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. MartijnS
    Mar 6, 2009
    4
    Being a very big fan of the TW serie this one is a TOTAL dissapointment. The sea battles are 1 big chaos, the campaign map(s) and interface are totally redone and not for the better.(Have been playing for 4 hours) There are only 3! scenario battles, which is just cheap compared to RTW and M2TW. The only thing that makes me not give this game a 1 or a 2 is that the land battles are Being a very big fan of the TW serie this one is a TOTAL dissapointment. The sea battles are 1 big chaos, the campaign map(s) and interface are totally redone and not for the better.(Have been playing for 4 hours) There are only 3! scenario battles, which is just cheap compared to RTW and M2TW. The only thing that makes me not give this game a 1 or a 2 is that the land battles are so-so(Most of the tactic is GONE when you play PvP) and the hope that will make DLC with extra scenario's. Next time I'll wont be buying the Total War games WITHOUT trying it for myself at a friends. Creative Assembly, this time you failed.....epic.… Expand
  2. 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
  3. AttilaCsatari
    Mar 6, 2009
    8
    9 for the game -5 for "Steam". As we used with the earlier versions of TW but with enchancments like sea battles and building you can inhabite on battlefield. Terrible the way activating with "steam" and the need if you want to play! Come on! I am certain that a pirated version is better and I am started to wonder why I've bought mine from store with all these "hocus-pocus"...
  4. 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
  5. daveh
    Mar 6, 2009
    4
    Great game,Steam is a load of poo.For this reason,I would recommend not buying it for that reason,had crashes like John R.Plus other games on steam simply dont work,such as MLB Manager,called steam and got no help.I assume no help will be forth comming on Empire's crashing.I am so disappointed,I got the special forces version,and assumed I can build my HMS victory,and of course I Great game,Steam is a load of poo.For this reason,I would recommend not buying it for that reason,had crashes like John R.Plus other games on steam simply dont work,such as MLB Manager,called steam and got no help.I assume no help will be forth comming on Empire's crashing.I am so disappointed,I got the special forces version,and assumed I can build my HMS victory,and of course I cant because steam messed up the download.Interface is nice but it is harder to switch citys and harder to click and build stuff.I am going back to Medieval 2 and the kingdoms expansion for my nation building playing time.… Expand
  6. NemY
    Mar 6, 2009
    1
    This game shoud never have been released as is, steam is a load of crap. Games like this should have the option of playing online is the user wishes to do so. It took me forever to get the game loaded up and updated through steam. I have been a strong supporter of the Total War series from the very first Shogun Total War, but if Creative Assembly and SEGA insist on using steam for other This game shoud never have been released as is, steam is a load of crap. Games like this should have the option of playing online is the user wishes to do so. It took me forever to get the game loaded up and updated through steam. I have been a strong supporter of the Total War series from the very first Shogun Total War, but if Creative Assembly and SEGA insist on using steam for other releases, I'm staying away from your prducts, and from what I've read and heard, alot of people will aswell.… Expand
  7. NathanM
    Mar 6, 2009
    9
    The AI still makes occasionally strange decisions on the battlefield, but is more flexible. Strategically, it demonstrates competency at normal difficulties, have yet to determine its abilities on hard. Graphically, it looks wonderful, and the gameplay is deep (perhaps a little too deep on first glance) if you can overcome the initial shock of seeing so much going down on the campaign The AI still makes occasionally strange decisions on the battlefield, but is more flexible. Strategically, it demonstrates competency at normal difficulties, have yet to determine its abilities on hard. Graphically, it looks wonderful, and the gameplay is deep (perhaps a little too deep on first glance) if you can overcome the initial shock of seeing so much going down on the campaign map. An excellent game, relatively bug-free so far for me. The one thing people seem to hate the most is the inclusion of STEAM, but to be honest I've never had a problem with the program, and I've been using it since 2005. It has yet to crash on me once. Ignore the ranting and raving about how obnoxious STEAM is, and get this game.… Expand
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. JamesB
    Mar 5, 2009
    0
    I loved the demo. I own all the other total war games, Unfortuneately, steam totally ruins this one. I have recieved multiple error messages from Steam while just trying to install such that I haven't even been able to play the game yet. Steam's trouble shooting section on the web is very complex and lists hundreds of possible things that could be wrong. I had some difficulty I loved the demo. I own all the other total war games, Unfortuneately, steam totally ruins this one. I have recieved multiple error messages from Steam while just trying to install such that I haven't even been able to play the game yet. Steam's trouble shooting section on the web is very complex and lists hundreds of possible things that could be wrong. I had some difficulty with getting the demo to work and realized that I didn't want to buy the game via steam so I brought the box. Unfortuneately, you need steam to install and probably also to play! Don't buy this game unless this steam issue is resolved. By the way I sent a message to SEGA support two days ago. They sent me a acknowledgement email only so far. If I ran my business or treated my customers this way I would no longer jave a job. Total war and SEGA have bombed this one and all of you who are having the same problems as me should get your money back.… Expand
  11. THoban
    Mar 5, 2009
    7
    The game looks great and the battlefield really comes alive, but the AI remains as dumb as ever. I haven't lost a battle yet because the AI doesn't protect it's artillery. This means that things are a (very pretty) pushover. Hopefullly the promised multiplayer campaign patch will provide some decent human opponents :)
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. Dane.
    Mar 5, 2009
    2
    I agree with the above post. Plus you obviously need a int connection. I know this may seem like a strange complaint, but a developer shouldn't be forcing things on you. To be honest its not really a total war game anyway. The map is far too big(this would not be bad if it was done well) but it isnt. France is one region, and Britain is two, its seems to me like they've just I agree with the above post. Plus you obviously need a int connection. I know this may seem like a strange complaint, but a developer shouldn't be forcing things on you. To be honest its not really a total war game anyway. The map is far too big(this would not be bad if it was done well) but it isnt. France is one region, and Britain is two, its seems to me like they've just taken some provinces out of Europe and labelled them America @ India. Half of it isn't even provinces just "wilderness". It goes on . . .The game certainly does not deserve the credit its getting. Its still solid but i expected more from CA, thus the 2 stars. (Oh, and they've reverted back to clone armies).… Expand
  19. JakeL
    Mar 5, 2009
    9
    A excellent game, well worth the wait. great interface, great battle, massive campaign (but slightly confusing at first). The Inderpendance campaign is a great way of introducing both experienced and new players to the game. A great update from Medieval 2. Only minor problems such as minor pathfinding issue and sometimes chaotic battles, and of course Steam, but overall a great game and A excellent game, well worth the wait. great interface, great battle, massive campaign (but slightly confusing at first). The Inderpendance campaign is a great way of introducing both experienced and new players to the game. A great update from Medieval 2. Only minor problems such as minor pathfinding issue and sometimes chaotic battles, and of course Steam, but overall a great game and well worth the wait.… Expand
  20. MojoJojo
    Mar 5, 2009
    8
    Over all a good game, but it still seems to suffer from the usual TW flaws. Units turn to ugly sprites zoomed out, AI is a bit wonky (it IS better now though), units sometimes decide they want to go in odd directions unless you really baby sit them. What really has me worried is that this one looks a lot harder to mod than some of their past games, and those mods really bring the realism Over all a good game, but it still seems to suffer from the usual TW flaws. Units turn to ugly sprites zoomed out, AI is a bit wonky (it IS better now though), units sometimes decide they want to go in odd directions unless you really baby sit them. What really has me worried is that this one looks a lot harder to mod than some of their past games, and those mods really bring the realism into the game that CA seems to forgo.… Expand
  21. YvesV
    Mar 5, 2009
    0
    I took a lot of my sparse free time to get my steam account going again, to get the game installed, only to find out it doesn't run. "Not available at this time, try again later". I paid for this game! I should not have to try again later.

    I will NEVER EVER by a steam game again.

    And as it is, I spent 50 Euro's on something that is currently not working at all.
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. JenLovering
    Mar 5, 2009
    3
    You would think this is a multi-platform console release judging by all the dumbing down they did across the board. Also, loading times are way too long. If you're not obsessed with graphics, stick with Medieval: Total War (yes the first one). It's still the best and most fun of the TW games.
  26. DanielC
    Mar 5, 2009
    8
    This is a great game, but it currently has a few drawbacks. I have played Total War games since Shogun and this I think is by far the best. The Campaign is much more dynamic and interesting and battles have more of the tactical element. Furthermore, AI is vastly improved! On the down side, it currently crashes a lot, save every turn till this is taken care of. Also I have at lest the This is a great game, but it currently has a few drawbacks. I have played Total War games since Shogun and this I think is by far the best. The Campaign is much more dynamic and interesting and battles have more of the tactical element. Furthermore, AI is vastly improved! On the down side, it currently crashes a lot, save every turn till this is taken care of. Also I have at lest the recommended specs and the battles, even small ones, lag horribly when you get near any troops. I have to run it on medium-low settings and it still lags. Also Load times are drawn-out. But I think all of the problems can able addressed in a patch or three, and despite these problems it is still a good game.… Expand
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. Steinus
    Mar 5, 2009
    9
    It's an amazing game, but the reason for why I don't give it a 10 is:

    Poor pathfinding, not only in sieges, but in all battles with high altidude differences. HMS Victory is painted in a colour she had in the 19th century, not the 18th. She was red originally. Well, I can't list all the mistakes... Worth buying nonetheless, but if you're a history freak    It's an amazing game, but the reason for why I don't give it a 10 is:

    Poor pathfinding, not only in sieges, but in all battles with high altidude differences.

    HMS Victory is painted in a colour she had in the 19th century, not the 18th. She was red originally.

    Well, I can't list all the mistakes... Worth buying nonetheless, but if you're a history freak you're gonna have some akward moments of "huh?"    … 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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