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. JaredP.
    Jan 30, 2010
    10
    This game offers so much to time of fun. You can command almost 15+ nations! AI are great; they can make it easy, or hard for veterans. (And I mean HARD!). This is the game that has the best graphics I've ever seen in my history of gaming.
  2. Eamon
    Oct 1, 2009
    10
    As of patch 1.4 this game is completely different to how it was at launch. Almost no bugs, better AI across campaign and battle and new units all add up to an ambitious and awesome piece of interactive entertainment. looking forward to campaign multiplayer.
  3. RenéH.
    Oct 2, 2009
    10
    The game was already excellently designed on release but had too many serious technical and gameplay bugs. All serious issues have been fixed by now (current patch: 1.4). The game has improved vastly in the last months.
  4. CJK
    Oct 9, 2009
    10
    Easily the best game that I have downloaded. I have no idea why people would give this game bad reviews, people claim it doesnt run well. Mine has never crashed and I dont have a souped up computer. In fact I've logged over 70 hours already and never once had more than the slight lag when I owned most of the territories on the planet. This is absolute best strategy game for any Easily the best game that I have downloaded. I have no idea why people would give this game bad reviews, people claim it doesnt run well. Mine has never crashed and I dont have a souped up computer. In fact I've logged over 70 hours already and never once had more than the slight lag when I owned most of the territories on the planet. This is absolute best strategy game for any console. Period. If you say otherwise then you probably think Halo is a strategy game. It doesnt matter if you like underhanded tactics or holy crusading, this game has a way for whatever motivation you care to have. If you see red on the reviews, its either becuase of stone-age computers attempting to run it. Or because of a lack of forward planning and strategy (without that, the AI will anhillate you).… Expand
  5. DirkB
    Oct 9, 2009
    10
    I consider medieval 2 total war to be the best experience I had in any total war game. However this game is a less popular genre then the mid ages but is still very good, the maps are gigantic and very detailed and there is so much added to the game. I think the main reason why users rate it this low is because the battles are harder to win than in medieval 2. its a very good game .
  6. MaxH
    Oct 9, 2009
    10
    I have been playing this game for 6 months now and I'm not a bit tired of it. There are so many possibilities and ways to play this game that you never make the same game twice. And the developers are just amazing, they have a forum were you can post suggestions and complaints, and these guy accually read them and try to improve the game as much as possible. The reason I think that I have been playing this game for 6 months now and I'm not a bit tired of it. There are so many possibilities and ways to play this game that you never make the same game twice. And the developers are just amazing, they have a forum were you can post suggestions and complaints, and these guy accually read them and try to improve the game as much as possible. The reason I think that this game haven't got higher votes from users is that their expectations on this game has been way to high. I don't know if that's because of bad marceting, but I think that everyone needs to realise that a game of this magnitude can't be made without a single bug.… Expand
  7. Joel
    Mar 4, 2009
    10
    Ever Wondered what it would be like to eat the worlds best ice cream and orgasm at the same time well the answer is simple EMPIRE TOTAL WAR. I am going to keep this short but just make your troops charge a enemy position watch as the tumble over from incoming fire and numerous cannon balls hitting so close it makes the ground vibrate (it really does) and say that it inst awesome. Bottom Ever Wondered what it would be like to eat the worlds best ice cream and orgasm at the same time well the answer is simple EMPIRE TOTAL WAR. I am going to keep this short but just make your troops charge a enemy position watch as the tumble over from incoming fire and numerous cannon balls hitting so close it makes the ground vibrate (it really does) and say that it inst awesome. Bottom Line buy it buy it now and no steam isnt all bad only for those that cant use it.… Expand
  8. 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.
  9. TimR
    Mar 6, 2009
    10
    This isn't a comment on the game, but the statement above about the user who gave the game 2 stars. First off, no game should be penalized because of Steam or any other distribution service. None of the comments in this "review" above have anything to do with the game. Editors, please make sure that the review comments actually have relevance to the game. In the case of the comment This isn't a comment on the game, but the statement above about the user who gave the game 2 stars. First off, no game should be penalized because of Steam or any other distribution service. None of the comments in this "review" above have anything to do with the game. Editors, please make sure that the review comments actually have relevance to the game. In the case of the comment above, the user is reviewing Steam, not Empire:Total war, which is available all over the place, not just on Steam.… Expand
  10. CallumM
    Mar 9, 2009
    10
    Brilliant! The step up in the campaign map was a welcome change. The user seems to have more control over their settlements now and the diplomacy feels more in depth. I havn't noticed any assassin or sabotage videos yet (which is a bit of a shame) but apart from that I haven't really got a bad word to say the game. Worth every penny.
  11. AlexanderW
    Apr 5, 2009
    10
    Absolutely stunning. This game is incredibly detailed, both historically and visually, and epically enjoyable. No crashes for me so far, so one does wonder how much of this is undeserved critique is down to the failings of clueless players.
    Steam is about the only thing that I wasn't keen with this, but thanks to shameless pirates we're going to have to accept it's the only    Absolutely stunning. This game is incredibly detailed, both historically and visually, and epically enjoyable. No crashes for me so far, so one does wonder how much of this is undeserved critique is down to the failings of clueless players.
    Steam is about the only thing that I wasn't keen with this, but thanks to shameless pirates we're going to have to accept it's the only way the PC game industry is going to survive. So man up and install Steam, it doesn't hurt that much.    … Expand
  12. RobT
    Jun 27, 2009
    10
    Empire total war is a game with all the good signs and attributes expected of a strategy game. It has variety and can be played by anyone of any skill level. It has a smooth learning curve and an atmosphere that promotes strategy and smart thinking and rewards it accordingly.It is a game that is addicting, fun and easy to learn but hard to master.
  13. PedroM
    Aug 6, 2009
    10
    JUst simple the best game ive played untill now .Im a number one fan of TW series.Bugs,errors etc we always find in other games to .But the qualitie of the details,uniforms,fields,campaign,naval battles,multiplayer etc just dont have any kind of comparation with any other game ive seen untill today.And im 30 years old i know what im talking about.
  14. CedricPereyra
    Sep 30, 2009
    10
    I don't get why you guys have a hard time playing the game... It just takes time and patience to get the controls and all that. The missions and campaigns are really well made and is very rich in storyline. Everything in the land battles looks so awsome!! it looks so realistic!! especially the smokes that come out of the rifles of the infantry and artillery looks incredibly real!!!I don't get why you guys have a hard time playing the game... It just takes time and patience to get the controls and all that. The missions and campaigns are really well made and is very rich in storyline. Everything in the land battles looks so awsome!! it looks so realistic!! especially the smokes that come out of the rifles of the infantry and artillery looks incredibly real!!! and also during sea battles... when you board an enemy ship, It looks awsome! all in all, I would give it a solid 10!!!... wohoo!!… Expand
  15. AndyA
    Sep 6, 2009
    10
    Brilliant game-it has some glitches, the patch helps, (and I am sure more patches to come), but given the flaws it still gets a 10 for pure brilliance! If all games reached this level I would have little social life! An expansion into the 18th century and the Napolionic wars would be great1.
  16. EricB.
    Jan 30, 2010
    10
    I love this game, and luckily I had none of the problems that everyone else had with it, and I've clocked in around 300 hours on it. Great game.
  17. LiamH
    Jan 3, 2010
    10
    Excellent game although the online has been ruined by people doing anything to win for example massed skirmisher armies. This was a big let down for me but other than that it is great.
  18. HarryS
    Oct 10, 2009
    10
    Wonderfully thoughtful strategy mechanics and intense, engaging battles. With a vast array of military units and tactics as well as political approaches, Empire is essential for all weathered strategy veterans.
  19. GrahamW.
    Oct 5, 2009
    10
    Fantastic game. Has some glitches but, like a bright sun, it's shine obliterates such a wispy cloud. I was blown away be Shogun, then medieval and then Rome. This game blasts volleys into the enemy while the howitzers shell them from above and your horse await the inevitable route. The historical notes are related to the turning of the years. Beethoven dies and a capacitor is Fantastic game. Has some glitches but, like a bright sun, it's shine obliterates such a wispy cloud. I was blown away be Shogun, then medieval and then Rome. This game blasts volleys into the enemy while the howitzers shell them from above and your horse await the inevitable route. The historical notes are related to the turning of the years. Beethoven dies and a capacitor is discovered. Education fun and an awesome spectacle. I haven't been back to my wargames table since Total War came on the scene.… Expand
  20. Matt
    Oct 8, 2009
    10
    The best game on my computer. Yes it does occasionally crash (I have an average computer) but with the good autosave, that's fine, and the amazing gameplay compensates. With patches 1.40-5 this game only got better... i've had it for months and it hasn't got old.
  21. MarkT
    Mar 11, 2009
    10
    Initial experience of this game, the Road to Independence game, is truly magnificent. The gameplay is even better than the tremendous MTW2 and RTW. The setting - of which I was skeptical - is a great breath of fresh air. Muskets change things! Must have for gamers and students of the C18 alike.
  22. AndrewS
    Mar 11, 2009
    10
    This is the best game, dont listen to people who are mad at steam, steam IS NOT EMPIRE: TOTAL WAR, IT IS STEAM!! I suggest buying it at a store, not on steam to avoid those issues. It is very fun, if you liked any total war game, you will love this one, and if you havent played one, you will be even more in love with it.
  23. PeterKang
    Mar 10, 2009
    10
    For all YOU STEAM HATERS. THIS IS TO RATE THE GAME NOT THE STEAM. THEY RELEASED A "PATCH" where you don't have to work with steam. ALSO, IF YOU DOWNLOADED FROM STEAM... DON"T COMPLAIN CUZ U WERE SIMPLY TOO LAZY TO GO TO THE STORE TO PICK IT UP instead YOU DECIDED TO DOWNLOAD. STFU AND SIT DOWN. So to all YOU HATERS FOR STEAM DON"T GIVE THIS GAME A BAD RATING JUST CUZ U HATE STEAM.For all YOU STEAM HATERS. THIS IS TO RATE THE GAME NOT THE STEAM. THEY RELEASED A "PATCH" where you don't have to work with steam. ALSO, IF YOU DOWNLOADED FROM STEAM... DON"T COMPLAIN CUZ U WERE SIMPLY TOO LAZY TO GO TO THE STORE TO PICK IT UP instead YOU DECIDED TO DOWNLOAD. STFU AND SIT DOWN. So to all YOU HATERS FOR STEAM DON"T GIVE THIS GAME A BAD RATING JUST CUZ U HATE STEAM. Anyways I believe this game was just amazing except the fact that they delayed this whole time to get the multiplayer campaign included and they still haven't included in yet. That's like the only disappointment but other than its fantastic. I showed it to my friends and they are all addicts of the game now.… Expand
  24. NathenS.
    Mar 3, 2009
    10
    This game is truly an amazing feat from Total War it was everything I expected it too be! Even better I was never a huge strategy fan of these styles they just weren't nearly as interactive in strategy like the Total War series. Seriously I feel any gamer will enjoy this game beyond anything else too date! I was somewhat irritated by another critics review saying the computer feels This game is truly an amazing feat from Total War it was everything I expected it too be! Even better I was never a huge strategy fan of these styles they just weren't nearly as interactive in strategy like the Total War series. Seriously I feel any gamer will enjoy this game beyond anything else too date! I was somewhat irritated by another critics review saying the computer feels to passive. Well reason being is more than likely the difficulty you set and your Empires rateing in terms of technology and other advancements obviously everyone is entitled to their opinion but I hope these things are taken into consideration!… Expand
  25. CorneliusSanchez
    Mar 3, 2009
    10
    I am mostly writing this review in response to John R...Dont rate this game a 2 because you are upset with the way steam functions, you are supposed to rate the game (which coincidently is available from many venues other than steam). John has not played the game and is here to review steam, so I will vote 10 to offset his score of 2
  26. SamuelW
    Mar 30, 2009
    10
    I haven't noticed any of these 'bugs', strange! I've enjoyed every single minute I've played. The campaign is amazing, the introduction of multiple towns and resource centres within a province are neat too. Multiplayer is great too, although it would be nice if more maps were introduced for 2vs2 and up. (There are plenty of 1vs1 maps)... All-in-all Empire comes I haven't noticed any of these 'bugs', strange! I've enjoyed every single minute I've played. The campaign is amazing, the introduction of multiple towns and resource centres within a province are neat too. Multiplayer is great too, although it would be nice if more maps were introduced for 2vs2 and up. (There are plenty of 1vs1 maps)... All-in-all Empire comes very close to the amazing game that is Rome: Total War, and is possible even on par with it. This game is truly awesome, I've spent countless hours on it (about 50 so far, and I'm a little more than a quarter through my first campaign). Very entertaining!… Expand
  27. LoneMedic
    Mar 3, 2009
    10
    This is simply the best strategy game out there right now. If you want a long game full of depth and strategy, order this game now! I usually don't buy games until they go down, but this game is worth every penny. I'll be playing this for years like I have with all the other Total War games. A 10 doesn't do this game justice. It deserves a 14. It's epic. Simply epic.
  28. TristanDowbiggin
    Mar 4, 2009
    10
    Hey John R., why do you give a bad rating to a game because you bought it from a crappy system like steam. The game itself is great and very well done, i hope no one listens to someone who blames the game being bad on steam, because steam didnt make it.
  29. SteveG
    Mar 4, 2009
    10
    Magnificent. I was very concerned with the demo i played on steam not two days before my purchase, load times were gigantic, the game looked and ran very poorly on my computer, the ai was unresponsive and unintelligent, the sounds were repetitive and buggy, indeed i thought i was headed straight for buyers remorse. But after buying and playing the full version for a few hours now, i am Magnificent. I was very concerned with the demo i played on steam not two days before my purchase, load times were gigantic, the game looked and ran very poorly on my computer, the ai was unresponsive and unintelligent, the sounds were repetitive and buggy, indeed i thought i was headed straight for buyers remorse. But after buying and playing the full version for a few hours now, i am anything but disappointed. I found NONE of the problems i experienced in the demo, and it become more apparent to me with each passing minute, that this is the total war game to end all total war games. Every expectation i had for this game was either met or exceeded. There is so much to do on the campaign map, and both land a sea battles are exciting, and extremely tactical. Not to mention the game looks incredible. I have yet to scratch the surface of this wonderful, wonderful game, and i believe it will provide me with more hours of entertainment than both rome and medieval 2 total war combined. My only complaint is that it took some tweaking with the settings to get it to run smoothly on large battles, but i am very pleased with the looks and performance on my 2-year old computer.… Expand
  30. ScottMitchell
    Mar 4, 2009
    10
    Empire: Total War is the greatest addition to the Total War series. It is truly epic in size, the new ways to play the game, including naval battles and The Road to Independance, are absolutly amazing with little to no flaws. This game leaves nothing to be desired. My only wish is that the next one they make will be "Modern: Total War".
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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

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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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