...
  11. 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
  12. RichardMartin
    Apr 5, 2009
    0
    I would love to have a rave review or statement about this game, but no matter what i try and whatever computer i try to install this game onto, it just will not work. And further more steam, which you have to sign upto and get downloads to patch the game just do not even attempt to download as the server is always too busy. So in summary, don't buy this game.
  13. AndreasC
    Mar 6, 2009
    1
    As long it comes along "steam"... steam gonna come out your head. It makes it terrible... ,crushes, "staying in line" waiting long before playin'... awful. Slows down and diminishing every concept to enjoy the game! Otherwise the game is nicer than earlier versions... seabattles, getting into some of the buildings in the rts, better graphics, bigger maps and more interestingAs long it comes along "steam"... steam gonna come out your head. It makes it terrible... ,crushes, "staying in line" waiting long before playin'... awful. Slows down and diminishing every concept to enjoy the game! Otherwise the game is nicer than earlier versions... seabattles, getting into some of the buildings in the rts, better graphics, bigger maps and more interesting possibilites with trade routes on the map. Steam -7 Total War Empire 8 and more...… Expand
  14. RussT
    Mar 6, 2009
    2
    I have not even been able to play the game yet. Steam is such a pile and keeps giving messages like, "game is not available at this time, please try again in a few minutes". I don't even want to use steam. I just want to play this game on my computer by myself. I'm sure the game is pretty awesome, but steam is just ruining it. Shame on total war for attaching this game to steam
  15. NeilHart
    Mar 10, 2009
    3
    Great game, but if you cant play a campaign to conclusion due to the many bugs in the game, you have to wonder if perhaps a little more testing was in order before release. Will try and go back to it if and when they patch the errors, until then, unplayable
  16. GerryHughes
    Mar 7, 2009
    2
    Install instructions are non-existant. Steam is absolutely ********* Had to discover for myself that I needed to be connected to he nent just to install the game and that I had to create a steam account before the game would install. Once that had been done had to search the net to discover game could not be run offline until it had first been run once online which it would not do untillInstall instructions are non-existant. Steam is absolutely ********* Had to discover for myself that I needed to be connected to he nent just to install the game and that I had to create a steam account before the game would install. Once that had been done had to search the net to discover game could not be run offline until it had first been run once online which it would not do untill it had been updated. So far I have been unable to update and run the game because the steam servers are too busy. Need I say more ?… Expand
  17. HagenR.
    Mar 4, 2009
    2
    thr game might be good... i dont know cos i cant play it, cos this f...ing steam doesnt update. I´ve got two dvd´s in my box, but they are not needed. I have to instal over steam... what the... steam sucks, it is slow and not worth the price, the game has cost.
    Maybe it is a good game but how knows without the ability to play it
  18. BrettStephens
    Mar 4, 2009
    0
    Steam is not user friendly, download speeds are horrid. any other game I bought in a store I would be playing in 15 minutes, this game I bought 6 hours ago and am still hours from playing. Not a good experience and I am definately not buying any more games that steam is involved in.
  19. Lizard
    Mar 4, 2009
    0
    This looks like a fantastic game but I wont be buying it because it's been Steamed, developers wakethe hell up !! you are commiting suicide by tying your products to this control freak system that so many of us despise, I'd rather give up playing games than have this intrusive rubbish on my computer.
  20. TomaszP
    Mar 5, 2009
    0
    Steam did not allow me to even start this game. I bought it in retail still when trying to run it the only result is "This game is unavailable". I've tried everyting, used almost 10 hours of my priceless life to make it work and got nothing. Most fortunately I was able to get my money back from retailer... I think it's time to swim to infamous bay of pirates and try my luck Steam did not allow me to even start this game. I bought it in retail still when trying to run it the only result is "This game is unavailable". I've tried everyting, used almost 10 hours of my priceless life to make it work and got nothing. Most fortunately I was able to get my money back from retailer... I think it's time to swim to infamous bay of pirates and try my luck there. It's rather sad outcome.… Expand
  21. MichaelJohnson
    Mar 5, 2009
    9
    Excellent game. Significant AI improvements, magical graphics, deep and complex but still manageable given it's scope.

    Is let down by a great deal of bugs and occasionally frustrating naval battles (ships don't always go where you tell them, painful to manage reloading and firing of broadsides in large scale battles)

    Overall, a must buy.
  22. AlexV
    Mar 8, 2009
    5
    The game is obviously great but steam has destroyed any pleasure in gaming that could have existed.. takes 2 days to download and its so full of bugs and crashes that its not playable.. i hope they learn! game was great the 1 hour it worked before i used 6 hours trying to fix it. feels like i bought a beta at retail price
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. ClintonLandry
    Mar 7, 2009
    9
    The game is fantastic in its campaign depth. The diplomacy, naval battles and fort system are much improved over previous total war games. The only draw back is the load time for battles and the lack of character depth regarding generals and leaders. There are some attributes but not the depth i would like.
  27. DanielC
    Mar 7, 2009
    9
    'Tis a very polished game next to M2:TW. AI seems at least slightly more responsive. Runs buttery smooth on my computer (may not be the case for everyone). I had no problems with steam, except the long, LONG download. It is still possible others will. Bottom line, another great game by CA.
  28. giorgio
    Mar 8, 2009
    1
    questo gioco sarà pure bello ma è una merda il fatto che bisogna collegarsi ad internet ed aspettare ogni volta l'aggiornamento.....a me ad esempio salta internet e a volte và molto lento...molto spesso ci vogliono anche due ore per fare l'aggiornamento su Steam e mi passa completamente la voglia d giocare......vi ho regalato 60 euro...
  29. MarkF.
    Sep 7, 2009
    4
    Great concept and graphics but poor delivery. You cant play the game for more than 15 minutes without it crashing. Most features are bugged beyond playability and its just plain irritating to play. I have been a Total war fan since shogun and I must say I' m disappointed with the latest game in the series. I resent paying $69.99 for a game I can barely play even though my system is Great concept and graphics but poor delivery. You cant play the game for more than 15 minutes without it crashing. Most features are bugged beyond playability and its just plain irritating to play. I have been a Total war fan since shogun and I must say I' m disappointed with the latest game in the series. I resent paying $69.99 for a game I can barely play even though my system is well above the requirements.… Expand
  30. 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.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 62 Critic Reviews

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