• Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Mar 3, 2009
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 3194 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. NicM
    Apr 19, 2009
    10
    First..... Steve W....... 1) im playing france and the spanish have no qualms with sending invasion force after invasion force into the west coast on ships.... even if they didn't include enough men to do anything other than run around torching villages. 2) So what if they changed the layout of the campaign map? You get used to it. 3) yea i guess.... although if you have issues withFirst..... Steve W....... 1) im playing france and the spanish have no qualms with sending invasion force after invasion force into the west coast on ships.... even if they didn't include enough men to do anything other than run around torching villages. 2) So what if they changed the layout of the campaign map? You get used to it. 3) yea i guess.... although if you have issues with the packaging of a game.....
    My only real problem with this game is that the seiges are a dissapointment... what happened to cities being in the CENTER of the battle map eh? and why does the capital of Austria look like a fort when attacked?

    Im giving this a ten to try and lift it up from all these unwarranted ones and twos
    Expand
  2. AnonymousMC
    Apr 22, 2009
    2
    Bugs, bugs, bugs; bugs everywhere. How sad is it that you actually hope that the game will just crash quickly, instead of hanging your system, before you can try again.
    Please give me a copy of the game the official reviewers had, so I can also wax lyrical about it.
  3. JamesH
    Apr 22, 2009
    1
    This game still isn't complete. It will cause a game crash on the 15th turn on the grand campaign every time during the AI turn. There's something that the AI is doing that will constantly cause an error. Add to that the fact that the AI is about as dumb as can be, that the number of unit differences is minimal, the loading times are very high, and it lacks anything fun.
  4. RyanR
    Apr 23, 2009
    1
    Unplayable, buggy, crashes, blue screen wtf!, AI is retarded, Sea battles more frustrations then your own mother in law. Shall I go on? This game if I can call it so is garbage that needs lot of chlorine to wash away to even not be as good as the buggiest game out there. Do not support the makers of this "game". Instead, go spend 70 bucks on stuff you truly enjoy, this isn't it.
  5. HenryL
    Apr 23, 2009
    1
    I have to agree with Steve W; specifically because of the Steam software installation process and the fact that nowhere on the external box does it state that you will be required to use this s/ware to install, let alone play the game. This goes beyond sad, it's an infringement on the basic human rights of gamers to be able to play standalone games without having Steram inflicted I have to agree with Steve W; specifically because of the Steam software installation process and the fact that nowhere on the external box does it state that you will be required to use this s/ware to install, let alone play the game. This goes beyond sad, it's an infringement on the basic human rights of gamers to be able to play standalone games without having Steram inflicted thereupon. A class action ought to be brought against The Creative Assembly and Sega for this puerility! Further, the fact atht you need to be connected to the net to download the Special Forces, only when you reach a certain level, who the hell do you think you are? Particularly, in light of the fact that the back of the box clearly states that you only need a net connection to activate. Nothing there about the crapola you find out whilst installing. Oh, and the System Requirements, well they're not only a load of crap but barely visible. All this Before you even get to play the game. The front of the box has an M rating, stating Battle & Violence, in my opinion, this is exactly what should be perpetrated upon tCA/Sega, Steam and Valve. Expand
  6. keithc
    Apr 25, 2009
    0
    1.) problems with the ships getting stuck or "disappearing from the game" even thou' you can see it on screen many a problem when in trading mode. 2.) slightly disappointed that you can only uses a single army to face each other unlike Med' War 2 with multi armies facing each other. In this game the "extra" army come in as replacement which make game play difficult and weird 1.) problems with the ships getting stuck or "disappearing from the game" even thou' you can see it on screen many a problem when in trading mode. 2.) slightly disappointed that you can only uses a single army to face each other unlike Med' War 2 with multi armies facing each other. In this game the "extra" army come in as replacement which make game play difficult and weird 3.)Another area which is a difficult is trying to place your troops behind a wall crouching. Then to crouch with their back against the enemy! 4.)The worse bit in the game is you own artillery they have a very bad tendencies of regularly killing your own side more than they do to the enemy. 5.)disappointed by the "towns" compared to Med War 2 these "cites" look more like hamlets. Took a while to get uses to it. 6.)Problem with troops getting stuck coming out of the fort, many artillery troops and sometime when that happens the troops go haywire and have a mind of their own. 7.)Problems with the game crushing after you finish a long battles and you get really pissed off after routing the enemy and having to play the same battle again only for it to crash again. 8.)No option in deleting game saved on "stream" so you end up with loads of game that you can't get rid off. 9.)Good point are the sea battles but the game tend to crash after capturing the enemy ships. 10.)like the idea of getting troops inside buildings but not all buildings on the map which is a disappointment. 11.)Not sure about the "none" mobile artillery guns and unlimited artillery supply. 12.)In all it's good game, the only real plus is the Ship battles which is outstanding if the game didn't crash so often. So I'm giving it a "0" to off set those "10" given by some people. Expand
  7. BarneyW
    Apr 25, 2009
    9
    A fantastic entry to the series raising the bar in terms of visuals and scale. Those complaining about steam or it needing a powerful computer shouldent lower their review scores based on that as it isnt anything to do with how the game actually plays. A few technical issues mar the game though (crashes and a few graphical bugs) and the siege battles are less than impressive. This is made A fantastic entry to the series raising the bar in terms of visuals and scale. Those complaining about steam or it needing a powerful computer shouldent lower their review scores based on that as it isnt anything to do with how the game actually plays. A few technical issues mar the game though (crashes and a few graphical bugs) and the siege battles are less than impressive. This is made up for in every other field though such as the brutal (and stunning) naval battles and the fantastic implementation of the artillery. AI has been massivly improved as well although there are some instances where the pathfinding might break down and the diplomacy AI isnt all that better. Overall it is a game that deserves they title, "Masterpiece" but falls just short due to some technical errors and a few pathfinding glitches. Expand
  8. EamonA
    Apr 27, 2009
    3
    Very disappointing game to actually play. Crashes all the time for me as I get into the middle stages of the campaign game and I have the most expensive notebook Gateway makes. The AI is silly. Why would very weak countries attack very strong countries? If the AI never puts troops on ships, does that not mean that playing England is rather safe? But, in the end, the crashes just drove me Very disappointing game to actually play. Crashes all the time for me as I get into the middle stages of the campaign game and I have the most expensive notebook Gateway makes. The AI is silly. Why would very weak countries attack very strong countries? If the AI never puts troops on ships, does that not mean that playing England is rather safe? But, in the end, the crashes just drove me out of every game. Expand
  9. ChrisC
    Apr 27, 2009
    4
    For the glut of people voting 10 on the game down at the bottom of this list, and then complaining about people 'ruining the games user rating' with low scores, shame on you. You obviously either a) haven't played the game for any length of time to see what all the bug fuss is about or b) happen to have the one working game platform I'll guess the game was initially For the glut of people voting 10 on the game down at the bottom of this list, and then complaining about people 'ruining the games user rating' with low scores, shame on you. You obviously either a) haven't played the game for any length of time to see what all the bug fuss is about or b) happen to have the one working game platform I'll guess the game was initially designed around or c) you're employed by SEGA or STEAM and they are urging you to put these two sentence, 10-score ratings in here to try to pull a fast one on the public. And here, I thought SONY was the only gaming company content to shove unfinished games onto the market and then laugh at all the unknowing, paying public BETA testers, but apparently not. CTD issues abound, and saving the game before an anticipated CTD won't save you, either, as the game won't show that save on the load game screen afterwards. I wouldn't even begrudge them the use of the STEAM thing to try to keep their product their own, I suppose, but to release a game that so obviously needs at least 6 more months if not a year of solid playtesting is almost unforgiveable, particularly when you take a title that has been known for quality in the past and drag its good name into the dirt like this. I give this game a 4 instead of a 0 b/c, as other people have pointed out, it has the POTENTIAL to be up there with the greatest of TW games. However, it is nowhere near that point in its present state. If you have been a serious TW fan (like so many here who have already posted), my advice is to wait a good 6 months for the smoke and the bs to clear - then check the forums to see if this is finally a worthwhile purchase. Expand
  10. TimothyW
    Apr 28, 2009
    1
    This is a really bad game. I bought it, and I was all excited, but there are so many bugs and the gameplay is boring and tedious to the point that I haven't touched it in about a month. I was waiting for them to patch it, but so far they still haven't fixed all the issues as of 04 - 28 - 09 - Over a month after they released it. I'm particularly annoyed by their new This is a really bad game. I bought it, and I was all excited, but there are so many bugs and the gameplay is boring and tedious to the point that I haven't touched it in about a month. I was waiting for them to patch it, but so far they still haven't fixed all the issues as of 04 - 28 - 09 - Over a month after they released it. I'm particularly annoyed by their new building setup where you basically have no choice but to build what they tell you to build, and some towns and villages only let you build one thing. It makes no sense! I'm the King and if I want a stable in the middle of the frozen tundra, then I'm going to build it there! Damn you, SEGA, for ruining the Total War Series, I truly think you have sunk your own ship. (The addition of naval battles is the best thing about this game and that's why it earns 1 point.) Expand
  11. JC
    Apr 28, 2009
    10
    Great game exactly what i was expecting not sure what everyone is moaning about have played alot and haven't noticed any major bugs or had any other problems. Steam isn't too bad, a lot of people should have this already not half as annoying as installing gta4. If you liked previous total war titles you will like this, units do get a bit samey after a while but there are also a Great game exactly what i was expecting not sure what everyone is moaning about have played alot and haven't noticed any major bugs or had any other problems. Steam isn't too bad, a lot of people should have this already not half as annoying as installing gta4. If you liked previous total war titles you will like this, units do get a bit samey after a while but there are also a lot of naval units. The campaign mode will entertain you for hours have been playing a long campaign and after several weeks of playing haven't quite reached the half way mark, hoping lots of other nations will be unlocked once completed as before. A great way to kill the time. Expand
  12. NovahawkA
    Apr 29, 2009
    0
    Hmm ok where to begin my review. Installing ...installing...silence...nothing happens...ahh ....installing...Blue screen...wtf!!! file missing what!!? Please reinstall 11.3 GB game. wtf!!! after 2 hours of trying to install I gave up. Steaming and angry at CA and SEGA and Gamespy "review" . What a load of crap. You should be ashamed of yourselves. Someone ought to sue all of them and give Hmm ok where to begin my review. Installing ...installing...silence...nothing happens...ahh ....installing...Blue screen...wtf!!! file missing what!!? Please reinstall 11.3 GB game. wtf!!! after 2 hours of trying to install I gave up. Steaming and angry at CA and SEGA and Gamespy "review" . What a load of crap. You should be ashamed of yourselves. Someone ought to sue all of them and give them a piece of their mind for this outrageous stunt they pulled. Thanks to them, I will save money from buying future crap made by them and spend it on the things that works for me. And I hope someone will put these guys out of business for good and in Jail. Expand
  13. mattm
    Apr 29, 2009
    5
    They haven't finished it ,to be honest when i playey mtw2 it had loades of cool historical battles and the AI was clever. Empire truggled to run with better than recommended requirements on vista. Online play is cool but every time you log on it's shoved in my face and starts opening windows because i'm not connected to steam. The AI makes a basic line almost every time They haven't finished it ,to be honest when i playey mtw2 it had loades of cool historical battles and the AI was clever. Empire truggled to run with better than recommended requirements on vista. Online play is cool but every time you log on it's shoved in my face and starts opening windows because i'm not connected to steam. The AI makes a basic line almost every time unless you have a army of pure calvery and the frame rate is laborious. The only reason i gave it a 5 is because AI on navel command is spot on, the ships are picture perfect and enemy commanders are adaptable and intelligent. Other than some ships crashing together when in formation it's good. But that only happens when i finally get to it. Expand
  14. DisAllusioned
    Apr 5, 2009
    2
    Ok who lets this game out of beta? Seriously this thing crashes more that a blindfolded drunk driver! The graphics on low and medium settings are horrible I keep seeing units made of stick figures. Note to CA some of us need to buy food and housing we don't have a pile of cash to blow on hi-end graphics cards. And linking this to steam wtf now I can't even try to sell this Ok who lets this game out of beta? Seriously this thing crashes more that a blindfolded drunk driver! The graphics on low and medium settings are horrible I keep seeing units made of stick figures. Note to CA some of us need to buy food and housing we don't have a pile of cash to blow on hi-end graphics cards. And linking this to steam wtf now I can't even try to sell this disaster and recoup some of my money!! And I'm not even going to start with the game play issues I just don't have that kind of time. Good job CA you managed to kill the total war franchise and make sure I never buy another product of yours again. Expand
  15. bobsizemore
    Apr 7, 2009
    5
    even when this game is working, the AI is worthlessly retarded. any land battle can be won if you've got 25% odds, sometimes less. naval battles are like watching retards dogfight, as boats go in endless circles and do nothing productive (of course, since it's hard to make your boats not do the same, you still usually lose). AI can't invade via navy, has no pathfinding, and even when this game is working, the AI is worthlessly retarded. any land battle can be won if you've got 25% odds, sometimes less. naval battles are like watching retards dogfight, as boats go in endless circles and do nothing productive (of course, since it's hard to make your boats not do the same, you still usually lose). AI can't invade via navy, has no pathfinding, and other things. these gripes are all minimal if you can't even get the game to run without crashing, though (broken AI routines cause crashes that the development team still claims are hardware related). this could have been a great game- with another year of development. Expand
  16. Hale
    Apr 8, 2009
    3
    This game is way too buggy to be good. Constant crashing, bugs all over the place on the campaign map and in the battles. Patches have just made it worse. I still play Rome:Total War and bought this game with high expectations and am profoundly disappointed. Do I need to put Sega on my publishers to avoid list?
  17. RobK.
    Apr 9, 2009
    2
    Tragically, this is an outstanding game plagued by a 1st rate battleship full of bugs, CTD errors and in my opinion unforgiveable game playweaknesses which could all have been ironed out with a proper Beta. The game frequently (every hour or so) crashes to desktop during naval or land battles, and after about 20-30 turns the game will reach a point where it crashes during the AI turn on Tragically, this is an outstanding game plagued by a 1st rate battleship full of bugs, CTD errors and in my opinion unforgiveable game playweaknesses which could all have been ironed out with a proper Beta. The game frequently (every hour or so) crashes to desktop during naval or land battles, and after about 20-30 turns the game will reach a point where it crashes during the AI turn on the campaign map, and when you reload the saved game it crashes in the same place...with no work around. This leaves your campaign dead in the water, and you have the choice of starting a fresh campaign or just not playing it any more. Really dissappointing, as I've been playing this series since Shogun and bought a new PC just to enjoy this game - wish now I'd spent a week on a beach instead! Expand
  18. joem
    May 10, 2009
    2
    This game had the possibility of being awesome, but it crashes every 10 mins, it's slow as can be (even on a quad core 6600, 8GB of RAM, GeForce 285, 3.5 TB of hard drive space). There is no way this game should receive the praise it's been getting. This is utterly unstable and unplayable.
  19. MattM
    May 10, 2009
    1
    I HATE STEAM!!!! I am very generous giving the game a one because it runs like a half retarded monkey was a developer. Almost nothing works on the campaign map. I have had this game and not once have been able to finish it due to the developers being half retarded monkeys. they could not stick with what worked on the other total wars.... I WANT MY MONEY BACK!!!!
  20. SR
    May 1, 2009
    5
    I bought the disc version of this and from 1707 the game kept crashing, so I would leave it a while and carry on and it seemed to clear. Now I have got as far as 1711 and when I resolve my turn it gets stuck halfway through. I have wasted a lot of time on what is basically a beautiful, addictive but horrendously flawed game. I note no one from the manufacturers has explained why the game I bought the disc version of this and from 1707 the game kept crashing, so I would leave it a while and carry on and it seemed to clear. Now I have got as far as 1711 and when I resolve my turn it gets stuck halfway through. I have wasted a lot of time on what is basically a beautiful, addictive but horrendously flawed game. I note no one from the manufacturers has explained why the game keeps crashing. I got rid of the boxed version and am now downloading it again from the site. THIS IS A STUNNING 10/10, let down by the constant faults. Maybe it is the STEAM aspect I don't know, but if this download doesn't work, I will be removing it and STEAM from my PC and never buying another Total War game again. Sorry guys. Expand
  21. KoteeO
    May 1, 2009
    10
    I am not a fan of RTS games at all. I have tried 10 to 20 of them in the last few years. However, this game is amazing! The graphics, the attention to detail, and the gameplay is fun fun fun! I have not even tried multiplayer yet...I'm addicted!
  22. screamingeagle
    May 13, 2009
    0
    At least some of you guys got to play the game.ive yet to get past the STEAM LOADING!!!! i was just looking around at best buy one day and i saw this game.(mind you i dont usually just buy a game right off the bat).but when i saw it i thought COOL!! this is the game ive been waiting for. plus i saw it was from creative assembly so i trusted it because theyve been known for good games like At least some of you guys got to play the game.ive yet to get past the STEAM LOADING!!!! i was just looking around at best buy one day and i saw this game.(mind you i dont usually just buy a game right off the bat).but when i saw it i thought COOL!! this is the game ive been waiting for. plus i saw it was from creative assembly so i trusted it because theyve been known for good games like ROME TW. im sure that it is a good game,its just that steam s#$% that they put it on is ruining there reputation. i mean,i bought,i should be able to play it when ever i want to.thats the last time i will ever buy a game from them as long as they have steam with it. and i will tell other fellow gamers to do the same as well. Expand
  23. JonathanC
    May 14, 2009
    6
    Behind the issues with Steam, CTD's, gliches there is a serious question mark over the playability of the game at the strategic level due to the complexity of what the game is trying to re-create. There are fantastic graphics and the naval battles are especially dramatic but the game is not for thefainthearted and irrational AI dilpomacy and behaviour on the battlefield marrs the Behind the issues with Steam, CTD's, gliches there is a serious question mark over the playability of the game at the strategic level due to the complexity of what the game is trying to re-create. There are fantastic graphics and the naval battles are especially dramatic but the game is not for thefainthearted and irrational AI dilpomacy and behaviour on the battlefield marrs the experience. If you can pick up a cheap copy as I did then the game is worth playing for the battles alone, but be prepared for some throughtly annoying bugs and an unchallenging AI. Expand
  24. JanusA
    May 14, 2009
    2
    I bought the game expecting a great follow-up to the previous TW series. MAny of the ideas in the game seem well thought-up, but the game is so bug-ridden and have so poor campaign and combat AI that it needs more than a few small patches to fix it.
  25. RyanC
    May 14, 2009
    9
    It takes a little while to get used to the interface (especially if you've played the Total War series in the past) but I've got to say it is probably one of the best games, if not the best game, in that series.
  26. OliverS
    May 16, 2009
    2
    A game full of bugs. You're not able to play this game without crashes and other bugs that make the gameplay horrible! Thank you CA!!!
  27. steveb
    May 18, 2009
    5
    Frequent crashes. I'm running a pretty robust Area 51 and I still get game play errors. The critics high marks are because they aren't really playing the game.....just looking at the game, and maybe playing the demo. I suspect it may be the Steam piece that is causing the issues, but I don't really know. Until that question is answered, I won't buy another Steam product.
  28. AndreasH
    May 19, 2009
    9
    Great game , but it had and has many bugs thats not cool. and even doh i do play with the lowest settings it still lags sometimes! (i have amd dual core 6000+ 3Ghz and Nvidia XFX geforce 8600 GT and 2gb ram that is more than enough i think!).
  29. SakariM.
    May 2, 2009
    0
    This game is the biggest game disspointment I have ever experienced. The game is completely unplayable, it is ridiculous. I wont state all that is wrong because it has already been said, but what truly has me aghast is that every single media reviewer has praised this game to the stars. I can barely play this game for an hour before I get too frustrated to continue. I am never trusting This game is the biggest game disspointment I have ever experienced. The game is completely unplayable, it is ridiculous. I wont state all that is wrong because it has already been said, but what truly has me aghast is that every single media reviewer has praised this game to the stars. I can barely play this game for an hour before I get too frustrated to continue. I am never trusting reviewers of games again, they are untrustworthy liars. One of my favourite examples of its ridiculousness? Pre-release they boasted of their amazing motion capture "period authentic" melee. Melee is just a buggery mess with a few poorly synced bayonet duels. Wheres my muddy and bloody brawl? Expand
  30. StanleyR
    May 20, 2009
    8
    Game is good , naval battles work , only problem is that AI is bad and acts idiotically sometimes , and btw , why you guys whine that Empire Total War is bad game if u cant go to play it if your steam doesn't launch it ??? Dont rate the game bad if u don't even know what is it like.
  31. Martin
    May 20, 2009
    8
    Well I played the total war series since medieval and i liked it...so i was looking forward to play this one, and it hits me. I know, the major savebug that deletes your former campaign is annoying, but i really like the new gameplay, the graphics and the naval battles...as for overpowered hardware you must have...well...my pc is a athlon 3500+ with a geforce 9600gt and 3 gig of ram, and Well I played the total war series since medieval and i liked it...so i was looking forward to play this one, and it hits me. I know, the major savebug that deletes your former campaign is annoying, but i really like the new gameplay, the graphics and the naval battles...as for overpowered hardware you must have...well...my pc is a athlon 3500+ with a geforce 9600gt and 3 gig of ram, and it works fine on med settings overall..so whats the point? 8 for the many minor bugs that i have been experienced, but overall a good and addictive game...oh yes, the ai is very, very stupid, even on hard setting, but well...its not that annoying...and i had steam before, so i dont know how people are bothering about...havent any problems about it since 2006. Expand
  32. TiberiusN
    May 22, 2009
    9
    I'm not crazy about the game requiring Steam, for starters. There are a few minor things that I really wish the developers would fix/add to the game (e.g. Hotseat!). Overall, though, very good game. I recommend it.
  33. BlueKeyboard
    May 22, 2009
    10
    If you like strategy and/or millitary games, this would be a good one to grab. only thing i don't like are the new naval battles, but you can sim them just as you would in the other total war games. i like the replay value with this one too. make sure your computer can run it - it's a little demanding. my pc runs it without skiping a beat. i don't normally rate games this If you like strategy and/or millitary games, this would be a good one to grab. only thing i don't like are the new naval battles, but you can sim them just as you would in the other total war games. i like the replay value with this one too. make sure your computer can run it - it's a little demanding. my pc runs it without skiping a beat. i don't normally rate games this high. last one before this to get a perfect score was rome: total war. before that, warcraft 3. Expand
  34. JosephR
    May 26, 2009
    10
    Great Game. Too many bugs hopefully they produce more updates. Had to upgrade my computer but it is so worth it. Every gamer should own this game.
  35. marlandj
    May 27, 2009
    4
    The game plays excellently...if you can play it. I was able to start one campaign game. Then it automatically updated and I haven't been able to play a campaign game since. It seems there are a lot of us with this problem. Also, the whole "Steam" concept of having to be connected to the internet is just plain stupid. I am with Rick G on this, if there is another TW game and it uses The game plays excellently...if you can play it. I was able to start one campaign game. Then it automatically updated and I haven't been able to play a campaign game since. It seems there are a lot of us with this problem. Also, the whole "Steam" concept of having to be connected to the internet is just plain stupid. I am with Rick G on this, if there is another TW game and it uses Steam, I DEFINITELY will not buy it! Expand
  36. GeorgeD
    May 4, 2009
    9
    One of the most detailed -- perhaps the most detailed -- strategy games ever released. It offers compelling real time strategy on the games battle fields. When not on the battlefields though, the game incorporates wonderfully complex turn based empire management. It combines some of the best elements from traditional RTS games with some of the best of the Civilization games. Truly worth One of the most detailed -- perhaps the most detailed -- strategy games ever released. It offers compelling real time strategy on the games battle fields. When not on the battlefields though, the game incorporates wonderfully complex turn based empire management. It combines some of the best elements from traditional RTS games with some of the best of the Civilization games. Truly worth any strategy gamers time. Expand
  37. AnonymousMC
    May 5, 2009
    7
    I'll be very brief: When it works right, it's good. When it works wrong (which is more often than not, verifiable by posts on the Steam community and even Creative Assembly's own forums), it's terrible.

    The multiplayer support at the launch of the game and at the time of the review is sub-par to what most games had available in the late 1990's. If you are
    I'll be very brief: When it works right, it's good. When it works wrong (which is more often than not, verifiable by posts on the Steam community and even Creative Assembly's own forums), it's terrible.

    The multiplayer support at the launch of the game and at the time of the review is sub-par to what most games had available in the late 1990's.
    If you are even considering buying this game, I suggest waiting for a few more months, in hopes that flaws are patched.
    Expand
  38. AlexanderB
    May 7, 2009
    8
    This is a great game, but like everyone else has mentioned, the crashes still proved to be a huge downfall. Until the latest patch that is, where my system has not experienced a crash since. I have games from the very start to late 1780s and i havent crashed yet, so all in all my rating will be 8.
  39. ChrisJ
    May 7, 2009
    0
    Great when it works (Campaign), but it often doesn't. Random crashes abound - I've even had several saved games that cause it to crash on continuing. In my view it - and its updates - are not fit for deployment (20+ years in the computer industry). AI is utterly inept - some nations build ships without end and do nothing with them, others do same for armies. In many campaigns Great when it works (Campaign), but it often doesn't. Random crashes abound - I've even had several saved games that cause it to crash on continuing. In my view it - and its updates - are not fit for deployment (20+ years in the computer industry). AI is utterly inept - some nations build ships without end and do nothing with them, others do same for armies. In many campaigns I've not once seen the AI send any GB expedition to India - even though its an objective. In fact, only Sweden has been to India under AI control!! AI also never seems to attempt to get rid of Pirates (of the Caribean), even though this is a key to successful trading and colony development. The developers need to go back to square one and test this properly, fix all the bugs - before doing anything else. Expand
  40. Artyom
    May 7, 2009
    9
    I give it a 9 at of 10. It has some crash to desk top bugs, but the developer team is in full communication with the consumer base and works hard with patching bugs. The game experience is definitely fun, but not perfect. AI in campaign mode sometimes doesn't act smart like refusing peace no matter your offer for over a 100 years! Other than these flaws, this game has brought lined I give it a 9 at of 10. It has some crash to desk top bugs, but the developer team is in full communication with the consumer base and works hard with patching bugs. The game experience is definitely fun, but not perfect. AI in campaign mode sometimes doesn't act smart like refusing peace no matter your offer for over a 100 years! Other than these flaws, this game has brought lined combat and strategy of trading with countries to a very interesting level. I don't dare attack Great Britain not only due to their army, but they are my biggest trade partner. So I believe this game is great and will definitely mature into a classic Strategy Game. Expand
  41. NickP
    May 8, 2009
    9
    Empire: Total War is a great game. It's opening stages had several issues: one for me was Steam. However, once the kinks are all worked out and since the updates have fixed a large number of crashes, Empire: Total War has matured into a wonderful game. The units move more realistically than any other Total War game and the several changes (especially to the economy) have made this Empire: Total War is a great game. It's opening stages had several issues: one for me was Steam. However, once the kinks are all worked out and since the updates have fixed a large number of crashes, Empire: Total War has matured into a wonderful game. The units move more realistically than any other Total War game and the several changes (especially to the economy) have made this game worth playing. I just hope the next time CA releases a game, they will have a significantly less number of bugs than Empire. Expand
  42. JohnA
    May 9, 2009
    9
    I have read some harsh criticism from some users about Steam and other things about Empire. I think that Steam has it's pros and cons but about the game itself - it is awesome! I own all of the Total war games and I play them not so much as a hard core "gamer" but more as someone who likes historical type war games. I have loved all of the TW series and hope they come out with more, I have read some harsh criticism from some users about Steam and other things about Empire. I think that Steam has it's pros and cons but about the game itself - it is awesome! I own all of the Total war games and I play them not so much as a hard core "gamer" but more as someone who likes historical type war games. I have loved all of the TW series and hope they come out with more, maybe a TOTAL CIVIL WAR ;) . As for those who have critizied the historical accuracy of the games - it's close enough to be fun and I dare say that there is enough great content for most people (probably about 99%) to learn a thing or two. The only reason I did not give it a 10 was because of the bugs. I am pretty forgiving but it really was pretty bad in that respect, but I'm sure they will patch it all up and itI can be a 10 when they do. All in all great job to Creative Assembly. Thanks!!! By the way it occurs to me if enough people slam the game and sales aren't as good as they could be because of it they might not make anymore. Then what will I do? Expand
  43. RyanL
    Jun 11, 2009
    0
    Lack of support is devastating this game. The game crashes and has ridiculous bugs and gameplay flaws, yet the developers keep feeding the ignorant masses like new units (which do the same thing as old units but just have a shiny new name or uniform). It's garbage!
  44. FreddyTwoToes
    Jun 1, 2009
    6
    I am not a Beta-tester. I payed for a finished product and this is a mess. I have been playing PC games for over 30 years. Started on the Trash 80 for you old geeks out there. This is the buggyyyyest game I have ever bought..crash city. Those that gave a 9 or 10 are lucky SOB's (I have the latest alienware system btw) or just liars. Ok that said and affirming the pain and suffering I am not a Beta-tester. I payed for a finished product and this is a mess. I have been playing PC games for over 30 years. Started on the Trash 80 for you old geeks out there. This is the buggyyyyest game I have ever bought..crash city. Those that gave a 9 or 10 are lucky SOB's (I have the latest alienware system btw) or just liars. Ok that said and affirming the pain and suffering of my fellow gamers, now for the rest. The design and potential for this game to blossom with Modders is insane. If someone were to take the time to debug and detail this game it would be incredible. If it worked like it should it would earn those 9's and 10's you lunkheads are handing out. As for AI well not sure what you expecting there, if any you are programmers then you would know that the best way to handle that is a player vs player game direct IP or steam setup for Head to Head play. Even the most inept player can provide a better challenge than the best AI period. Sorry but just the facts of life for a long time to come until computers get much more powerful or you can settle for chess. Expand
  45. PaulR
    Jun 13, 2009
    9
    A really really good game, it's my first TW but I'd say it's the best strategy game I ever played, including EU, Civ, and various RTS games. Tough the game could use a little more debugging and stability, it hurts not too much.
  46. StephenL.
    Jun 16, 2009
    8
    In the Total War line up this is the best so far anyone who complains that there pc crashes should spend money and get a real pc the AI is the only thing i think sucks they are stupid and to easy to destroy with little effort the naval battles are an awesome addition to Total War with updates im sure the bugs will get worked out but i have yet to have the game crash the graphics in the In the Total War line up this is the best so far anyone who complains that there pc crashes should spend money and get a real pc the AI is the only thing i think sucks they are stupid and to easy to destroy with little effort the naval battles are an awesome addition to Total War with updates im sure the bugs will get worked out but i have yet to have the game crash the graphics in the game look friggin awesome with SLI and i cant wait to see whats next in the line-up for Total War. Expand
  47. SerraS
    Jun 18, 2009
    7
    Totally agree with the above. The game is beautiful but older computers will have LESS problems....SLI is not supported by this game, so any modern powerful rigs will have to disable SLI or go back to old nvidia drivers. The strategy part of the game has moved on leaps and bounds and is much better on nearly every level. However..the battle maps, gorgeous they might be, are home to pretty Totally agree with the above. The game is beautiful but older computers will have LESS problems....SLI is not supported by this game, so any modern powerful rigs will have to disable SLI or go back to old nvidia drivers. The strategy part of the game has moved on leaps and bounds and is much better on nearly every level. However..the battle maps, gorgeous they might be, are home to pretty boring battles. Cavalary are the most interesting units now as they at least FIGHT one another. blokes stood shooting at one another just doesnt cut it. Compare this with the joy of unleashing a plethora of arrows at the enemy from a hill and hearing that satisfying noise as they dig in.........Medieval Total War is a much better play....and still looks nearly as good. Empire Total War ? Naa....This is Empire War....nothing total about it. Expand
  48. ChrisR
    Jun 18, 2009
    10
    1st of all do not listen to those who have whined and whined constantly about bugs, its only been out a few months and every single bug I had on release seems to have been fixed, this game is now honestly the greatest strategy game I have ever played, (and I've played a lot, trust me ;) ) It really does deserve all those high scores it got from the media. I hear a lot of people 1st of all do not listen to those who have whined and whined constantly about bugs, its only been out a few months and every single bug I had on release seems to have been fixed, this game is now honestly the greatest strategy game I have ever played, (and I've played a lot, trust me ;) ) It really does deserve all those high scores it got from the media. I hear a lot of people complaining about the AI in this game and I really, honestly think they're just doing it because CA have had a few bad AIs in the past (lets face it rome total war's AI did suck pretty badly, and Medievals wasn't much better) but really, the AI in this game has been improved so, so much from the last game; the battle AI makes some smart moves and it can actually prove a challenge now, it flanks properly, uses buildings chooses the units it attacks wisely etc, and the campaign AI is a perfect balance between aggressive and passive; it forms and actually holds alliances really well this time, anyway before I start to drone on, I just think people are too harsh on this game - it really is fantastic! Expand
  49. MichaelBraly
    Jun 18, 2009
    5
    Initially enjoyed the game as a step forward as I figured out the system and it's differences from Medieval 2: Total War. Then I realized that there's no reasonable AI to speak of at the strategic level. Combined with somewhat obtuse documentation and a development team which seems focused on providing shinies instead of gameplay improvement (in fact, strategic gameplay almostInitially enjoyed the game as a step forward as I figured out the system and it's differences from Medieval 2: Total War. Then I realized that there's no reasonable AI to speak of at the strategic level. Combined with somewhat obtuse documentation and a development team which seems focused on providing shinies instead of gameplay improvement (in fact, strategic gameplay almost feels like a step back from previous titles), I'm comfortable placing this at 5. Great for the graphics and the boom of guns, but horrible if you're looking for an interesting and engaging game that will suck all of your time. Expand
  50. EmilTorkelsson
    Jun 21, 2009
    9
    This game is good and I mean really good.... But then there is the Sound. Apparently my sound stutters when ever I view a cinematic in the game... This is yet to be fixed but with the latest patch to be released soon I have great hopes that this problem will disappear. But other than that this is a milestone in gaming and i hope that a expansion pack is released soon. Then I can finally This game is good and I mean really good.... But then there is the Sound. Apparently my sound stutters when ever I view a cinematic in the game... This is yet to be fixed but with the latest patch to be released soon I have great hopes that this problem will disappear. But other than that this is a milestone in gaming and i hope that a expansion pack is released soon. Then I can finally take my Swedish Empire to even greater heights and glory. Expand
  51. lefevrel
    Jun 22, 2009
    9
    At the beginning i couldn't play because it had a lot of bugs and always crashed with my computer which is powerful enough to un it at very high. after patch 2 i manage to play and Whow!!! the best strategy game i've ever played until now.
  52. JakeB
    Jun 22, 2009
    3
    Ok I bought a new computer about a year ago its a Vista. Vista has lots of problems with downloading stuff but i trust the community and plenty of Vista people play this. I've downloaded Rome: Total War and set all the settings to high except the unit amounts, and its always worked fine except the crash probably every two hours after a turn, heck maybe 5 if im wrong. I'd say 4 Ok I bought a new computer about a year ago its a Vista. Vista has lots of problems with downloading stuff but i trust the community and plenty of Vista people play this. I've downloaded Rome: Total War and set all the settings to high except the unit amounts, and its always worked fine except the crash probably every two hours after a turn, heck maybe 5 if im wrong. I'd say 4 crashes in a day on average. Not a big deal because i just load it back up and pick up were I left off, mabe restart a battle that i just auto win or lose depending on the first outcome (before it crashed). I've looked all over and tried different methods to get Empire: Total War working, but can't. When i try to load the game, it's a white screen and when the cursor loads, the game crashes. I've tried downloading on admin, but no luck. Im currently waiting for the game to update on my third reinstall. Once again I trust the community and I know RTW enough to understand the glitches people talk about and I absolutely hate the fact that you have to have internet access plus Steam to get it working. It's understandable that the customer is guided away from the glitches because steam automatically gives updates, but why not finish the dang game, give it another freakin year and maybe Steam wouldn't be necessary. I love how my updates been starting for the past 10 minutes and a most likely 60$ game tricks it's customer due to the internet access being vital. I love how I go out and get ripped off by the once great Creative Assembly. I'm sure many people will agree with me that the next Total War isn't going to be a must. I can't wait until I finally get ETW working and realize it's horrible becuase of crashes and crappy AI. A lot of the gaming community is most definitely poor or cant afford a bunch of different computers to see whats compatable with the game. Nice job, Sega or whoever did a good job ripping us off this time but next time they put all their bets on another Total War the're goin down for good even if it's compatable and not glitchy... because what average guy wants to spend another 60$ on a game series thats ripped them off in the past? Well I hope I didn't write a bad review considering I'm putting a good deal of my trust into the community, but I know how a company likes to curve your thoughts to get you to buy the game. They clearly put "Hey you gotta have internet access for it to work!" in small print, and not nearly as exciting as i stated it, for a reason. I would've been happy with less graphics and just better AI and a nice 1700 theme. Like that one guy said "Shogun: Total War is still my favorite in the series". Well STW is the first and crappiest and doesnt have nearly as good visual as TW has today. To end this ill just say "Hey, I'll go out and buy a better graphics and video card and see if this games worth playing!" Expand
  53. jeremyporter
    Jun 22, 2009
    8
    This game possessed too many glitches and steam is more work than merely installing to your computer.I didn't play for a month due to a sudden glitch do to upgrades to the game. That being said I love this game and can't wait till you develop a civil war version.
  54. AdamW
    Jun 22, 2009
    8
    Very good game but not with out its bugs, most of them have been fixed in patches and post release patches have been good including new units added to the game.
  55. JackL
    Jun 23, 2009
    10
    Jake B is reviewing the game before he even has it working! Clearly has no understanding of the game proper as of yet and appears to be criticizing Steam! By arguing with steam you are basically arguing with 20 million people who use steam! E:TW is a fantastic game, people may have played the rubbish tutorial missions and dismissed the game as being awful. They may have attempted the main Jake B is reviewing the game before he even has it working! Clearly has no understanding of the game proper as of yet and appears to be criticizing Steam! By arguing with steam you are basically arguing with 20 million people who use steam! E:TW is a fantastic game, people may have played the rubbish tutorial missions and dismissed the game as being awful. They may have attempted the main singleplayer campaign and found it awful. They may appear to reach the minimum settings but it lags and they go crying to their mothers for a better system! Now I don't have a great system it can run crysis warhead on medium/ high but can't run this overly well. But the employment of a semi-non linear singleplayer campaign with chapters based around the American war of independence gently eases you into the fantastic new features of the game, and is fantastic for both new and old players alike! Ship combat is fantastic fun and gives a new twist to the usual total war strategy! Land combat is more involving than ever, organizing your lines efficiently and making good use of both melee and ranged combat are a good mix! if you want to feel the intensity of melee combat, which by the way is better than ever before in an RTS, just zoom down to your troops and watch fast paced intense and brutal fights between soldiers. The game should appeal to both new players of the Total war series and veterans of previous TW games! overall a fantastic experience and I would recommend this game to you any day of the year! Expand
  56. MaximeL
    Jun 24, 2009
    5
    I have all the titles of the total war series and have never been disappointed until this one came out. It didn't have any bug at first but the new patches seemed to add problems on my game. the campaign is so easy you don't need to do anything even when you manage all and play the hardest. Most of the faction units are so much alike that the battles get boring fast. It takes so I have all the titles of the total war series and have never been disappointed until this one came out. It didn't have any bug at first but the new patches seemed to add problems on my game. the campaign is so easy you don't need to do anything even when you manage all and play the hardest. Most of the faction units are so much alike that the battles get boring fast. It takes so long to finally get a unique unit that it's not worth teching for it since you'll then waste your economy... even if you get them, they're not that much of a boost on the battlefield. it lacks the feel of all the previous titles (no animations for agents, the characters barely evolve over time whatever you do, can't change the gouvernment type for all you want unless you make a unrest on purpose, you don't need to play the battles because your economy will end up to be unlimited so fast that it's a joke, ai is the worse yet, the generals don't do any speeches, the diplomacy is pointless because unless you give everything to the ai he will refuse offers - technology and alliances-) There's probably other things to come to mind for bad points, but at least there is still support for patches and they usually listen to the community. The expansion might end up being better. For now the only thing to come up with something good to improve the game is the modding community. Summary : too easy, buggy, lacks the feeling of previous titles and repetitve on so many things it's a joke at the times. = boring (at least the historical facts are good but i didn't buy a book...). Expand
  57. NickL
    Jun 25, 2009
    6
    Got the newest patch, and still sadly disappointed. I have not bothered to play this much, and will not probably for months when the game gets up to a decent standard. The first battle I got in after the 1.3 patch I won easy, because my AI opponent killed its own general and about 30-40 other guys with its own cannon fire. Still I had a shot at losing since only one of my units wanted to Got the newest patch, and still sadly disappointed. I have not bothered to play this much, and will not probably for months when the game gets up to a decent standard. The first battle I got in after the 1.3 patch I won easy, because my AI opponent killed its own general and about 30-40 other guys with its own cannon fire. Still I had a shot at losing since only one of my units wanted to man the cannon on the fort walls. Also, my single reinforcement unit decided that once it went in melee mode it no longer had firearms and froze after I tried to switch melee mode off. Some "bugs" are just funny though. Like why are my elephants climbing over wooden fences? Wouldn't an animal that ways a few tons be a little much for a flimsy wooden fence to support? Or, hey all the other units in the AI's army are fleeing other then the cannoneers. What are they doing? Charging the fort, without their cannons. Anyone who gave this game an 8 or above needs to go out and buy a couple of good video games. Expand
  58. ShayanA
    Jun 26, 2009
    10
    By far one of the best RTS's I have ever played. I've never played a Total War game, but I've always been a huge fan of RTS games and this games goes on top to be one of the best. It's an excellent mix of RTS and Civilization.
  59. ShaneP
    Jun 3, 2009
    5
    It's would be a great game if it didn't suffer from tons of issues.Iit is hilariously buggy and regularly crashes to desktop. sometimes corrupting your save and forceing you to start all over again. The AI is terrible and it doesn't seem to have any kind of plan in either the campaign mode or the battles. Most naval battles seem to end up in the AI fleet getting stuck It's would be a great game if it didn't suffer from tons of issues.Iit is hilariously buggy and regularly crashes to desktop. sometimes corrupting your save and forceing you to start all over again. The AI is terrible and it doesn't seem to have any kind of plan in either the campaign mode or the battles. Most naval battles seem to end up in the AI fleet getting stuck against each which makes them easy targets. There's a big emphasis on naval combat but the AI very, very rarely (if ever) attacks you via the sea which makes it next to impossible to lose as the British, or indeed any faction that has cities on islands. Would be worth a 10, but CA really need to patch the game first. Expand
  60. JohnSmith
    Jun 6, 2009
    9
    Apart from the few crashes I've had, this is the ultimate online strategy game. If you did not buy the game then you will most likely be unable to play online, the campaign mode is truly epic from the first series Shogun: Total War. Playing online is completely worth every single dollar, but don't think it's easy if you're a strategy beginner. Patches need to comeApart from the few crashes I've had, this is the ultimate online strategy game. If you did not buy the game then you will most likely be unable to play online, the campaign mode is truly epic from the first series Shogun: Total War. Playing online is completely worth every single dollar, but don't think it's easy if you're a strategy beginner. Patches need to come out quick to help these other folks with their crashes. Expand
  61. Mike
    Jun 7, 2009
    9
    Great game. Anyone who whines about crashes has never played a computer game before, it's not that bad. This game looks amazing and is a blast to play, especially the combat. It is way more in depth than previous Total War games, but not so much that it becomes tedious. It's just right as far as i am concerned.
  62. PedroR
    Jun 8, 2009
    7
    Pretty awesome game, the improvement in the government feature of the game makes the game more interesting than the previous games. The sea battles are pretty cool too. But I must give an 7 because of bad AI and path-finder. It also takes a lot of graphical memory (which I don't think it needs to): I prefer a game with not-some-much graphics but playable than a fancy "look at the Pretty awesome game, the improvement in the government feature of the game makes the game more interesting than the previous games. The sea battles are pretty cool too. But I must give an 7 because of bad AI and path-finder. It also takes a lot of graphical memory (which I don't think it needs to): I prefer a game with not-some-much graphics but playable than a fancy "look at the shiny things" that you would need a expensive PC to play. Expand
  63. RichardB
    Jun 9, 2009
    6
    Crash, play for 20 mins, crash, play for 20 mins and then another crash. Another game that was rushed out the door before it was ready. Would really love to play a game that was stable on release, any game! Apart from all that the game is great - well you can imagine it being great when they getting it stable!
  64. Ironic
    Jul 17, 2009
    9
    Best total war game yet! Instead of just sticking new units in medievil 2 and calling it a new game, the campaign map is vastly improved, the ai seems to be more intresting, overall its a better and more tactical game. It seems pretty stable, and ive not had a crash yet, and ive been able to play it with steam in offline mode without any problems. Only issue is it is still missing anyform Best total war game yet! Instead of just sticking new units in medievil 2 and calling it a new game, the campaign map is vastly improved, the ai seems to be more intresting, overall its a better and more tactical game. It seems pretty stable, and ive not had a crash yet, and ive been able to play it with steam in offline mode without any problems. Only issue is it is still missing anyform of proper multiplayer map campaign. Expand
  65. MattL
    Jul 17, 2009
    5
    Well, what can I say? You saw the reviews. When you play ETW, the game's an all-out 10. Kicks every kind of strategy ass you can think of. But, the game right now is nigh unplayable, and when you can't play a game, why give it a rating at all? So I'm taking the middle ground, ETW in another six months will doubtless be the 10/10 it deserves, but SEGA's rush release has Well, what can I say? You saw the reviews. When you play ETW, the game's an all-out 10. Kicks every kind of strategy ass you can think of. But, the game right now is nigh unplayable, and when you can't play a game, why give it a rating at all? So I'm taking the middle ground, ETW in another six months will doubtless be the 10/10 it deserves, but SEGA's rush release has made the thing full of holes. I'm taking the middle ground between both and giving the game a 5/10. Pick it up when it's cheaper and without a doubt more playable than the one that costs sixty bucks now. Expand
  66. markm
    Jul 22, 2009
    9
    Really good game, shame about the gliches on steam from time to time. I can get buried in this game for days on end. Could do with HMS Victory being made available to all Empire owners through Steam though!. And would really benefit from having all factions, including the pirates available to players.
  67. JacobC.
    Jul 28, 2009
    6
    It came from a great legacy but it fails to meet its mark in this new version. What I'm most upset about is the thing called STEAM. Its slow, crashy, and overall just plain stupid. It has no point in being here. I played Dawn Of War 2 on STEAM and it installed the game in 10mins or less. This game took over 5hrs to download. It really made me angry. So in conclusion: Game = Alright It came from a great legacy but it fails to meet its mark in this new version. What I'm most upset about is the thing called STEAM. Its slow, crashy, and overall just plain stupid. It has no point in being here. I played Dawn Of War 2 on STEAM and it installed the game in 10mins or less. This game took over 5hrs to download. It really made me angry. So in conclusion: Game = Alright but a little boring, STEAM = F*#$ You Dude! Expand
  68. Tarkus(ITA)
    Jul 30, 2009
    9
    This game is worth it. I'm sorry about all the bad comments I've read but I'm still happy with it. The game is not too heavy (though you still need a good graphic card and RAM) and the gameplay is great just like all the other Total War games we've played. I've played all of them except Shogun and Empire is a good step forward. The new campaing map edits improved This game is worth it. I'm sorry about all the bad comments I've read but I'm still happy with it. The game is not too heavy (though you still need a good graphic card and RAM) and the gameplay is great just like all the other Total War games we've played. I've played all of them except Shogun and Empire is a good step forward. The new campaing map edits improved the game and made it more realistic, economy is more realistic and it is hard as it should be. Land battles are simply awesome; I don't think enemy AI sucks, it's always been the worst characteristic of Total War series, but this time AI is acceptable. Sea battles are a welcomed innovation and they are cool, though when there are too many ships in your side, like 6 or 7 (or even more), it is hard to control your fleet. The graphic is great, aswell as the sound, I'm glad I spent my money on this game because Creative Assembly really deserved my 50 Expand
  69. joe
    Jul 3, 2009
    1
    Way to buggy to play for more then a few mins. This game had great possibility but came up lacking. I kept holding my breath that the "next patch release" would fix everything. It hasn't. This game is garbage. But don't take my word for it go sink $50 on this train wreck and find out for yourself.
  70. Jason
    Jul 5, 2009
    5
    Game released without advertised features. buggy beyond any acceptable standard and latest patch made game unplayable. high professional review scores shed light on problems inherent to the industry at large.
  71. NathanW.
    Jul 9, 2009
    8
    The total war game series is probably the best RTS game I've ever played. At first I thought medieval was the best thing ever but when this came out it blew medieval away. Empire:total war has the best graphics AI deaths and unit control system out of all the RTS I've played before except maybe universe at war on unit control. One of its best features is the new campaign map The total war game series is probably the best RTS game I've ever played. At first I thought medieval was the best thing ever but when this came out it blew medieval away. Empire:total war has the best graphics AI deaths and unit control system out of all the RTS I've played before except maybe universe at war on unit control. One of its best features is the new campaign map with the fact that it,1, has the buildings outside of the towns which I think is more realistic and,2, that there is three theaters of war, India, North America, and Europe. The only reason I gave it a eight is that in single and multiplayer battles there isn't very many factions to choose from and I dont want to have to get a mod just to play a faction. Also, the faction's units are so similar and that it doesnt show the factions strengths and weaknesses, its not a important feature but its fun to know and could help when choosing a faction. Lastly, when you kill a faction in campaign their not playable, thats what gave me more of a reason to kill them off in medieval. Oh and I never patched and it never crashed or anything except once and because my pc had a virus. Expand
  72. MarcioT.
    Aug 23, 2009
    2
    Activating the game just sucks. A bad strategy for such renowed marks as SEGA, Creative Assembly, and the Total War branch. That Steam thing idea is so weird that I never more want to see it again.
  73. OliverSlaughter
    Aug 26, 2009
    9
    An amazing new edition to the Total War: Empire Total War improves on the earlier games in the series in nearly everyway. The game is massive in scope as you find yourself taking on massive amounts of strategic diplomacy and fighting. This game is definitely not casual as days need to spent on it to complete the 'Grand Campaign' and some more casual people will go insane with theAn amazing new edition to the Total War: Empire Total War improves on the earlier games in the series in nearly everyway. The game is massive in scope as you find yourself taking on massive amounts of strategic diplomacy and fighting. This game is definitely not casual as days need to spent on it to complete the 'Grand Campaign' and some more casual people will go insane with the micro-management. The game runs on steam, which some don't agree with but I personally find to be great as you do not need a disc and you can link it easily to your friends and find great servers everywhere in the world. Expand
  74. Kazuma-
    Aug 29, 2009
    9
    First time in the total war series where you can actually fight using boats, it is also very different from previous ones in the fact that it takes a little more stratagy to play and doesn't mean you will win if you have the majority of the troops sad that it likes to crash sometimes (it happens once in a while) and you have to go through steam, glitches don't really happen that First time in the total war series where you can actually fight using boats, it is also very different from previous ones in the fact that it takes a little more stratagy to play and doesn't mean you will win if you have the majority of the troops sad that it likes to crash sometimes (it happens once in a while) and you have to go through steam, glitches don't really happen that much for me, sure they do happen but i've seen far worst so i was okay with that it is defintely a fun game to play though and i'm happy i have it. Expand
  75. joe
    Aug 31, 2009
    6
    i love all the total war series... i've played them all... but the whole steam thing??? i've been loading this crap all day just to play my game... i mean usually the total war series just gets better and better but steam is a bad idea.... but still.... i cant wait to play it
  76. PhillipF
    Aug 5, 2009
    10
    i gave this game a 10/10 because (sorry if i am off with my spelling) i have played the other total war games besides shogun. I have no problem with steam because i also play sins of an solor empire with uses impusle it is just like steam. for the one persion that stated that he had a 9 hour install with a quad i would check your system it sounds like you were intalling with win 98 it i gave this game a 10/10 because (sorry if i am off with my spelling) i have played the other total war games besides shogun. I have no problem with steam because i also play sins of an solor empire with uses impusle it is just like steam. for the one persion that stated that he had a 9 hour install with a quad i would check your system it sounds like you were intalling with win 98 it only took me a half an hour to intall but the paches took me about an hour more. i love war games and this one has my moneys worth also people that complaine so much about the game i have notice is ether crack, bad intall or they are over doing the computer needs to end the bad reviews steam and impuse are much better than EA games and now Uibsoft games becase it has a 3 time intall. peolpe that have real problems sorry if i affended you but i had to say it and to the makers of the game hope to see a WWI - WW2 game built like this game. PS i preorderd tis game befor it came out and cancelled it because of iddots spaming hatered about this game and steam but now i got the game and i am loveing it and for any one in the future that reads reviews do not fully belive them Long live Prussia. Expand
  77. tysonw
    Aug 6, 2009
    9
    First off let me say ive been a huge fan of total war series. never been disappointed. i picked it up in early march. i don't like to give reviews to games when they are first release i believe give them some time to get fixed up. this game had serveral bugs in it upon release which did disappoint meh. but after several months theres been some new content and fix serveral major bugs. First off let me say ive been a huge fan of total war series. never been disappointed. i picked it up in early march. i don't like to give reviews to games when they are first release i believe give them some time to get fixed up. this game had serveral bugs in it upon release which did disappoint meh. but after several months theres been some new content and fix serveral major bugs. this game isn't polished but alot better then release. it has very nice graphics, i enjoy the music cause it fits the mood of the game. also lots of fun little mods out there now days. i never really cared for this era untill i played empire total war. i love the trading and naval battles do get a bit repetive but can be epic if u have a massive navy. the new unit commands and cannons having different types of ammo that does matter makes this game hours of fun. i first got this game i put 40 hours plus into it. overall the only really disappointing thing was i wish they were more creative with the campaign victory conditions and more factions were playable overall this is a fun addictive game. just like CA promised they have fixed it up quite and bit and give u free content and thats how a company should be =). i give it an 8 for minor bugs and victory conditions can be tedious. Expand
  78. DesmondK
    Aug 9, 2009
    9
    The last total war game I played was Rome. It was, and remains to this day, one of my favourite games of all time. Empire, while not quite as perfect as Rome, is still a bloody good game. The only problem it has is a plethora of bugs (which in my opinion have been greatly exaggerated - I've had the game 2 weeks and haven't had a problem starting up nor gotten a single CTD) and The last total war game I played was Rome. It was, and remains to this day, one of my favourite games of all time. Empire, while not quite as perfect as Rome, is still a bloody good game. The only problem it has is a plethora of bugs (which in my opinion have been greatly exaggerated - I've had the game 2 weeks and haven't had a problem starting up nor gotten a single CTD) and even then there is nothing that can't be fixed with patches (although I do agree that it could have used a bit more time in the oven). Expand
  79. LukasA
    Sep 12, 2009
    10
    This game is close to perfect, but i must say it's annoying to play "Grand Campaign" it requires alot of patience because of the almost sick 100 different nations and you have to wait for them to finish their turn, it takes forever to get to year 1799. But the new Naval battles are amazing but low-end PC's can't have more than 4 ships before they start to lag, or worse even crash.
  80. CarmenI
    Sep 14, 2009
    0
    Since day 1, ETW has given me only frustration installing it via a program callled Steam. On the box there is nothing indicating that I must be connected to it, just an internet connection. This is seriously a violation of basic human rights, misleading ad. To add further insult, the game had trouble installing via Steam. It took weeks for them to get this steam fixed in order to install Since day 1, ETW has given me only frustration installing it via a program callled Steam. On the box there is nothing indicating that I must be connected to it, just an internet connection. This is seriously a violation of basic human rights, misleading ad. To add further insult, the game had trouble installing via Steam. It took weeks for them to get this steam fixed in order to install it properly. The game was virtually unplayable; continuous crashes, units didn't respond to commands, the client was very unstable, wait, there wasn't one. The game didn't even have sounds just the annoying and uninspired music. The sea warfare was faring no better; formations were moot. Ships acted more like bumping cars, and still do. With every new patch came new bugs turning things for worse. I resent CA and its affiliates for doing this sort of business; Selling an unfinished product and charging for full price. This release should have been delayed for further testing. Anyone acclaiming this with a 10 are tryng to mislead you for monetary gains. This product deserves a solid 0 for failing its promises. There is no excuse for what they did; rushing an unfinished product and figuring it's ok to fix it later (8 months and counting). Expand
  81. DaveLevesque
    Sep 16, 2009
    10
    The epire total war game has exelent graphique comparated to other games like warcraft and age of empire 3.I say that this game is one of the best game 2009 that i have seen out for now(maybe exept starcraft 2 that i need to test to see if its bether thean empire total war). Its a good game that could be very interessing to see a second empire total war go out because it could be moreThe epire total war game has exelent graphique comparated to other games like warcraft and age of empire 3.I say that this game is one of the best game 2009 that i have seen out for now(maybe exept starcraft 2 that i need to test to see if its bether thean empire total war). Its a good game that could be very interessing to see a second empire total war go out because it could be more perfectionnated.

    hi to all ^^
    Expand
  82. ChristopherK
    Sep 19, 2009
    10
    It does have a bit of a learning curve, like all games should. But once you get used to it, this game is intensely awesome, I run on minimum settings on a laptop and i don't have glitching or crashing issues, of course Im not using a 10 year old computer with Vista recently installed on it. Yes, to make it more awesome get a good graphics card. Double plus for strategy gamers, it has It does have a bit of a learning curve, like all games should. But once you get used to it, this game is intensely awesome, I run on minimum settings on a laptop and i don't have glitching or crashing issues, of course Im not using a 10 year old computer with Vista recently installed on it. Yes, to make it more awesome get a good graphics card. Double plus for strategy gamers, it has both RTS and Turn Based strategy, and it can be rather realistic and challenging, I haven't had the computers milling about aimlessly and Ive had numerous AI teaming up to stop my expansion... If you play on the harder difficulties you will of course, find more challenge. Definitely worth it. Expand
  83. ofpomaster
    Sep 23, 2009
    10
    Very good game, better that all other Total war Games. Its the first Stategy Game in witch the KI is very good. But only if you play an hard difficult game the ki is good. All others they think the KI is bored are stupid, They shuld play the game n hard difficult before they leave a comment. At first time i was angry about total war, and sure it is sad that we all need a good PC to play Very good game, better that all other Total war Games. Its the first Stategy Game in witch the KI is very good. But only if you play an hard difficult game the ki is good. All others they think the KI is bored are stupid, They shuld play the game n hard difficult before they leave a comment. At first time i was angry about total war, and sure it is sad that we all need a good PC to play this game in his full epic graphic. But wenn you don't play with Good Graphic so leave no comment like "the graphic is bad" thats stupid. The Game has made me an Fan of Total War. I'll know and have Many STrategy Games and all i've ever wanted was a Game like this. Good Graphic, Very Good Computer Enemy Intellegence, and the nicest is.. You can help other Nations to groow Up like Greece, Hessians, Quebec, Norway, Mongoles, Ungary, Ukraine, Scottland, Ireland, Neapel & Sicilia . Great idea and Great Game! I'll gove this a Raiting of 10, its Grat! Expand
  84. mcd
    Sep 24, 2009
    4
    I am not buying a Creative Assembly game again. Game is horribly broken, diplomacy AI is weird at best, loading times are too long, changing turns take a minute at least, this is just plain disappointing. I've had it since release date and it's not gotten much better, even with the patches. And now they're trying to release NEW GAMES IN THE SAME VEIN after several months?I am not buying a Creative Assembly game again. Game is horribly broken, diplomacy AI is weird at best, loading times are too long, changing turns take a minute at least, this is just plain disappointing. I've had it since release date and it's not gotten much better, even with the patches. And now they're trying to release NEW GAMES IN THE SAME VEIN after several months? It's insulting. Expand
  85. zanzabar
    Nov 11, 2009
    8
    This game is all about the MP experience but unfortunately it was gutted and coming from cod4 its a huge downgrade, using a p2p connection and rotating the server on a persons computer laggs and forces at least a 150ms ping but also limits the game to 9v9, removes user generated maps and has no mod kit. this is unaceptable for a game thats purchased for MP only.
  86. EzraY.
    Nov 17, 2009
    8
    Well, for all those who are complaining about how ETW is so buggy... I have this thing, to say: it can't be helped! ETW is a big step for CA, dropping swords for muskets, which means that ETW is the prototype for Napolean Total War. To prove this point, Shogun was the prototype for Medieval just as Rome was for Medieval 2. So even though it is still buggy, but it is still a Total War Well, for all those who are complaining about how ETW is so buggy... I have this thing, to say: it can't be helped! ETW is a big step for CA, dropping swords for muskets, which means that ETW is the prototype for Napolean Total War. To prove this point, Shogun was the prototype for Medieval just as Rome was for Medieval 2. So even though it is still buggy, but it is still a Total War title. I would expect Napolean Total War to be much more better and also lesser buggy since CA would have solved most of the bugs by then. Anyone who gives a '0' to a game that deserves at least a 7 doesn't know how much work is required to make such a game. Expand
  87. DavidS
    Nov 30, 2009
    5
    im not going to nag like all you kids about oh its soo buggy, its a complete failure, its a waste of money, blah blah blah! its got bugs. its so infested with them, the terminator wouldnt even bother with this game. but guess what? you think it will ever be 100% fixed? NO! why?, b/c the money has been made and newer, better games are coming out. If I owned a labeled software company and im not going to nag like all you kids about oh its soo buggy, its a complete failure, its a waste of money, blah blah blah! its got bugs. its so infested with them, the terminator wouldnt even bother with this game. but guess what? you think it will ever be 100% fixed? NO! why?, b/c the money has been made and newer, better games are coming out. If I owned a labeled software company and made my money back off a title that was a flop,I wouldnt fix it entirely either. why sink so much more into a flop, when i can take that money and make a winner. jeez, bunch of toddlers whining. As for my 2 cents, overall this game isnt that bad. but it sure beats East Trading Company by a mile, but 1701 has more to offer than this game does, shame too. I dont dare going online with this game and all its bugs. but i do agree with Ezra Y, it takes alot to make these type games and does deserve more than a 0, but this particular one deserves no more than a 8, so i split the difference +1. Expand
  88. BrantC
    Oct 14, 2009
    2
    This game was riddled with bugs from day one. They promised features that were scrapped after a delayed release. They still have not fixed people hacking online, basically ruining any attempt at competitive play. Their staff even posted in a blog that they were not happy with the game on release, even going as far as saying they were ashamed to send copies to their friends. Creative This game was riddled with bugs from day one. They promised features that were scrapped after a delayed release. They still have not fixed people hacking online, basically ruining any attempt at competitive play. Their staff even posted in a blog that they were not happy with the game on release, even going as far as saying they were ashamed to send copies to their friends. Creative Assembly has shown that they continue to move in the wrong direction with the total war series, and are malicious towards their customers. With that said, the game is enjoyable for a campaign or so, but really lacks in any tactical depth and AI capability. Expand
  89. DannyA
    Oct 15, 2009
    10
    New to Total war games, but loving it. It's rough around the edges but a very good game none the less, it's improved with each patch and is now in a great state. I had a look on some TW forums recently and the split love it or hate it seems amusing, you have a large ammount of people mad at the game but still complaining because it isn't exactly the simulator they wanted New to Total war games, but loving it. It's rough around the edges but a very good game none the less, it's improved with each patch and is now in a great state. I had a look on some TW forums recently and the split love it or hate it seems amusing, you have a large ammount of people mad at the game but still complaining because it isn't exactly the simulator they wanted and the rest of the people who love it, I thankfully fall into the latter. Buy it if you love good stratergy games with awesome battles, buy HOI if you love simulators with no epic battles. Can't wait for Napoleon. Expand
  90. harryr
    Oct 16, 2009
    0
    Unbelievable amount of bugs. Completely unfinished at release, still only half-way playable 7 months down the road. I strongly discourage anyone from buying this hyped up excuse for a computer game.
  91. AlexL
    Oct 17, 2009
    5
    Quality of the game is very poor. A year after release and multiple patches later, I still haven't been able to completely finish a Grand Campaign. Games crash with no error messages, saves cannot be loaded, games in progress cannot be saved, white screen of death, you name it. Very frustrating.
  92. GKiloh
    Dec 12, 2009
    5
    My vote would have been higher save for the fact that lockups are so routine
  93. CooperM
    Dec 14, 2009
    6
    Fan since Rome:TW, loved M2:TW and this is just a disgrace. Creative Assembly was my favorite developer but this may have ruined my faith in them. Far too many glitches to count, bought it the day it came out and I have purcheased all of the expansions and gotten all the updates and still crashes on my brand new gaming computer. The support for this game is terrible, period!
  94. NicholasF
    Dec 16, 2009
    8
    very fun and challenging game. a bit harder to get into than medival ii or rome, because of the busy-ness of the map and new features to get used to (polotics, more buildings per region, ect. ) but a very fun game.
  95. FelixL
    Dec 3, 2009
    10
    Perfect Game for any Strategy Lovers!! A Must Have!
  96. ValhunK
    Oct 27, 2009
    5
    A let down after all the previous superb total war games, fortresses usually don't work as they should, the army nearby does not always seem to want to men the guns, in land battles the enemy seems to prefer charging you all too often, so there's not as much tactics to use as in the previous games as its all just a blitzkrieging of regiments... plus no time to watch the carnage A let down after all the previous superb total war games, fortresses usually don't work as they should, the army nearby does not always seem to want to men the guns, in land battles the enemy seems to prefer charging you all too often, so there's not as much tactics to use as in the previous games as its all just a blitzkrieging of regiments... plus no time to watch the carnage up close, as it is all over in seconds... I thought the armies of the day squared off and shot each other to pieces... but the game is more like a WW1 dash from the trenches by the infantry... of yeah and trying to get your horses to move in formation and gather before a charge, good luck, most get lost at fences or walls... and there are always plenty of those around even in the bloody deserts... compared to the medieval 2 game, the land battles are only half as fun... and last about 10% of the time... also I hate the fact that you do not see your units improve with tech development, I mean, if I develop new bayonets, I would expect my melee attack to increase, but no, nothing, also if my unit gains experience, I would excpect them to be better shots, or something, but there is no improvement in the campaign... a level 3 experienced unit is still just as good/crap as a greenhorn, rokie, just picked up my first musket unit... the cities are harder to manage, or more to the point, its hard to see a specific return on an improvements, oh and the same goes for tech upgrades, it says "+4 to regional wealth growth", but in your region, there is no change seen... oh yeah, and if the people are rebelling, you can't massacre them any more... not quite in line with history I'm affraid, I guess this is a more diplomatic version of the game and it ignores the wonderfull powers for example of the russian tsars to slay 1/2 of the populus and be considered a hero... nope, here the people are just pissed and continue to piss you off with strikes and such... I really hate that, as I am a tipical lover of the "civilization builder type games" where you grow your faction into a wealthy and powerfull one that eventually conquers the world... or so it went in Medieval 2... no such luck here... furthermore, diplomacy and the AI are bull shit... first of all the harder the level the less likely you are to set up a trade with someone, ok I guess because the AI faction is not into money right, also try to exchange technology? you can offer the AI 6 technologies for his shitty one, but does he accept it, noooo... there is no cost/benefit review, it's just, the AI at hard will refuse all, fullstop... I guess the harder the game, the less realistic it becomes... also in harder mode, all neighbours attack you, but in no organised fashion, and one at a time... I mean, yould you go and attact your neighbour that is 5 times more powerfull than you, only to be utterly destroyed, and after you kill the blighter, what happens, an even smaller neighbour declares war... the game is more about chasing small guerilla units and killing off the AI factions one by one, than any real large conflicts... even if you pump money and technology into your AI friend, he'll still attack you when you're at your strongest and he's at his weakest... basically the AI is crappier than in previous games for my taste...all in all I think the game was released waaay too soon, many bugs should have been solved before hand... but I gues the guys were more interested in earning a profit from sales, paying off the magazines to get good reviews and screwing the public out of their money... I guess these days no one's into putting out a good product... It just doesn't feel like a total war game and there is no way in hell I'm ever buying another one from the serries, I guess the totalwar team peaked out in Medieval 2, which I still prefer to play compared to Empires... instead of buying I suggest downloading the game from torrent, and finding better use for your money... Empires is not worth paying for... Expand
  97. AndyR
    Dec 7, 2009
    10
    Best Strategy game I've ever played. I can't go back to anything else after playing this.
  98. RyanS
    Mar 11, 2009
    7
    Empire is my very first Total War series purchase, and at the rate things are going it will be my last. While the scope and features of the game are nothing short of breathtaking, the implementation falls way below par in many respects. The most notable issue is the crash to desktop (CTD) that occurs at random points during the grand campaign. I've got a saved game that played as far Empire is my very first Total War series purchase, and at the rate things are going it will be my last. While the scope and features of the game are nothing short of breathtaking, the implementation falls way below par in many respects. The most notable issue is the crash to desktop (CTD) that occurs at random points during the grand campaign. I've got a saved game that played as far as turn 115 that now CTD's on the next turn, while processing the Iroquois Confederacy's AI movements. I'm hesitant to begin another game and run the risk of potentially hours of time being wasted. The first patch released by Creative Assembly (CA), the makers of the game, alleges fixes for several crashes and other bugs, however the official forums tell a different story. For some, the new patch release on Tuesday 10th March actually makes the game worse, with campaign turns taking minutes to process, and the game spending large amounts of time on the loading screens. On the whole the game has oodles of potential, and the graphics and scale of the game are very impressive, but all of that is let down by the release of an unfinished and (for some) unplayable game. Quite when customers will stop blindly accepting products of this quality is a mystery, and how the game managed 90%+ scores in it's current state is equally baffling... I'm wondering if the other reviewers out there who gave 9/10+ scores actually spent any significant amount of time playing the game, or just rushed the review out there after merely scratching the surface of the game. One final word goes to the horrendous decision to require the use of Steam to activate the game, even with boxed copies. It becomes an unacceptable situation when you spend nearly £50 on a physical boxed product, only to have to put up with the inadequacies of Steam in an effort to prove you are not a lowlife pirate. And the "Steam is currently busy and unable to process your request" message when all you are trying to do is launch the game you purchased is frankly disgusting. Treating your loyal paying customers as potential pirates by forcing this DRM rubbish down their throats is not the way to maintain that loyal customer base, especially as the pirates out there don't have to put up with any of it as they have cracked versions of the game without DRM. Fix the bugs and I'll happily update my score to 9 as I believe in the potential of the game, but in it's current state it doesn't deserve any more than 7.5. Expand
  99. AndresV
    Mar 11, 2009
    8
    Do I have to write a review? Well, let me say that I really enjoy this game. I bought it through steam but have had no problems due to that fact. The naval combat is a lot of fun. The battle music can get a little annoying after a while. Many of the other poor reviews I've read simply haven't applied to my experience though. All I can say is that you should buy it if you have Do I have to write a review? Well, let me say that I really enjoy this game. I bought it through steam but have had no problems due to that fact. The naval combat is a lot of fun. The battle music can get a little annoying after a while. Many of the other poor reviews I've read simply haven't applied to my experience though. All I can say is that you should buy it if you have enjoyed any of the other Total War series. If you havent tried any of the others, why even Rome is still fun. I play it modded still, you should try the previous ones first because they are cheaper. But otherwise it is alot of fun this new one. Expand
  100. JonR
    Mar 11, 2009
    10
    Empire is truly an amazing game. Graphics are stunning, gameplay is awesome, naval battles are loads of fun, multiplayer is good and when the multiplayer campaign comes out it should be great. I don't know what people are talking about when they say the AI is horrible. I have a question for them, have you ever played on Expert level?? It is quite challenging. I have been playing Empire is truly an amazing game. Graphics are stunning, gameplay is awesome, naval battles are loads of fun, multiplayer is good and when the multiplayer campaign comes out it should be great. I don't know what people are talking about when they say the AI is horrible. I have a question for them, have you ever played on Expert level?? It is quite challenging. I have been playing Total War games since Rome and I have to say this is the best by far. I also have a question for those of you who don't like Steam. WHY??? Steam is great for online play and if Steam is giving you problems just turn of Steam's connection to the internet and then it's like playing any other game. The only alternative would be GameSpy and gamespy is truely horrible. For people who have been crashing to the desktop I can only say that has got to be bad luck, or your specs aren't good enough. I have only crashed to the desktop once and the problem was fixed in the patch. The only complaint I have for CA is the variety of music in the game. The are maybe 3 different sound tracks for the battles, and the campaign map music puts me to sleep. Hopefully though when they release an unpacker for the game files I'll be able to mod them. I'm thinking Pirates of the Caribbean music for the Naval Battles. Any way Empire is a great strategy game and if you are an immature child and only like fast paced FPS games then Empire is definitely not for you. Because in Empire you actually have to think. The game obviously has several bugs but CA seems very adamant in their promise to fix them soon so I have no worries. I give Empire a 10. Expand
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 62 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 62
  2. Negative: 0 out of 62
  1. Astonishing...Immense... A strategy masterwork. [Mar 2009, p.54]
  2. 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.
  3. 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.