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. 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
  2. [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
  3. AdolfH
    Mar 6, 2009
    9
    EmpireTW is definetly a strategy game, the first few missions you might not have to think but after that you better get your thinking cap on and bunker down with some chips and beer cause your gonna be replaying alot of missions. Reminds me of the first time I played COH, just relax and think lol. Good graphics and runs smooth even on my semi-old puter, except for when you go in close to EmpireTW is definetly a strategy game, the first few missions you might not have to think but after that you better get your thinking cap on and bunker down with some chips and beer cause your gonna be replaying alot of missions. Reminds me of the first time I played COH, just relax and think lol. Good graphics and runs smooth even on my semi-old puter, except for when you go in close to watch the enemy general kiss his own arse ahahahah.… Expand
  4. TomL
    Mar 6, 2009
    9
    Great Game, I'm New to the total war franchise and i was blown away with the graphics and sound. The Battle tutorial and Road to independence campaign are well designed so that 'noobs' like me can pick up up the game in a few hours.. Yeah it does use steam to activate it, but it is the way forward, your game gets patched automatically, you can backup your purchased to Great Game, I'm New to the total war franchise and i was blown away with the graphics and sound. The Battle tutorial and Road to independence campaign are well designed so that 'noobs' like me can pick up up the game in a few hours.. Yeah it does use steam to activate it, but it is the way forward, your game gets patched automatically, you can backup your purchased to dvd-r's and the community around the game is good as well. Most modern gamers use steam and dont have problems with it, you can play the game 'offline' using steams offline game mode, once its been activated.… Expand
  5. Yaz
    Mar 7, 2009
    7
    This is certainly a good game, and the level of little features and detail in are astonishing. Unfortunately for the time being it only deserves a 7 due to the large amount of bugs and problems in the game (crashes, graphic glitches, unit unresponsiveness, stupid ai actions etc...). Once it fixes up these things I would rate it solidely at a 9. However until that time it's just This is certainly a good game, and the level of little features and detail in are astonishing. Unfortunately for the time being it only deserves a 7 due to the large amount of bugs and problems in the game (crashes, graphic glitches, unit unresponsiveness, stupid ai actions etc...). Once it fixes up these things I would rate it solidely at a 9. However until that time it's just another case of what could have been a great game ruined by what was probably a slightly rushed dev time since it's not finished.… Expand
  6. Czar
    Mar 8, 2009
    8
    Amazing depth of play - very exciting to watch the 3d RTS battles are just awesome. However, I am getting some weird graphical glitches glitches on a system that plays all games with very little problems. Also the whole steam set up was a pain as after installing from disk Steam decided it also need to be downloaded - luckily I am not the only one and some works-arounds can be found in Amazing depth of play - very exciting to watch the 3d RTS battles are just awesome. However, I am getting some weird graphical glitches glitches on a system that plays all games with very little problems. Also the whole steam set up was a pain as after installing from disk Steam decided it also need to be downloaded - luckily I am not the only one and some works-arounds can be found in forums - in short a brilliant game that just falls short due to some terrible polishing and distribution decisions. I have never been anti-steam but quickly heading that way.… Expand
  7. mikec
    Mar 8, 2009
    3
    All the great attrbutes are there sat on the screen, but constant crashes and a stupidly large amount of bugs have made the game unplayable until CA start pumping out some patches. The game looks amazing and the bits that work are great but, with all the problems id question whether CA were so rushed by sega to get the game out its not actually being finished. In short a major All the great attrbutes are there sat on the screen, but constant crashes and a stupidly large amount of bugs have made the game unplayable until CA start pumping out some patches. The game looks amazing and the bits that work are great but, with all the problems id question whether CA were so rushed by sega to get the game out its not actually being finished. In short a major disappointment and falls well short of the expectations after the classic and truely brilliant Rome TW.… Expand
  8. KorbinN
    Mar 9, 2009
    4
    I have played alot of games and most of them i bought day of or a couple days after their launch, and i have to say THIS HAS BEEN THE WORST GAME LAUNCH I HAVE EVER SEEN. I have played many Total War games (including my personal favorite Rome: Total War) and was extatic to hear about ETW, but haven even played it now and had it for 48+ hours. The Tech Support forums are jam packed and it I have played alot of games and most of them i bought day of or a couple days after their launch, and i have to say THIS HAS BEEN THE WORST GAME LAUNCH I HAVE EVER SEEN. I have played many Total War games (including my personal favorite Rome: Total War) and was extatic to hear about ETW, but haven even played it now and had it for 48+ hours. The Tech Support forums are jam packed and it seems that hundreds are complaining about gliches, bugs, crashes, freezes, and more. there is a 7 page thread about the problem i am having and countess others. The developers claim to " Have a patch in the works that will be out by the end of the week", but they have not commented on a single beg for advice, help, anything that we could do to fix minor problems. Honestly i would have rather waited an extra week for the release than have the game sitting infront of me calling my name and rereading the manual over and over again. I think this whole thing is a combination of poor customer support and a lapse of judgement on the developers part for releasing it to early.… Expand
  9. ScottK
    Mar 9, 2009
    8
    While it's easy to immerse yourself in the game, it's not nice to have the game crash 36 rounds into a campaign. Just when I've got to grips with my expanding empire I can no longer continue. Many others have this problem and there seems to be no solution. I guess it's going to be a long wait for the first patch. However, the worst thing about Total War is the use of While it's easy to immerse yourself in the game, it's not nice to have the game crash 36 rounds into a campaign. Just when I've got to grips with my expanding empire I can no longer continue. Many others have this problem and there seems to be no solution. I guess it's going to be a long wait for the first patch. However, the worst thing about Total War is the use of Steam. Why? It puts people off!… Expand
  10. 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.
  11. BrianL
    Mar 9, 2009
    8
    This is a great game... when it works. It works long enough to get serveral hours into a campaign then the campaign gets buged and unless you have a recent save... you may as well start over. I don't know quite what else to say its very frustrating that game developers feel it more important to get the game to market than to have it actually work correctly.
  12. ryans
    Apr 1, 2009
    6
    The epic scale of the land battles and the immersive campaign should have made this game one of the best, but problems like stupid AI and bugs bring it down a notch. I have had problems when selecting a fleet or dock and then having the game crash and having terrible lag during battles, but when the game does work it is very enjoyable and a good installment to the series. I only have to The epic scale of the land battles and the immersive campaign should have made this game one of the best, but problems like stupid AI and bugs bring it down a notch. I have had problems when selecting a fleet or dock and then having the game crash and having terrible lag during battles, but when the game does work it is very enjoyable and a good installment to the series. I only have to wonder what they were doing with all the time they delayed putting the game out. I waited for a year only to hear about more delays and they didn't fix the problems in it? I'd rather have a smooth-playing game than an extra nation or two. This game is good and worth the money, but until more patches come out it will cease to be great.… Expand
  13. LarsE
    Apr 1, 2009
    3
    Complicated installation Steam-sh... Wonder why is it necessary to provide Steam with user id - password an email just to install a purchased game. Could not start after closing. Graphics ok 10000 units is fine. Waiting time between losing or winning battles are killingly long... Camera is difficult to control and mini map are useless. Have been playing better turn-real time games before. Complicated installation Steam-sh... Wonder why is it necessary to provide Steam with user id - password an email just to install a purchased game. Could not start after closing. Graphics ok 10000 units is fine. Waiting time between losing or winning battles are killingly long... Camera is difficult to control and mini map are useless. Have been playing better turn-real time games before. Sorry nothing new under the sun.… Expand
  14. AlV
    Apr 1, 2009
    2
    I am truly sorry I have to rate the game so low; I wore out my Rome-TW and Medieval-TW CD
  15. HughE.
    Apr 10, 2009
    0
    This is the worst game I have ever bought, and I love the total war franchise. The game is full of bugs, it constantly crashes and despite my pc being top specs and able to run Crysis on full settings it strugles on medium on this game. The real annoyance though is that I paid £40 on steam and I steam don't do refunds. Well done Creative Assembly you've just made sure I This is the worst game I have ever bought, and I love the total war franchise. The game is full of bugs, it constantly crashes and despite my pc being top specs and able to run Crysis on full settings it strugles on medium on this game. The real annoyance though is that I paid £40 on steam and I steam don't do refunds. Well done Creative Assembly you've just made sure I never buy a product off of you again. What a steaming pile of **** this game is. Every copy of it should be burnt. Rant over… Expand
  16. RLT
    Apr 12, 2009
    4
    Money is a bit too tight. Units a bit AI dumb. Ships difficult to control. Too few countries to play. The nation building process is kinda... bland? Too difficult to get nations to trade with you, let alone be allies. There could have / should have been alot more to this game.
  17. MacM
    Apr 12, 2009
    4
    I bought this game on release day. To date (12th Apr 09) I think I have accrued something like 3-4 hours of play. Potentially, the game is astounding and complex, but in reality it is so bugged that it is unplayable at most times. I cannot give an in depth review of the game as every time I play it, it crashes randomly in all types of different areas of the game. The developers keep I bought this game on release day. To date (12th Apr 09) I think I have accrued something like 3-4 hours of play. Potentially, the game is astounding and complex, but in reality it is so bugged that it is unplayable at most times. I cannot give an in depth review of the game as every time I play it, it crashes randomly in all types of different areas of the game. The developers keep informing us in the official forums that they are working on fixes and they also claim that recent patches via steam have fixed some of the crash issues. I disagree, it still crashes when it feels like it. I have a decent gaming rig, and for the past 12 months or so I have bought lots of games. ETW is just another game in the string of failures that is plaguing PC gaming of late. This being that we are suffering from releases that are either just not ready, or are console ports that are badly optimized. Occasionally, there are games that suprise me and require little or no searching of website and forums in the hope of finding user created fixes, but ETW is not one of them. The steam forums, and elsewhere are full of people who still cannot play this game without it failing, and for me, CA and Sega need to address the issue with this game.… Expand
  18. ChristianB
    Apr 17, 2009
    7
    Great game in the tradition of Total War. We can regret the absence of Hot-Seat option that made Miedieval II such a great success.
  19. DougH
    Apr 19, 2009
    5
    Boring. Not bad, but boring. That about sums it up. Ignore the reviewers, the player base knows what it is talking about. Yes, it features the American War of Independence. If that is enough of a reason to buy a game go and watch ID4 - it's cheaper and requires less mental work or frustration. This era of combat highlights the weakest points of an engine that was design for the Boring. Not bad, but boring. That about sums it up. Ignore the reviewers, the player base knows what it is talking about. Yes, it features the American War of Independence. If that is enough of a reason to buy a game go and watch ID4 - it's cheaper and requires less mental work or frustration. This era of combat highlights the weakest points of an engine that was design for the fast-paced, fluid and, above all, clever nature of warfare in feudal Japan. It's MTW with only archers and catapults. Cavalry have a huge sign over their heads saying "Kill me". So you line up your archers, they line up theirs and it's attrition time. Like WWI without the machine guns. Boring and depressing. Don't even get me started on the AI tactical behaviour in seiges or when they're under enfilade fire or when deploying to remote corners of the map, cunningly avoiding any concentration of force. It is impossible to move units through towns or along the seige walls - the game will just ignore you half of the time. I see this as a direct result of what the game engine was meant to do, and this is not it.… Expand
  20. PetriJ
    Apr 1, 2009
    6
    The game would be perfect, if it wouldnt have so many bugs and crashes. Please make the games ready before the beginning of the sale. If the game dosn´t be soon playable its going to be the last Sega game that I buy.
  21. VladM
    Apr 21, 2009
    2
    I have been a fan of the series since Shogun. So far the each new release was a triumph. While being rather sceptic towards changes introduced in "Rome", I had finally started liking the new campaign map. Unfortunatelly the newest game is not what I expected to get for my 30 quid. AI sucks big time. I have single handedly kicked around all the countries in Europe on the highest level I have been a fan of the series since Shogun. So far the each new release was a triumph. While being rather sceptic towards changes introduced in "Rome", I had finally started liking the new campaign map. Unfortunatelly the newest game is not what I expected to get for my 30 quid. AI sucks big time. I have single handedly kicked around all the countries in Europe on the highest level without even ONE putting up a decent fight. Campaign map is very difficult to read. And the "steam"... well I was not impressed by the instalation process. I am depressed now. I was SO looking forward to this game... Luckily I still have MTW2 installed. Back to the real game.… Expand
  22. 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.
  23. cedrickF
    Apr 21, 2009
    6
    I'm a Totalwar games fan. Let's says an addict as I spent more than 1000 hours on the first games (from shogun to Mtw2). For now I'm very disapointed with Empire . This could be a great game but as the things are for now, we have a "Colonial empire building game" where the AI DON'T NO HOW TO embarq and disembarq troops !!! Let's say the game is less challenging I'm a Totalwar games fan. Let's says an addict as I spent more than 1000 hours on the first games (from shogun to Mtw2). For now I'm very disapointed with Empire . This could be a great game but as the things are for now, we have a "Colonial empire building game" where the AI DON'T NO HOW TO embarq and disembarq troops !!! Let's say the game is less challenging with this bug. And it's really not the only one.… Expand
  24. andyc
    Apr 20, 2009
    7
    It looks great no denying that but the it just doesnt provide the emersion of the previous incarnations. The land based warfare is adequate but awkward and the sea based combat is clunky and slow. The main map screen has a lot more going on which works to some degree, forcing you to take a more proactive approach to playing the game but at the same time somehow the added complexities It looks great no denying that but the it just doesnt provide the emersion of the previous incarnations. The land based warfare is adequate but awkward and the sea based combat is clunky and slow. The main map screen has a lot more going on which works to some degree, forcing you to take a more proactive approach to playing the game but at the same time somehow the added complexities detract from the enjoyment usually garned from the riskesque portions. In all this game is impressive and a technical achievement but also a disappointment.… Expand
  25. LukeM.
    Apr 25, 2009
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  26. AMC
    Apr 29, 2009
    3
    2 months in this game is as unstable as it was at launch. It has the potential to be the game of the year, if not the decade. Essentially it is a bug ridden mess that should ahve been tested for another 6 months. Looks like SEGA stuffed up the TW series by shoving this down our throats. Also...WHY DOES IT NEED STEAM? 90% of customers will buy this for the single player Grand Campaign.
  27. richardm
    Apr 29, 2009
    0
    Buggy piece of crap is all this is. And no i dont hate Steam. I just hate buying a game that gets ratings of 10's from major magazines and sites only to find out the game is less fun than checkers. AI is HORRIBLE and too many bugs for me. anyone that says different is a fanboy because ETW is BUGGY as heck for EVERYONE. AVOID!!
  28. JonathonM
    Apr 7, 2009
    9
    This game is extre,memly good and worth the rating i give it. THere are a few bugs such as i cant select Gilbratar's port without it crashing from overloading it with ships but then again this game's graphics are great and the campaign map is way better. The ship battle's are fun and i love seeing other peoples ships just explode into a bagillion little peices. People have This game is extre,memly good and worth the rating i give it. THere are a few bugs such as i cant select Gilbratar's port without it crashing from overloading it with ships but then again this game's graphics are great and the campaign map is way better. The ship battle's are fun and i love seeing other peoples ships just explode into a bagillion little peices. People have toremember trhis though this is an RTS that is trying to run on FPS graphics and that takes a toll on someone's computer even on medium. The AI is a bit buggy and i wish they could make it so the AI can put troops on ships otherwise britain is invincible against the computer in campaign. Overall it is a very good game that people should be a bit more patient with and hopefully very soon these bugs will become less common.… Expand
  29. MikeA
    May 10, 2009
    0
    I have played all the total war games and have been impressed. When I heard they were going to release empire I was very excited. That was until I purchased the game and it flat out just doesnt work on my computer. The game itself looks really cool, but I'm just going to have to return it....shit is just to much of a hastle and I feel like CA could have done a better job in creating I have played all the total war games and have been impressed. When I heard they were going to release empire I was very excited. That was until I purchased the game and it flat out just doesnt work on my computer. The game itself looks really cool, but I'm just going to have to return it....shit is just to much of a hastle and I feel like CA could have done a better job in creating a game that would work for everyone. VERY DISAPPOINTED.… Expand
  30. PoorFool
    May 12, 2009
    4
    Game looks like it might be cool but i cant get past steam yet to play it... its crashed on me twice and when it finally started working it said i have to download a crapload of patches before it will 'allow' me to play(guess the game was so crappy they dont want you to see how it was when they released it, lol). Yeah, thats a good way to keep me interested Creative Assembly. Game looks like it might be cool but i cant get past steam yet to play it... its crashed on me twice and when it finally started working it said i have to download a crapload of patches before it will 'allow' me to play(guess the game was so crappy they dont want you to see how it was when they released it, lol). Yeah, thats a good way to keep me interested Creative Assembly. not to mention i wont be able to play this at my friends house who doesnt have i-net.… Expand
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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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