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. pizzathehut
    Mar 5, 2009
    9
    An excellent game! The campaign map is much improved over MTW2. The battles are fun and the new slow motion feature makes it easy to get a handle on ALL of the action. Governors are easier to manage, progress, and the new dynamic of putting them into a cabinet means that all of your governors work together. The great and experienced governors can outweigh the bad done by a 20 year old An excellent game! The campaign map is much improved over MTW2. The battles are fun and the new slow motion feature makes it easy to get a handle on ALL of the action. Governors are easier to manage, progress, and the new dynamic of putting them into a cabinet means that all of your governors work together. The great and experienced governors can outweigh the bad done by a 20 year old fresh picked one. When first loaded, the game seems daunting and overly complex... after 2 hours I felt like I had a good grasp of the basic concepts and a fair hold on the more advanced features. This is the first Total War I have played that will stay on my computer's drive as long as Civilization has.… Expand
  2. AnonymousMC
    Mar 5, 2009
    9
    I hope nobody truly rates this game based on Steam because there are other options for buying...But onto the game. It is definitely worth playing for any fans of the Total War series. New strategies and gameplay make for a better and different experience. You feel more immersed into the time period and the politics. My only real complaint would be the head ache of a sometimes dumb as rocksI hope nobody truly rates this game based on Steam because there are other options for buying...But onto the game. It is definitely worth playing for any fans of the Total War series. New strategies and gameplay make for a better and different experience. You feel more immersed into the time period and the politics. My only real complaint would be the head ache of a sometimes dumb as rocks AI and how your own units can act unresponsively to your orders. But the naval battles make up for all. I won't hype it up too much but it is pretty cool. All in all a great game with a few glitches but it is definitely playable and have you coming back for more.… Expand
  3. JaredB
    Mar 6, 2009
    9
    An amazing experience. Great attention to detail, lush graphics, and most importantly fun. This is the future of pc gaming. I bought my copy through Steam and have had no problems running the game. My score reflects that I haven't had any tech. problems. The only gripe I have is that naval battles break down very quickly and pathfinding at sea is awful. I usually just auto determine An amazing experience. Great attention to detail, lush graphics, and most importantly fun. This is the future of pc gaming. I bought my copy through Steam and have had no problems running the game. My score reflects that I haven't had any tech. problems. The only gripe I have is that naval battles break down very quickly and pathfinding at sea is awful. I usually just auto determine the results at sea. Other than that, a great game.… Expand
  4. RealProgrammer
    Mar 6, 2009
    9
    Terrific game, well integrated into Steam! As usual VALVe gets another winner on board their platform. Using their download servers, I was able to max out my 1.5 MB (not megabit) connection on the day of release and "quickly" download the 15 gigabyte game. It installed and played without a hitch, and has been doing well ever since! Gripes: as expected in a game of this size and Terrific game, well integrated into Steam! As usual VALVe gets another winner on board their platform. Using their download servers, I was able to max out my 1.5 MB (not megabit) connection on the day of release and "quickly" download the 15 gigabyte game. It installed and played without a hitch, and has been doing well ever since! Gripes: as expected in a game of this size and complexity, there are some issues with AI. Sometimes it will make goofy choices when attempting to assault a stronghold, but overall it's done a much better job at matching and attempting to counter my attacks. Also, SLI and Crossfire is not compatible as of 6 March 2009, so you'll have to wait for a patch from Creative Assembly, NVidia, and ATI before multi-card users like myself see a significant usage of their extra cards.… Expand
  5. StephenW
    Mar 9, 2009
    9
    This game is the very best Total War game yet - the interface is streamlined, the game engine itself has been updated to offer more eye popping detail and smooth game play, in fact this Total War runs better on my machine than the previous title [Medieval 2]. I like the new campaign mode, but it goes rather slow, only offering certain game functions such as in depth settlement management This game is the very best Total War game yet - the interface is streamlined, the game engine itself has been updated to offer more eye popping detail and smooth game play, in fact this Total War runs better on my machine than the previous title [Medieval 2]. I like the new campaign mode, but it goes rather slow, only offering certain game functions such as in depth settlement management [like taxation and government type] after you have played though chapters - but all in all, the game is a winner. 9.6/10… Expand
  6. BarneyW
    Apr 25, 2009
    9
    A fantastic entry to the series raising the bar in terms of visuals and scale. Those complaining about steam or it needing a powerful computer shouldent lower their review scores based on that as it isnt anything to do with how the game actually plays. A few technical issues mar the game though (crashes and a few graphical bugs) and the siege battles are less than impressive. This is made A fantastic entry to the series raising the bar in terms of visuals and scale. Those complaining about steam or it needing a powerful computer shouldent lower their review scores based on that as it isnt anything to do with how the game actually plays. A few technical issues mar the game though (crashes and a few graphical bugs) and the siege battles are less than impressive. This is made up for in every other field though such as the brutal (and stunning) naval battles and the fantastic implementation of the artillery. AI has been massivly improved as well although there are some instances where the pathfinding might break down and the diplomacy AI isnt all that better. Overall it is a game that deserves they title, "Masterpiece" but falls just short due to some technical errors and a few pathfinding glitches.… Expand
  7. RyanC
    May 14, 2009
    9
    It takes a little while to get used to the interface (especially if you've played the Total War series in the past) but I've got to say it is probably one of the best games, if not the best game, in that series.
  8. AndreasH
    May 19, 2009
    9
    Great game , but it had and has many bugs thats not cool. and even doh i do play with the lowest settings it still lags sometimes! (i have amd dual core 6000+ 3Ghz and Nvidia XFX geforce 8600 GT and 2gb ram that is more than enough i think!).
  9. TiberiusN
    May 22, 2009
    9
    I'm not crazy about the game requiring Steam, for starters. There are a few minor things that I really wish the developers would fix/add to the game (e.g. Hotseat!). Overall, though, very good game. I recommend it.
  10. CharlesT
    May 23, 2009
    9
    The graphics work fine and the game is amazing, the only gripe I have with it is that once your empire grows to the point where you own 2/3rds of the world it starts crashing if you try to take over the rest, which if we're honest is a very fun part of the game.
  11. NathanH
    May 27, 2009
    9
    Great addition to the series, if your computer is reasonably up to date that is. My computer is a good distance below the recommended requirements, yet I can still play relatively well on all Medium settings with a reasonably good resolution. However, just being on medium still presents a rather fantastic experience. Steam is rather annoying but it works well enough with the game. Most of Great addition to the series, if your computer is reasonably up to date that is. My computer is a good distance below the recommended requirements, yet I can still play relatively well on all Medium settings with a reasonably good resolution. However, just being on medium still presents a rather fantastic experience. Steam is rather annoying but it works well enough with the game. Most of the AI and major gameplay issues seem to be shriveling up as Steam does it's consistent small updates that CA seems willing to pump out. An altogether fantastic game if your computer has the sacs to take it on, however, it would make sense if you decided to wait a month or so for more of the updates to stream through. I didn't wait, however I'm still perfectly happy with what I've got. Right now I say a 9, but give it a while and that may go up even further.… Expand
  12. GeorgeD
    May 4, 2009
    9
    One of the most detailed -- perhaps the most detailed -- strategy games ever released. It offers compelling real time strategy on the games battle fields. When not on the battlefields though, the game incorporates wonderfully complex turn based empire management. It combines some of the best elements from traditional RTS games with some of the best of the Civilization games. Truly worth One of the most detailed -- perhaps the most detailed -- strategy games ever released. It offers compelling real time strategy on the games battle fields. When not on the battlefields though, the game incorporates wonderfully complex turn based empire management. It combines some of the best elements from traditional RTS games with some of the best of the Civilization games. Truly worth any strategy gamers time.… Expand
  13. Artyom
    May 7, 2009
    9
    I give it a 9 at of 10. It has some crash to desk top bugs, but the developer team is in full communication with the consumer base and works hard with patching bugs. The game experience is definitely fun, but not perfect. AI in campaign mode sometimes doesn't act smart like refusing peace no matter your offer for over a 100 years! Other than these flaws, this game has brought lined I give it a 9 at of 10. It has some crash to desk top bugs, but the developer team is in full communication with the consumer base and works hard with patching bugs. The game experience is definitely fun, but not perfect. AI in campaign mode sometimes doesn't act smart like refusing peace no matter your offer for over a 100 years! Other than these flaws, this game has brought lined combat and strategy of trading with countries to a very interesting level. I don't dare attack Great Britain not only due to their army, but they are my biggest trade partner. So I believe this game is great and will definitely mature into a classic Strategy Game.… Expand
  14. NickP
    May 8, 2009
    9
    Empire: Total War is a great game. It's opening stages had several issues: one for me was Steam. However, once the kinks are all worked out and since the updates have fixed a large number of crashes, Empire: Total War has matured into a wonderful game. The units move more realistically than any other Total War game and the several changes (especially to the economy) have made this Empire: Total War is a great game. It's opening stages had several issues: one for me was Steam. However, once the kinks are all worked out and since the updates have fixed a large number of crashes, Empire: Total War has matured into a wonderful game. The units move more realistically than any other Total War game and the several changes (especially to the economy) have made this game worth playing. I just hope the next time CA releases a game, they will have a significantly less number of bugs than Empire.… Expand
  15. JohnA
    May 9, 2009
    9
    I have read some harsh criticism from some users about Steam and other things about Empire. I think that Steam has it's pros and cons but about the game itself - it is awesome! I own all of the Total war games and I play them not so much as a hard core "gamer" but more as someone who likes historical type war games. I have loved all of the TW series and hope they come out with more, I have read some harsh criticism from some users about Steam and other things about Empire. I think that Steam has it's pros and cons but about the game itself - it is awesome! I own all of the Total war games and I play them not so much as a hard core "gamer" but more as someone who likes historical type war games. I have loved all of the TW series and hope they come out with more, maybe a TOTAL CIVIL WAR ;) . As for those who have critizied the historical accuracy of the games - it's close enough to be fun and I dare say that there is enough great content for most people (probably about 99%) to learn a thing or two. The only reason I did not give it a 10 was because of the bugs. I am pretty forgiving but it really was pretty bad in that respect, but I'm sure they will patch it all up and itI can be a 10 when they do. All in all great job to Creative Assembly. Thanks!!! By the way it occurs to me if enough people slam the game and sales aren't as good as they could be because of it they might not make anymore. Then what will I do?… Expand
  16. PaulR
    Jun 13, 2009
    9
    A really really good game, it's my first TW but I'd say it's the best strategy game I ever played, including EU, Civ, and various RTS games. Tough the game could use a little more debugging and stability, it hurts not too much.
  17. EmilTorkelsson
    Jun 21, 2009
    9
    This game is good and I mean really good.... But then there is the Sound. Apparently my sound stutters when ever I view a cinematic in the game... This is yet to be fixed but with the latest patch to be released soon I have great hopes that this problem will disappear. But other than that this is a milestone in gaming and i hope that a expansion pack is released soon. Then I can finally This game is good and I mean really good.... But then there is the Sound. Apparently my sound stutters when ever I view a cinematic in the game... This is yet to be fixed but with the latest patch to be released soon I have great hopes that this problem will disappear. But other than that this is a milestone in gaming and i hope that a expansion pack is released soon. Then I can finally take my Swedish Empire to even greater heights and glory.… Expand
  18. lefevrel
    Jun 22, 2009
    9
    At the beginning i couldn't play because it had a lot of bugs and always crashed with my computer which is powerful enough to un it at very high. after patch 2 i manage to play and Whow!!! the best strategy game i've ever played until now.
  19. JohnSmith
    Jun 6, 2009
    9
    Apart from the few crashes I've had, this is the ultimate online strategy game. If you did not buy the game then you will most likely be unable to play online, the campaign mode is truly epic from the first series Shogun: Total War. Playing online is completely worth every single dollar, but don't think it's easy if you're a strategy beginner. Patches need to comeApart from the few crashes I've had, this is the ultimate online strategy game. If you did not buy the game then you will most likely be unable to play online, the campaign mode is truly epic from the first series Shogun: Total War. Playing online is completely worth every single dollar, but don't think it's easy if you're a strategy beginner. Patches need to come out quick to help these other folks with their crashes.… Expand
  20. Mike
    Jun 7, 2009
    9
    Great game. Anyone who whines about crashes has never played a computer game before, it's not that bad. This game looks amazing and is a blast to play, especially the combat. It is way more in depth than previous Total War games, but not so much that it becomes tedious. It's just right as far as i am concerned.
  21. Ironic
    Jul 17, 2009
    9
    Best total war game yet! Instead of just sticking new units in medievil 2 and calling it a new game, the campaign map is vastly improved, the ai seems to be more intresting, overall its a better and more tactical game. It seems pretty stable, and ive not had a crash yet, and ive been able to play it with steam in offline mode without any problems. Only issue is it is still missing anyform Best total war game yet! Instead of just sticking new units in medievil 2 and calling it a new game, the campaign map is vastly improved, the ai seems to be more intresting, overall its a better and more tactical game. It seems pretty stable, and ive not had a crash yet, and ive been able to play it with steam in offline mode without any problems. Only issue is it is still missing anyform of proper multiplayer map campaign.… Expand
  22. markm
    Jul 22, 2009
    9
    Really good game, shame about the gliches on steam from time to time. I can get buried in this game for days on end. Could do with HMS Victory being made available to all Empire owners through Steam though!. And would really benefit from having all factions, including the pirates available to players.
  23. Tarkus(ITA)
    Jul 30, 2009
    9
    This game is worth it. I'm sorry about all the bad comments I've read but I'm still happy with it. The game is not too heavy (though you still need a good graphic card and RAM) and the gameplay is great just like all the other Total War games we've played. I've played all of them except Shogun and Empire is a good step forward. The new campaing map edits improved This game is worth it. I'm sorry about all the bad comments I've read but I'm still happy with it. The game is not too heavy (though you still need a good graphic card and RAM) and the gameplay is great just like all the other Total War games we've played. I've played all of them except Shogun and Empire is a good step forward. The new campaing map edits improved the game and made it more realistic, economy is more realistic and it is hard as it should be. Land battles are simply awesome; I don't think enemy AI sucks, it's always been the worst characteristic of Total War series, but this time AI is acceptable. Sea battles are a welcomed innovation and they are cool, though when there are too many ships in your side, like 6 or 7 (or even more), it is hard to control your fleet. The graphic is great, aswell as the sound, I'm glad I spent my money on this game because Creative Assembly really deserved my 50 … Expand
  24. OliverSlaughter
    Aug 26, 2009
    9
    An amazing new edition to the Total War: Empire Total War improves on the earlier games in the series in nearly everyway. The game is massive in scope as you find yourself taking on massive amounts of strategic diplomacy and fighting. This game is definitely not casual as days need to spent on it to complete the 'Grand Campaign' and some more casual people will go insane with theAn amazing new edition to the Total War: Empire Total War improves on the earlier games in the series in nearly everyway. The game is massive in scope as you find yourself taking on massive amounts of strategic diplomacy and fighting. This game is definitely not casual as days need to spent on it to complete the 'Grand Campaign' and some more casual people will go insane with the micro-management. The game runs on steam, which some don't agree with but I personally find to be great as you do not need a disc and you can link it easily to your friends and find great servers everywhere in the world.… Expand
  25. Kazuma-
    Aug 29, 2009
    9
    First time in the total war series where you can actually fight using boats, it is also very different from previous ones in the fact that it takes a little more stratagy to play and doesn't mean you will win if you have the majority of the troops sad that it likes to crash sometimes (it happens once in a while) and you have to go through steam, glitches don't really happen that First time in the total war series where you can actually fight using boats, it is also very different from previous ones in the fact that it takes a little more stratagy to play and doesn't mean you will win if you have the majority of the troops sad that it likes to crash sometimes (it happens once in a while) and you have to go through steam, glitches don't really happen that much for me, sure they do happen but i've seen far worst so i was okay with that it is defintely a fun game to play though and i'm happy i have it.… Expand
  26. tysonw
    Aug 6, 2009
    9
    First off let me say ive been a huge fan of total war series. never been disappointed. i picked it up in early march. i don't like to give reviews to games when they are first release i believe give them some time to get fixed up. this game had serveral bugs in it upon release which did disappoint meh. but after several months theres been some new content and fix serveral major bugs. First off let me say ive been a huge fan of total war series. never been disappointed. i picked it up in early march. i don't like to give reviews to games when they are first release i believe give them some time to get fixed up. this game had serveral bugs in it upon release which did disappoint meh. but after several months theres been some new content and fix serveral major bugs. this game isn't polished but alot better then release. it has very nice graphics, i enjoy the music cause it fits the mood of the game. also lots of fun little mods out there now days. i never really cared for this era untill i played empire total war. i love the trading and naval battles do get a bit repetive but can be epic if u have a massive navy. the new unit commands and cannons having different types of ammo that does matter makes this game hours of fun. i first got this game i put 40 hours plus into it. overall the only really disappointing thing was i wish they were more creative with the campaign victory conditions and more factions were playable overall this is a fun addictive game. just like CA promised they have fixed it up quite and bit and give u free content and thats how a company should be =). i give it an 8 for minor bugs and victory conditions can be tedious.… Expand
  27. DesmondK
    Aug 9, 2009
    9
    The last total war game I played was Rome. It was, and remains to this day, one of my favourite games of all time. Empire, while not quite as perfect as Rome, is still a bloody good game. The only problem it has is a plethora of bugs (which in my opinion have been greatly exaggerated - I've had the game 2 weeks and haven't had a problem starting up nor gotten a single CTD) and The last total war game I played was Rome. It was, and remains to this day, one of my favourite games of all time. Empire, while not quite as perfect as Rome, is still a bloody good game. The only problem it has is a plethora of bugs (which in my opinion have been greatly exaggerated - I've had the game 2 weeks and haven't had a problem starting up nor gotten a single CTD) and even then there is nothing that can't be fixed with patches (although I do agree that it could have used a bit more time in the oven).… Expand
  28. Jackalen
    Jan 12, 2010
    9
    Totally love the era Empire total war is exploring. With patience, the new patches and perhaps some mods made Empire total war an excellent, beautiful and addicting game. I would recomend it to anyone that own a good computer =)
  29. edoardoed
    Jan 12, 2010
    9
    the grafic is wonderful and it s a very good strategy game. On my pc it never falls and i fink that if you have a powerful PC this is one of the best games that you can install. It s a MUST HAVE for every rts player!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  30. GregN
    Dec 23, 2009
    9
    I cant possibly believe the low scores given by people who claim to have "gaming" or "high-end" CPUs. I have a 5 year old CPU that runs the game a little slow with some chop but naval battles are clean. This game rocks!!!!
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 »