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. Dimppa
    Dec 12, 2013
    6
    After playing somewhat 500 hours with Medieval II it was a shock to play Empire. I understand that they didn't want to do something over and over again, but i really missed family tree duo to that it's missing everything and everyone fell hollow. AI was here bad but not much from Medi II. (or it might be duo to mods that i had more than 20) Also i never like whole 17 19-Century timeAfter playing somewhat 500 hours with Medieval II it was a shock to play Empire. I understand that they didn't want to do something over and over again, but i really missed family tree duo to that it's missing everything and everyone fell hollow. AI was here bad but not much from Medi II. (or it might be duo to mods that i had more than 20) Also i never like whole 17 19-Century time period.
    But if you like muskets and ships it's still a good game    … Expand
  2. Zabatsue
    Jul 11, 2013
    9
    People do not give this game or CA enough credit for this game. The sheer scale of the battles and the size of the campaign map is almost unrivaled and it makes the player feel like they are actually conquering the known world from the 18th century. Sea battles are a welcome addition to the series, and though unit variety is rather low. The game makes up for this with the added tactics ofPeople do not give this game or CA enough credit for this game. The sheer scale of the battles and the size of the campaign map is almost unrivaled and it makes the player feel like they are actually conquering the known world from the 18th century. Sea battles are a welcome addition to the series, and though unit variety is rather low. The game makes up for this with the added tactics of a primarily ranged army. The only flaw with Empire is the easy and sometimes stupid AI. Players are forced to wait or sacrifice their soldiers because they are unresponsive. To make up for this players can install a variety of Mods to the game that increase the Unit cap and add additional nations and units to make the game more realistic… Expand
  3. Jackpp1997
    Aug 12, 2013
    8
    I have spent over 500 hours on this and this was my first PC and steam game i bought with my own money this game is really fun and if you are a fan of strategy games then you will enjoy this game.
  4. iddqd4
    Mar 16, 2018
    8
    Этот текст здесь для того что бы оценка отобразилась в моем профиле.
  5. SchnitzelPoof
    Dec 7, 2013
    8
    What differentiates a good game from a great game, is whether you would reinstall it years after playing the first time, and despite its flaws, Empire: Total War manages to capture my imagination again and again.
    If you are a fan of the period, large scale battles filled with musket wielding infantry, cuirassiers, and bronze cannons, or immense wooden ship unleashing devastating    What differentiates a good game from a great game, is whether you would reinstall it years after playing the first time, and despite its flaws, Empire: Total War manages to capture my imagination again and again.
    If you are a fan of the period, large scale battles filled with musket wielding infantry, cuirassiers, and bronze cannons, or immense wooden ship unleashing devastating broadsides on each other, you owe yourself to try this game.
    Add a mod like Darthmod, and you get an experience that no other strategy game managed to deliver up to this date.
    Unfortunately, despite the importance of diplomacy to 18th century politics, and the many factions that appear in Empire: TW, the game still lacks in that department, so if you're interested more in negotiations than in combat, there are better options in the market.    … Expand
  6. lifeofbrian
    Dec 1, 2014
    7
    Its a solid game. However unfortunately they left the game riddled with bugs. I just picked the game up after years of not playing it and lo and behold the game will still continue to freeze on occasion when you say to start a next turn. This was a problem that the game had back in 2009 when it launched. Basically buyer beware.
  7. Efa
    Apr 18, 2014
    10
    My undisputed favorite from the Total War series.
    Only complaint is the AI's inability to conduct naval invasions of other land masses + India.
    Great economy, scale and the best style of naval combat from any of the games.
  8. bonaros75
    Sep 5, 2013
    10
    Empire Total War, while still a great game in itself, fails to live up to the standards of the previous two and ends up swimming in a sea of mistakes and flaws which weren't there before. Graphically, it is an improvement, although the strategic map seems a lot less friendly and intuitive, while the colours are not as well chosen. However, the biggest problem consists in the simplifying ofEmpire Total War, while still a great game in itself, fails to live up to the standards of the previous two and ends up swimming in a sea of mistakes and flaws which weren't there before. Graphically, it is an improvement, although the strategic map seems a lot less friendly and intuitive, while the colours are not as well chosen. However, the biggest problem consists in the simplifying of core areas, such as building upgrades, or the diplomacy system. There's only a very limited number of buildings to choose from, everything else being upgrades to those 4 or 5 base buildings per settlement. I really resent this. Diplomacy feels less personal and more robotic, while a lot of incentives to play are not there anymore. A good thing are the naval battles, nicely designed, very realistic and atmospheric, but this is not an excuse for neglecting a lot of core areas of the game which were previously sound. Too bad, there was huge potential.… Expand
  9. Thatweirdguy
    Dec 8, 2013
    9
    Awesome Game completely different to when it was launched but now its like the best game ever ..Heaps of fun with many countries and Unit DLCs The Conquest of america is just the best of the game ..Gave it a 9/10 is because i hate that artillery don't even route when the battle is over ..Other Stuff its great
  10. jamesphillip198
    Sep 14, 2013
    6
    This game has good new features that weren't polished enough, and the AI leaves much to wish for. Once you conquered 5 to 6 cities is pretty much game over. The AI never really puts a challenge against you, and spams trade ships like crazy instead of a solid fleet. It's enjoyable with mods, but the vanilla game as a 'meh' feeling to it.
  11. pierrem
    Sep 25, 2014
    8
    Without the bugs, this game would deserve 10. At its launch it was but a lousy beta, but now, without the crash and slowings in siege battles, it would be perfect. Anyway this game proved that CA is unable to deliver anything but a beta on release date.
  12. sacredzak
    Jan 14, 2014
    10
    All I need to say is....... BEST GAME EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  13. pig_lickin_bob
    Sep 22, 2013
    2
    I love Total war games, Rome and Medieval 2 have never left my hard drive since i installed them, but I have to say that empire total war is an abomination of Total war games First of it takes way to long to load, the grand campaign is more of a course in micro management then an actual game, and the campaign AI do F-all in the way of attacking me. The sea battles do redeem the game aI love Total war games, Rome and Medieval 2 have never left my hard drive since i installed them, but I have to say that empire total war is an abomination of Total war games First of it takes way to long to load, the grand campaign is more of a course in micro management then an actual game, and the campaign AI do F-all in the way of attacking me. The sea battles do redeem the game a bit, but as the only highlight this is very poor. The Battle AI is more likely to glitch and send a single file of men against you then have tactics, and the hanging point of battle is supposed to be the musketeers, but it takes a couple of volleys from your WHOLE ARMY to destroy one unit. The garrison able buildings and forts are a poor replacement for the cities and castles of earlier games and provide the enemy with an easy target more then give you any defensive value. Cannons would be helpful in battles if they killed more then 3 enemy units a shot. Overall a sad disappointment after the previous games, this game has a boring grand campaign, HORRIBLE AI, ineffective units and repetitive battles. ALSO ALL THE UNITS LOOK THE REALLY SIMILAR! WTFs UP WITH THAT?!… Expand
  14. EnNombreDeDios
    Dec 21, 2013
    10
    MAJOR improvement over the past total wars! nothing to complain best rts in its year... great campain map,, realy HUGE, many different units, each faction has its own special units etc, also improved diplomatic (still not the best but ok) AI sucks somtimes but its decent and realy improved again.
  15. total
    Jan 27, 2014
    10
    It is a great game highly recommend it too series fans and newcomers alike. The only problem I have with it is the diplomacy. That is one of the biggest problem that is in all of the total war games. Why don't outer country's want too trade? also one outer thing. This is a great single player but if you want online
    Napoleon: Total War is much better online game then this one. In    It is a great game highly recommend it too series fans and newcomers alike. The only problem I have with it is the diplomacy. That is one of the biggest problem that is in all of the total war games. Why don't outer country's want too trade? also one outer thing. This is a great single player but if you want online
    Napoleon: Total War is much better online game then this one. In Napoleon The graphics are way better, there are more maps to play on and there a lot more units to use in battle.

    On the outer hand Empire way better in single player then Napoleon. In Empire the map is way bigger, a lot more factions to play as and you have a lot more freedom. In Napoleon you have to go by what they did in history in Empire you don't. So you want a vary good single player get this one but if you want a vary online Napoleon Total War is the one to go with    … Expand
  16. maor4774
    Jan 23, 2014
    9
    this game is one of the best in the total war sries, the map is huge and with many nations to play, the battles from india to america and all around europe make you fell like you are in the 1700s, it is one of the best RTS games i have ever played, it have few problems like the not so good AI, and the minor bugs but in the it a great game and every RTS fan sould love it.
  17. Scottyv2
    Feb 13, 2014
    6
    I can't say that I exactly enjoyed the hell out of it, it seemed to be more marketed for casual gamers who just pick it up and play for an hour then go outside with friends. When I would be playing this it would be for at least 2 hours minimum and I just can't enjoy it, even with darthmod increasing the re playability. The battles just aren't as epic as Napoleon that came afterword andI can't say that I exactly enjoyed the hell out of it, it seemed to be more marketed for casual gamers who just pick it up and play for an hour then go outside with friends. When I would be playing this it would be for at least 2 hours minimum and I just can't enjoy it, even with darthmod increasing the re playability. The battles just aren't as epic as Napoleon that came afterword and there came a point that I just auto resolved all my battles and won. After that win I just couldn't enjoy it, so couldn't give it a very high score over all.… Expand
  18. eblaster
    Mar 25, 2014
    10
    based on other reviews i thought the game was bad but then i got it i love its my favorite game lots of people say its bad well i dont its a great game for people that like strategy and war.
  19. Jomanponer
    Jun 9, 2014
    10
    Not sure what everyone is complaining about, I thought this game was fun as hell. Good unit selection, nice size maps, long and satisfying campaign, good campaign plot or story as well. Very fun multiplayer just alot of fun in general. Things I would have liked is that I found that their was limited carnage. When I play the other total wars their is destruction everywhere and it feelsNot sure what everyone is complaining about, I thought this game was fun as hell. Good unit selection, nice size maps, long and satisfying campaign, good campaign plot or story as well. Very fun multiplayer just alot of fun in general. Things I would have liked is that I found that their was limited carnage. When I play the other total wars their is destruction everywhere and it feels real, which I want in empire total war however its a a few scattered bodies in a huge map, and I think more melee units would be nice.… Expand
  20. Cam_53
    Aug 16, 2014
    5
    Great game until i get to the year 1760 then it crashes have tried all fixes and nothing works so half the rating for a half playable game disappointed overall.
  21. Lucelin
    Aug 22, 2014
    8
    Empire Total War is my Favorite to play of the Total war series, including Shogun 2, and Rome 2. The first of the series to include real time naval combat, and what a great job they have done. The game looks beautiful and its combat mechanics are sound.

    There are still a few issues particularly with cavalry, (as there are with all the total wars so far), with the units splitting up over    Empire Total War is my Favorite to play of the Total war series, including Shogun 2, and Rome 2. The first of the series to include real time naval combat, and what a great job they have done. The game looks beautiful and its combat mechanics are sound.

    There are still a few issues particularly with cavalry, (as there are with all the total wars so far), with the units splitting up over a large area and not staying in cohesion, particularly when chasing down routing enemies. Have had the odd bug where both reinforcement troops for player and PC wont completely come onto the map and therefore are there but cannot be controlled.

    The game does use massive resources and load times are a little longer than i would like, but with graphics turned right down, is acceptable. Like all the total war games, I am not so fussed with graphics but absolutely adore the game play.

    The introduction of the technology tree is an interesting addition to the game that I'm not particularly for or against but does add some depth. Improvements have been made in diplomacy and trade as well but still not quite where i wold like to see them.

    I want to be able to tell another country to make peace with an enemy not just declare war.

    Empire Total War is a massive leap forward for the franchise for the time and overall is a massive success. Thank You Creative Assembly    … Expand
  22. Mr_Bismark
    Sep 13, 2014
    8
    First off this game requires a powerful computer in order for the game not to lag so badly. This game is literally addicting and contains many campaigns and scenarios to choose from. The main American campaign should be played to get an understanding of the game and to get used to the controls in a battle and economic management. The map is huge divided into 3 main theaters of NorthFirst off this game requires a powerful computer in order for the game not to lag so badly. This game is literally addicting and contains many campaigns and scenarios to choose from. The main American campaign should be played to get an understanding of the game and to get used to the controls in a battle and economic management. The map is huge divided into 3 main theaters of North America(Doesn't have the western United States but compensates with parts of South America), India , and Europe( Contains a small part of Northern Africa). The overall pros of this games are the huge near global map, 10ish nations (campaigns) to play as and a difficulty setting of easy to insane, religion plays a role, unexpected moves from allies,neutral, or enemy nations while in game, graphics are very good if you have a high resolution. The cons which are minor are the unrealistic time from which when you click end turn it takes 6 game months,Rare bugs,and a long wait time for other nations to take their turns because of the large amount of nations which can take 1 to 2 minutes when placed in fast forward. Overall Best Strategy game I have ever play with little to no bugs and it's very addicting with so many scenarios.… Expand
  23. rangermankin
    Sep 25, 2014
    10
    Empire: Total War is an amazingly vast and epic journey that spans the globe more than any of its predecessors or children. Want to invade India, mount war elephants and then ship them to the US to prevent the American revolution? Then do it! It was buggy and extremely frustrating (mainly because I was enjoying it so much) at first but after the tears of patches it runs well and you canEmpire: Total War is an amazingly vast and epic journey that spans the globe more than any of its predecessors or children. Want to invade India, mount war elephants and then ship them to the US to prevent the American revolution? Then do it! It was buggy and extremely frustrating (mainly because I was enjoying it so much) at first but after the tears of patches it runs well and you can finish an epic 150 hour game with no problem. It's inexpensive and thrilling. If you like history, strategy, and real time tactical combat on a massive scale then get it and judge for your self.… Expand
  24. Levin
    Aug 9, 2015
    7
    Total war has been around for quite some time, and I have bought and played all of them since the initial Shogun. The expanded campaign map is welcome and the trading ports, Naval warfare likewise. Lots of pluses that is, but there are drawbacks as well. To me, those drawbacks are "blocker bugs". Blocker bugs would be something that would prevent the game from being released. PreviousTotal war has been around for quite some time, and I have bought and played all of them since the initial Shogun. The expanded campaign map is welcome and the trading ports, Naval warfare likewise. Lots of pluses that is, but there are drawbacks as well. To me, those drawbacks are "blocker bugs". Blocker bugs would be something that would prevent the game from being released. Previous Total war games has had a few, but I am amazed that a franchise that's been around for so long still has issues like this. After half an hour of navigating three ships against nine enemy ships, having one left and aaaaalmost winning the battle and the game freezes... The graphics are also quite bad. Room for improvement. Yay!… Expand
  25. amontillado
    Mar 27, 2015
    6
    If you are a fan of the Total War series, this is an adequate entry, but it isn't a strong one. The interface can be confusing, at first, and many of the simplified battle mechanics are more complex - so you need to take some time to learn it. This feature, in particular, is frustrating when you're very first campaign mission begins with a battle and there is little intuition from theIf you are a fan of the Total War series, this is an adequate entry, but it isn't a strong one. The interface can be confusing, at first, and many of the simplified battle mechanics are more complex - so you need to take some time to learn it. This feature, in particular, is frustrating when you're very first campaign mission begins with a battle and there is little intuition from the interface; especially frustrating if you're a veteran of the series and feel like an idiot for not understanding.

    Yet, much of the commentary about the frustration of the battle mechanics, campaign, etc. boils down to a problem of the developer's goals and gamer audience needs'. From the gamer's POV, we want a streamlined, intuitive system so we can jump right into the game and explore it. We want the immersion of the experience without being jolted out of it by bugs or gameplay failures. From the developer's standpoint, the feeling is that they wanted to bring home the realism of battle in that time, shooting for historical accuracy as much as possible. What got sacrificed in a spirit of authenticity was streamlined gameplay.

    It does bring home how rain affected battles when you the general have to navigate through the fog of war, essentially. It brought home how spread these empires were and how much time, concentration, and energy went into establishing a global network in a time when information moved slower. And it does bring home the frustration of navigating troops and ships prior to the telegraph and much later, radio-based communication.

    So what we have is a game that from an historical standpoint, fairly accurate. From the gamer standpoint, very obnoxious. Puzzling, do we reject or accept it, but we cannot do either as it won on one perspective but lost another. If you play this, choose which way you want to approach it, for if you approach it as just a game then you will be disappointed. If you approach it as a simulation of an historical period, you will find some enjoyment, but it does test your resolve and patience. And that, is probably why it does not score as high as it could have.    … Expand
  26. Cech
    May 16, 2017
    10
    Одна из двух лучших стратегий в истории игр

    Не считаю, что рядом с "Империей" и её предшественником "Наполеоном" (вторая лучшая стратегия в истории игр) что-то может даже рядом стоять Тут можно захватить мир и это не выглядит так скучно и нелепо как в "Цивилизации" (не считаю её плохой, но как стратегия слабее в разы) Несколько кампаний, исторические и неисторические события по    Одна из двух лучших стратегий в истории игр

    Не считаю, что рядом с "Империей" и её предшественником "Наполеоном" (вторая лучшая стратегия в истории игр) что-то может даже рядом стоять

    Тут можно захватить мир и это не выглядит так скучно и нелепо как в "Цивилизации" (не считаю её плохой, но как стратегия слабее в разы)

    Несколько кампаний, исторические и неисторические события по вашему желанию. Герои - вполне реальные правители, генералы, адмиралы, министры и, возможно, представители спецслужб.

    В ней есть всё, что мы любим
    - война: эпичные битвы на земле и моркие баталии;
    - отношения: торговля, коалиции, убеждения, угрозы, подкуп и коварство;
    - красивый внешний вид;
    - разнообразные локации;
    - есть место для ролевого отыгрыша;
    - строительство поселений; (привет, Тодд)
    - прокачка, исследования, апгрейд;
    - шпионаж, религиозный бунт и даже государственный переворот, и я не всё в силах перечислить.    … Expand
  27. PisiEfendi
    Jul 23, 2015
    10
    Perfect game. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  28. Redwarrior1up
    Sep 11, 2015
    8
    One of the better entries into the Total War series, it has its highs and lows.

    Pros: The game finally opened the world map with the base game although some earlier adaptations had given peaks into the Americas and other areas. The expanded unit selection felt greatly improved over most games in the series who offered only a few unit types with little difference in play style. Cons:    One of the better entries into the Total War series, it has its highs and lows.

    Pros: The game finally opened the world map with the base game although some earlier adaptations had given peaks into the Americas and other areas. The expanded unit selection felt greatly improved over most games in the series who offered only a few unit types with little difference in play style.

    Cons: The AI will anger most people to no end, for something as simple as colonial era line infantry you'd think it'd be easy to nail down decent mechanics, most units will get the job done for combat but its very immersion breaking. Campaigns in this game are rather bland after a certain point and you quickly get locked into a system of being drawn into pseudo world wars, where in trade is useless and you're only option for profitability is to conquer your neighboring territories leading to a larger world war.

    All in all its a decent game that fell short of what it could've delivered.    … Expand
  29. VagueShape
    Feb 25, 2016
    7
    Giving it a 7, A decent installment of the Total War franchise that offers some fresh mechanics like gunpowder, the ability to traverse continents, strategic battles that aren't focused solely on the capital city(forts and such) and good naval battles.

    While the game isn't perfect, the new features offer a fresh experience that should be fun for awhile for most people.
  30. Yurchik
    Mar 2, 2019
    10
    Game cool! I've only played in Rome: Total War before. Maybe because of this and liked that he played only two, but the battles at sea I was pleasantly surprised! I do not regret that bought. The game is very interesting.
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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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