Rome: Total War

 PC
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 1490 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,336 out of 1490
  2. Mixed: 110 out of 1490
  3. Negative: 44 out of 1490
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  1. Keron_Heruman
    Aug 25, 2023
    10
    Wow! Very good grand strategy game, one of the best of always... The approach, with three different Rome factions is a brilliant idea
  2. RefinedInsights
    Aug 11, 2023
    10
    Quite possibly the greatest strategy game of all time. It revolutionized the RTS genre, painted a picture of Ancient Rome that was unseen in the gaming world, and had an impressive and memorable soundtrack to match.
  3. erfunfazli
    Jul 21, 2023
    9
    One of the best strategic games of all time.
    awesome soundtrack, gameplay and lots of great details in the game make it a masterpiece.
    It's best Total War game according to its release time.
  4. KingOrfeo
    May 27, 2023
    10
    Initially played on disc for Gamespy Arcade, then inevitably went and purchased it on Steam around a decade later. I love this game, in fact I'd go to the extent to say that this game, alongside the era of games in the early 2000's, late 90's, is the greatest of all time.
    We have Age of Mythology, Empires, Rome Total War and many others, immensely better than the drivel that exists today,    Initially played on disc for Gamespy Arcade, then inevitably went and purchased it on Steam around a decade later. I love this game, in fact I'd go to the extent to say that this game, alongside the era of games in the early 2000's, late 90's, is the greatest of all time.
    We have Age of Mythology, Empires, Rome Total War and many others, immensely better than the drivel that exists today, ill tell you that much.    … Expand
  5. RadiationGamer
    Feb 26, 2023
    8
    This game was my first Total War. Although it was a game that I was very impressed with at the time, now it is a game that I not impressed as much as before. If we look at the period of its release, it is a revolutionary game for strategy games. Just like other Total War series, it drew me in with its Combat system and music. However, there are some parts that I don't like. For example,This game was my first Total War. Although it was a game that I was very impressed with at the time, now it is a game that I not impressed as much as before. If we look at the period of its release, it is a revolutionary game for strategy games. Just like other Total War series, it drew me in with its Combat system and music. However, there are some parts that I don't like. For example, the camera only moves with your army. Which is way too restrictive for a game like this. It's also a little frustrating that you can't replenish your troops. But if we take all the gameplay, diplomacys and battles as a basis, we can say that it is a good game. Probably one of the most loved games in the Total War series and me too. This is the highest rating I can give this game. 8… Expand
  6. YTpetergamer965
    Feb 11, 2023
    8
    Still fun to play in 2022, but performance is still a big issue as it is poorly optimised.
  7. AryanLongboard
    Jan 14, 2023
    10
    One of the first games I recall playing as a kid. Just like Age Of Mythology I played it on Disc, and on the old Gamespy Arcade system, which I'm unsure is even around anymore. I'm glad I acquired this game on Steam as well, before it was besmirched and impugned by the 'remastered' version.
  8. bar0yka
    Dec 9, 2022
    6
    yeterince açıklayıcı olmadığı için bi türlü zevk alamadım aq sürekli çöküş yaşadım devleti
    mle
  9. Jollyolfun
    Nov 18, 2022
    8
    the game i played as a child before i knew what kind of games that i liked to play
  10. dr-kenobi
    Sep 6, 2022
    9
    One of the best products Creative ever produced. For its time it was literally the greatest strategy on the market for years. Magnificent craft indeed.
  11. VictorHugo1482
    Aug 30, 2022
    10
    The best strategy video game ever; everything is top tier quality (historical battles, **** Julii family, etc).
    Play this incredible masterpiece.
  12. Joaothekid
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    One of the games of my childhood and maybe of my gamers life. Just played it again in 2022 and it still fells great. The graphics, the gameplay, the soundtrack, even the voices are just perfect. It's a far too easy game to beat but I would not change a bit to this pile of nostalgia!
  13. kreml2
    Jul 11, 2022
    10
    Игра моего детства, благодарен разработчикам за такой проект, который получил положительные отзывы и поклонников со всего мира. Игра стала культовой классикой игровой индуcтрии именно благодаря всем механикам, которые есть в игре, а также упорной работе людей отвечающими за музыку и графику.Игра моего детства, благодарен разработчикам за такой проект, который получил положительные отзывы и поклонников со всего мира. Игра стала культовой классикой игровой индуcтрии именно благодаря всем механикам, которые есть в игре, а также упорной работе людей отвечающими за музыку и графику.
  14. complivit27
    Apr 21, 2022
    9
    Моя первая стратегия в данном жанре, в то время это была топовая игра, в которой я провел не одну сотню часов. Снял 1 балл за ИИ, он глуп
  15. Yaav13
    Apr 7, 2022
    8
    My truthful honorable incorruptible conclusive rating of this considered game: 8.
  16. shadeofblack
    Dec 29, 2021
    9
    No matter how old this game is, it will always be one of my favourite games. The graphics, the game mechanisms, and the vast options it gave are more than worth mentioning. It was ahead of its time. I still can't forget the siege of other cities.
  17. johnny__a
    Nov 22, 2021
    9
    This game was way ahead of its time. The mix of turn-based strategy and epic real-time battles is great.
  18. Bushido95
    Sep 27, 2021
    8
    Наверно самая значимая и одна из самых любимых игр серии для каждого. А вы помните этот прекрасный саундтреки из игры? Практически доведенная до совершенства часть и если бы не следующая часть, то первый Рим была бы лучшей частью.Наверно самая значимая и одна из самых любимых игр серии для каждого. А вы помните этот прекрасный саундтреки из игры? Практически доведенная до совершенства часть и если бы не следующая часть, то первый Рим была бы лучшей частью.
  19. Goshan220
    Jul 31, 2021
    9
    Классика детства. Стратегия с отличной проработкой и погружением. Восхищала на момент своего выхода масштабом и разнообразностью
  20. Axilley
    Jul 22, 2021
    9
    very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good
  21. Nightyknight
    May 19, 2021
    10
    By far the best game in the series, arguably the best strategy game of all time. It perfects the feeling of emptiness as you exterminate city after city, and has the true sense of conquest a game since then hasn't perfected. With the hard edges on the map, you know you've reached the limits of Hellenic knowledge. It has an imbalance, sure, but that's what gives it charm. Seeing the BrutiiBy far the best game in the series, arguably the best strategy game of all time. It perfects the feeling of emptiness as you exterminate city after city, and has the true sense of conquest a game since then hasn't perfected. With the hard edges on the map, you know you've reached the limits of Hellenic knowledge. It has an imbalance, sure, but that's what gives it charm. Seeing the Brutii dominate the east, Julii take the northwest… Expand
  22. plusRichman
    May 19, 2021
    10
    This game is a gem. It combines turn based based strategy that let you enjoy macromanagment and conquest without becoming too detailed or tedious and real time battles that represent actual battles without become obsessed about it. I've played others strategy games and even other instalments of the total war series, but Rome: Total war feels the most enjoyable strategy game I've played.
  23. KevLooney
    May 12, 2021
    7
    The game was inaccessible. I did not know up from down. The game is a seven out of ten.
  24. elefsar
    Apr 22, 2021
    9
    Loved and played hours in its time, a new way of strategy games. Still missing it.
  25. Gorbunov2004
    Mar 25, 2021
    9
    Это стратегия моего детства и мне она очень нравится. Раньше в битвах я всегда включал автоматический режим и почти всегда проигрывал и меня это расстраивало. Но однажды я решил сам попробовать сразиться с армией противника и я понял что если сражаешься сам то потери в несколько раз меньше. Как по мне самые сильные фракции это даже не Рим это те фракции у которых есть конные стрелки ониЭто стратегия моего детства и мне она очень нравится. Раньше в битвах я всегда включал автоматический режим и почти всегда проигрывал и меня это расстраивало. Но однажды я решил сам попробовать сразиться с армией противника и я понял что если сражаешься сам то потери в несколько раз меньше. Как по мне самые сильные фракции это даже не Рим это те фракции у которых есть конные стрелки они просто какая-то имба. Этих стрелков просто ничто не берёт если у тебя много стрелков то они они разнесут отряд численность где-то 2000 юнитов. Самый главный их недостаток что у них очень быстро кончаются стрелы.
    Самая главная проблема этой игры то что в ней очень мало дипломатии.    … Expand
  26. Nikitosss95
    Feb 23, 2021
    10
    I could never decide which game I liked more - M2TW or RTW; however I am convinced that Rome total war will forever have a special place in my gaming heart! I love the variety of units and the fact that you can play as Greek, Carthage or Gaul nation and conquer Romans!! Super exciting stuff
  27. Zodiac_A
    Dec 13, 2020
    10
    This game is really enormous for that time, even now still playable & it able to bring a fun. You are able to find huge amount of unofficial DLS with tons of improvement & additional content. Some of them are still updated. To my mind it shows how community enjoys this game.
  28. Bloodnes
    Oct 1, 2020
    10
    Шедевр и одна из лучших частей игры, в те года графика поражала, а возможности игры были просто невероятные, наиграно море часов, и не меньше получено удовольствия от прохождения! 10/10
  29. rapha92santos
    Sep 5, 2020
    10
    i will have to show this to my kids on day, a masterpiece and personal favorite by far
  30. Bruhitsme
    Jul 21, 2020
    9
    There's something stranegly satisfying about watching dumbass enemies rushing into a phalanx and instantly dying.
  31. PUMCH
    Jul 2, 2020
    10
    Excelente! Um jogo incrível, foi sem sombra de dúvidas o jogo que investi mais tempo em toda minha vida!
  32. Plautus123
    Jun 2, 2020
    4
    used to be my favorite game,. But its very unbalanced.
    Unbalance that was never fixed.
    Romes are OP, they have the best of everything, and barbarians have the worst of everythjinhg. Greeks lack good cav. Macedonians cav is weak too. Romans shuld not even have preatorian cav. Archers were overnerfed. Moral of units is too low. They ruined the camera with steam version or 1.3 patch. And    used to be my favorite game,. But its very unbalanced.
    Unbalance that was never fixed.
    Romes are OP, they have the best of everything, and barbarians have the worst of everythjinhg.
    Greeks lack good cav. Macedonians cav is weak too. Romans shuld not even have preatorian cav.
    Archers were overnerfed. Moral of units is too low. They ruined the camera with steam version or 1.3 patch. And also introduced a phalanx bug where phalanx turns around for no reason. Nefed Egypts only good cav (desert cav 150 size to 120).
    the game was more balanced when it came oujt then after the patches.
    The game is an unbalanced mess.    … Expand
  33. Zaxaroff
    May 16, 2020
    10
    Rome Total War is perhaps my favorite game. How much time did I spend playing it? I dont know. A lot of. Lots of. Played it after 10 years. It seems that the requirements for games have changed - computers have become more powerful, we are used to more modern graphics - and the pleasure of the game has not diminished, despite the fact that the game has been around for many years. ToRome Total War is perhaps my favorite game. How much time did I spend playing it? I dont know. A lot of. Lots of. Played it after 10 years. It seems that the requirements for games have changed - computers have become more powerful, we are used to more modern graphics - and the pleasure of the game has not diminished, despite the fact that the game has been around for many years. To summarize: great strategy!… Expand
  34. Wiebe
    Feb 26, 2020
    9
    Second best total war ever, and great for its time (unlike current total wars that haven't really evolved)
  35. Shimmeywill
    Feb 26, 2020
    9
    A wonderful experience with a slue of units, factions and simplistic but entertaining strategies.
  36. erdogfu96
    Feb 9, 2020
    10
    It was best of the year on strategy category and stayed on that top rank for many years. Gameplay were much better than later games of same company and you can get enjoy from it at 2020. There were fast-paced realistic well-designed gameplay.

    Graphics:9/10
    Sounds: 10/10
    Gameplay: 10/10
    Fun: 10/10
  37. Genek13
    Nov 25, 2019
    10
    The best TW game ever made :)
    Remember playing this game for hours :)
    Still playable at same level as back then :)
  38. Tiago_Voltaire
    Oct 29, 2019
    10
    Minha primeira experiência foi em 2009, mas só pude jogar com um PC decente em 2014. Ótimos gráficos (mesmo com 15 anos), EXCELENTE trilha sonora e muita imersão na Antiguidade. Realmente um jogo que deixou um carinho especial na memória de muitos fãs de História.
  39. Sandro86
    May 17, 2019
    9
    Magnificent game. Still remember it playing it with 3 Roman families. Great time turned strategic part and real time battles.
  40. cableguy3333
    Apr 30, 2019
    10
    The game that made everyone keep paying CA for inferior games that followed. It's now been made to play on windows 10 and so I gave it another shot, after playing this for thousands of hours years ago I have racked up another 70 in just a few weeks. If you like a challenge this is probably the only total war game that can give you one, just select hard and play as Partha. Game is setThe game that made everyone keep paying CA for inferior games that followed. It's now been made to play on windows 10 and so I gave it another shot, after playing this for thousands of hours years ago I have racked up another 70 in just a few weeks. If you like a challenge this is probably the only total war game that can give you one, just select hard and play as Partha. Game is set during the Victorian age, just kidding obviously it's set around the time of the Roman empire, it has plenty of unique units and the map is large but not as big as Rome 2 or small as Warhammer so just right… Expand
  41. Graham67722
    Mar 5, 2019
    10
    I played this game for over 5 years and along with starcraft and starcraft 2 it was definitely one of the best strategy games ever.
  42. Ydun79
    Feb 11, 2019
    9
    An awesome game when it came out. Maybe not so revolutionary anymore these days but you can find hundreds of mods that are absolutely awesome and historically interesting.
  43. Tilt1k
    Feb 5, 2019
    9
    I don´t remember it that much. Played it as a kiddo i remember it to be awesome. Flammable pigs ftw. My first total war experince and with Roman legion i recommend it.
  44. azogthedefiler
    Oct 31, 2018
    10
    As a modder (classic age total war, peninsula italica and others) i can testify this game still has the perfect mix even in 2018, magnified with excellent mods which bring it at another level and make your graphical card suffer... My only regret would be the cloned units. Diversity like in Medieval II and it would have been perfection on this earth as far as strategy/tactics is concerned.As a modder (classic age total war, peninsula italica and others) i can testify this game still has the perfect mix even in 2018, magnified with excellent mods which bring it at another level and make your graphical card suffer... My only regret would be the cloned units. Diversity like in Medieval II and it would have been perfection on this earth as far as strategy/tactics is concerned. Read Sun Tzu, you'll need it there. I remember back at the beginning endless battles and endless campaigns that could last for several month on end. Each turn was full of critical decision and priority solving. Of course the AI was not its strong point, in battle or in campaign as factions sometimes betrayed too easily. But all in all it was like taking all elements that made the success of strategy games, empire-building Risk-style, and a real time battle management that had so many variables each battle was different, and i don't even speak of having 500 different units, a 200 regions strong world map, tons of culture specifics, pitch battles, ambushes and sieges, civil wars and natural hazards, plus the terrain, which was (compared to Rome II) much more open, without any comparison, graphic aside. Because if amazing graphics makes your day in a show, it is not enough to have players hooked long-term. but RTW had this in its DNA. in short, RTW still stands tall today. Brillant.… Expand
  45. prostonikto
    Jul 28, 2018
    10
    This strategy was created by ingenious people who loved their work and invested there in the whole. To make this wonderful game in white light.
  46. Claytality
    Apr 14, 2018
    8
    Great strategy game. The turn-based campaign map with RTS battles makes for a unique and enjoyable experience. The history is accurate, though you essentially rewrite it as you play. The variety of factions and units makes for some great fun and replayability.

    One interesting aspect of the game is that troops don't always win against the units they have a bonus against. For example,    Great strategy game. The turn-based campaign map with RTS battles makes for a unique and enjoyable experience. The history is accurate, though you essentially rewrite it as you play. The variety of factions and units makes for some great fun and replayability.

    One interesting aspect of the game is that troops don't always win against the units they have a bonus against. For example, pike infantry have a bonus against cavalry. However, if cavalry are maneuvered in an effective manner they can attack the pikes from the side or rear, rendering their deadly points useless. The downside of this is that it is so effective that it becomes a staple strategy for nearly every battle, limiting your strategic choices.

    Sometimes my groups of cavalry would simply attack whatever unit was nearest to them, despite commanding them to attack only archers. This was annoying but fixable by individually ordering them. Auto-resolve is a way to skip the RTS battles and stay on the campaign map, but it is very unbalanced and often makes you lose battles you would normally win easily.

    Cost $3.24, played 88 hours. Great game, highly recommended.    … Expand
  47. tomflanders
    Mar 31, 2018
    10
    So good, I'm still playing it 14 years later. Everything about it is perfect except 1 detail - when you get so far in to a campaign, your empire becomes unsustainable, no matter what you do, half your territories start rioting and it gets pointless.
  48. iddqd4
    Jan 23, 2018
    10
    Красивая, масштабная, эпичная, глубокая, продуманная, легкая в освоение.
  49. PeteAkuma
    Aug 23, 2017
    10
    My Childhood! My beloved Memory! Rome Total War will forever be the best strategy game that i've or will ever played! It's the pinnacle of it genre. No strategy game can surpass this masterpiece, this is not an opinion, this is a fact!
    And yes, that was a fanboy ejaculation, but i don't give a fook!
    Roma Invicta!
  50. BeanBuster
    Mar 28, 2017
    9
    Absolutely fantastic. By far my favorite out of the series. The only thing holding it back from a 10 is the horrible path finding, especially during city battles. Definitely in my top games of all time list.
  51. hiltong55
    Mar 22, 2017
    9
    This game was my first entry into the turn based strategy genre and what an impression it made. Rome is what I compare all games in this genre to and sadly nothing up till now nothing has really measured up to its greatness in my humble opinion. The thing that I feel puts this game over the top is its combat system which unlike other games I have played is very straight forward and easy toThis game was my first entry into the turn based strategy genre and what an impression it made. Rome is what I compare all games in this genre to and sadly nothing up till now nothing has really measured up to its greatness in my humble opinion. The thing that I feel puts this game over the top is its combat system which unlike other games I have played is very straight forward and easy to master after a short period of time. Most units act as I expect they should and the amount of different units you can command keep each battle refreshing which invites you to go through several campaigns so you can experience the capabilities of each faction. The music does get a bit repetitive at times but is still good in short burst and fits the theme fairly well. Graphics are good but not prestige for the era but honestly who cares when everything else works so well. The political system is a bit bland but functional and it wasn't until I pumped up the difficultly level that I received a real challenge but those can be forgiven when the mechanics and combat are this good.

    This is one of my favorite games of all time and completely ruined this genre for me in a good way if that makes any sense. A must own for any fan of the genre and is just one of those games that can stand the test of time. This games will always have a spot on my hard drive.    … Expand
  52. compot8
    Oct 18, 2016
    9
    I still come back to this game every now and then. It's the best game of the series alongside with Medieval II. An absolute beauty and the modding community is amazing, also great expansions.
  53. Likegameman
    Aug 16, 2016
    10
    One of the best strategy of the all time. Rome Total War is mother of major strategy.He give me many pleasant emothions.It had the best graphic of those time.(Sorry of my English, I'm Hungarian)
  54. JustSomeGamer
    Jun 30, 2016
    8
    Great strategy game for its time. It is still a good game to this day, but it has clearly aged. The management of your cities for example can be incredibly painful when you have a lot of cities.
  55. xAmazingQx
    Jan 30, 2016
    10
    this game is perfect it may not have best graphics but the strategy of the game play is so realistic
    of all total wars series i still like this and napoleon the most
  56. papadrew7
    Nov 29, 2015
    10
    This game is a masterpiece. I still play this game at least once a year 11 years later and have probably logged over 500 hours into the game. It is my pick for the greatest game of all time.
  57. CheeseSteakJim
    Nov 14, 2015
    10
    This game is timeless. One of the greatest game codes ever created.
    I started playing on release, and am still playing in 2015 onward...
    One of the pioneers of the strategy genre and a true hall of famer. Respect.
  58. Sanastusa
    Oct 21, 2015
    1
    Had issues at start up that took some time to fix due to bugs. Battles are slow, everything seems blocky and makes my head hurt going through with the game. Not my type of strategy game. Boo
  59. caligula_king
    Oct 3, 2015
    10
    Rome Total War salió en 2004 hace 9 años y decir que todavía después de esos 9 años lo tengo reciente en mi historial , Y a un sigo jugando y viciandome como si fuese un videjuego recién salido del horno , así llevo estos 9 años , instalado en mi ordenador desde el día en que salió . Simplemente OBRA MAESTRA DE LA ESTATEGIA . ! LARGA VIDA ROME TOTAL WAR !
  60. be7yourself
    Sep 24, 2015
    10
    One of best games every for me. Hundreds of hours playing this game and it still doesn't get bored. There are some mods which make game even more exciting like DarthMod. Awesome game!!
  61. Gurdur
    Aug 18, 2015
    10
    In my opinion not only the best Total War game, but the best strategy game to date. Probably the most addictive game I have ever played and definitely the one that has kept me in front of my computer screen for the most hours. Not only is it fun to play, but you also learn much about the antiquity period, which is a bonus if you're interested in history like me. I still pick it upIn my opinion not only the best Total War game, but the best strategy game to date. Probably the most addictive game I have ever played and definitely the one that has kept me in front of my computer screen for the most hours. Not only is it fun to play, but you also learn much about the antiquity period, which is a bonus if you're interested in history like me. I still pick it up sometimes and get sunk into Europe 270 BC.… Expand
  62. DeepEnergy
    Jun 10, 2015
    10
    I really love this game I've had it since its release and still to this day play it quite frequently. While the graphics are old please remember this game is over ten years old back in those days of gaming this was actually pretty good graphic wise for this style of game. Now for the game-play! For your first play-through you'll have to play as one of the three ruling families of Rome, andI really love this game I've had it since its release and still to this day play it quite frequently. While the graphics are old please remember this game is over ten years old back in those days of gaming this was actually pretty good graphic wise for this style of game. Now for the game-play! For your first play-through you'll have to play as one of the three ruling families of Rome, and help build up the roman empire, you'll be able to do this by building up your cities and of course waging war with rival factions for more territory to rule over! The units are quite complex don't underestimate your opponents or you might end up regretting it! You'll be able to call upon war-dogs, war-pigs(incendiary piggies), Elephants, assassins, Gladiators, and much, much more.… Expand
  63. eziovonbuttonru
    May 26, 2015
    10
    personally LOVE this game even ten tears later.i will however say this,it seems to me that ever since i began running the game through steam power it seems like there are ALOT more glitches and bugs especially when trying to capture settlements.for instance i played a battle three times over routed the enemy army in the city but wanted to kill the rest for the extra xp but found that apersonally LOVE this game even ten tears later.i will however say this,it seems to me that ever since i began running the game through steam power it seems like there are ALOT more glitches and bugs especially when trying to capture settlements.for instance i played a battle three times over routed the enemy army in the city but wanted to kill the rest for the extra xp but found that a portion of the remaining enemy army had somehow managed to get in between multiple buildings where i could not get to them to do this.i reiiterate 3 TIMES OVER!!!!!!!!! this was not an issue when i had the actual disc itself at times it really is an UNPLAYABLE game but again i only ever had the issues when running through steam i will however say that it is still a very fun game, particularly using the berserker units the germans get,it can be a bit tough when you get to the end of your campaign 50 settlements are tough to control simultaneously but over all i would say the BEST most fun game ive ever played… Expand
  64. PhoneyFree
    Apr 27, 2015
    10
    Classic grand strategy game which also allows you to fight tactical pitched battles. Still play the game now and again after many years. The graphics may be dated now but new younger players should try and look beyond this as the core game is still good and enjoyable. Still a solid game and great value for the prices you can get it at now.
  65. reviewobsession
    Jan 30, 2015
    9
    Scream with thousands of brave gallic warriors against inglorious Romans before the bloody battle begins. Give phalanx formation order to noble greek soldiers to build a fearsome and deadly pike wall. Deploy Roman legionnaires as one line and then watch how the war machine works. Crush the heart of the enemies with invincible war elephants of mighty Carthage. Lead the merciless children ofScream with thousands of brave gallic warriors against inglorious Romans before the bloody battle begins. Give phalanx formation order to noble greek soldiers to build a fearsome and deadly pike wall. Deploy Roman legionnaires as one line and then watch how the war machine works. Crush the heart of the enemies with invincible war elephants of mighty Carthage. Lead the merciless children of Nile who walk through death without hesitation for their godlike Pharaoh...

    With nearly perfect campaign and battle gamplay design, I think Rome Total War is the best Total War game in the series and even one of the best strategy game in game industry. Its innovative high quality mechanics and hundreds of small juicy details captured players hearts and created thousands of fans for CA. After eleven years, I hope Creative Assembly and especially SEGA learn a lesson from their poor Warscape products (ETW, NTW, STW2, FOTS, RTW2) and develop high quality games as they did once.    … Expand
  66. Wraithcat
    Dec 18, 2014
    10
    For me, this has to be the definitive Total War Game.

    Rome Total War is in many ways a much better game than those that followed it. The combat and mechanics are fairly straightforward, while not being overly simplified and the campaign management is streamlined and not overly burdensome (completely unlike RTW2.) While not perfect in all ways, it is fairly easy to mod things    For me, this has to be the definitive Total War Game.

    Rome Total War is in many ways a much better game than those that followed it. The combat and mechanics are fairly straightforward, while not being overly simplified and the campaign management is streamlined and not overly burdensome (completely unlike RTW2.)

    While not perfect in all ways, it is fairly easy to mod things yourself, in order to change things around a bit. Want to give barbarian tribes paved roads and stone walls? Easy to do and takes less than five minutes.

    Roman units and hoplites are a bit OP and the IA can be a bit stupid at times, but all in all, the game provides many hours of enjoyable play, while the combat animations are far more realistic and weighty than those using the more recent Total War Engine.

    In the ten year since its release, I'd have easily played well in excess of 1000 hours on this game and after briefly grappling with the disaster that is still RTW2 (even after the Emperor Edition), I can see myself enjoying this gem for many years to come.    … Expand
  67. mujitacaptain
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    My personally greatest strategy franchise of all time and the best strategy game of all time.Rome:Total War is one big masterpiece of strategy games!!
  68. BenHazelden
    Oct 13, 2014
    8
    Rome Total War blows away the prequels of the franchise with all round better everything. Battles are captivating and more interactive than ever before, now is your chance to truly conquer the world with brutality.
    8/10 - Ben Hazelden
  69. pierrem
    Sep 25, 2014
    10
    I do not judge RTW by todays standards. The graphics and IA are obviously outdated. However even today, this game feels great, with many different ways of winning, many fight styles. By todays standards, it would be but 7 or 8. Even today, this game is way more pleasure to play than rome 2 tw.
  70. thedirtyrussian
    Aug 13, 2014
    10
    A masterpiece. One of the greatest strategy games every created. The soundtrack? Spectacular. Graphics? Still detailed and awe inspiring to this day. Gameplay? Nearly flawless. The replay-ability in this game will guarantee that you are occupied for many hours fighting battles and expanding your empire. This game got everything right, as it's one of the best in the entire Total War seriesA masterpiece. One of the greatest strategy games every created. The soundtrack? Spectacular. Graphics? Still detailed and awe inspiring to this day. Gameplay? Nearly flawless. The replay-ability in this game will guarantee that you are occupied for many hours fighting battles and expanding your empire. This game got everything right, as it's one of the best in the entire Total War series (with maybe the exception of Shogun 2. That game was incredible). Please do yourself a favor, pick this game up and give it a try. You will not regret it.… Expand
  71. llamayarmybar
    Jul 16, 2014
    6
    Its 2014 and I struggle to understand what exactly this game offered, even at the time when it was released. I see a painfully slow, awkward, restrictive military simulation that is not only uninteresting (outside of the historical context of course), but also immensely lacking as an actual "game." Perhaps time has not been so kind to this stand-alone title, but even I remember "Shogun"Its 2014 and I struggle to understand what exactly this game offered, even at the time when it was released. I see a painfully slow, awkward, restrictive military simulation that is not only uninteresting (outside of the historical context of course), but also immensely lacking as an actual "game." Perhaps time has not been so kind to this stand-alone title, but even I remember "Shogun" being fun to play and less performance annihilating as well. I play on a relatively decent rig and for the life of me I cannot understand why this game has so many performance issues outside of the confirmed fact that it was a fairly CPU intensive game to begin with. Which makes me doubt anyone's ability to have actually played it with a decent framerate in either 2004 or even 2005 and beyond. I'm not claiming that a multi-core processor like the Phenom's are going to be up to the task, but would it have been out of the question (even at the time) to update the game to take advantage of more than one processor? Its embarrassing really. The franchise itself has had better offerings, aside from the "Rome: Total War 2" and even more alarmingly not soon after this game. I understand its a simulation of sorts, a realistic battlefield, taking into account troop movement, troop moral, troop tiredness and other realistic mechanics, but its just feels uninvolved to me. Send army there, they fight, send army here, they fight, and its really not particularly fascinating outside of a siege or some of the larger battles. Those are at least more involved, and planning them out or creating a strategy actually makes sense. If this is essentially a benchmark for single core CPU performance, I get it, but as far as a game that has stood the test of time? I would have to say: "No." Not only no, but it literally hurts a games appeal over time when it is incapable of taking advantage of future technology to some extent. Farcry was built to stand the test of time and though it isn't really anything more than a benchmark itself (as well as including a terrible story and by the numbers first person shooter experience) its still works as intended. As in people can take their rigs now, pump up all the graphical eye-candy (at the time) and still enjoy the game. Rome Total War is incapable of being anymore than a well polished military simulation, but its Achilles heel was the developer not even considering future-proofing to some degree whatsoever.… Expand
  72. carlosgtardon
    Jun 10, 2014
    8
    Sin duda uno de los híbrido de estrategia a tiempo real y por turnos mejor realizados. La macrogestión de las posesiones unido a la microgestión de las batallas le convierten en un juego muy completo que puedes rejugar y rejugar.
  73. Jomanponer
    Jun 8, 2014
    10
    best game ever. I mean really best game ever along with empire total war and shogun. all 10 out of 10 games. aowidmawda it so bootiful so much memories and aoiwdawod
    CA has sone an amazing job on rome total war. by far the best stragety game out there along with shogun 2 and empire total war and yes ive played civ 5, tropcio, age of empires and all those other games.
  74. Alexandros77
    May 30, 2014
    0
    Absolutely useless. Nothing to do with strategy. This game is clearly an unfinished project. Bought in 2014 and it still drops out for no reason, due to its programming and despite two patches. Graphics can not be adjusted even with a new powerful machine. If your idea of a fun strategy game is to babysit every single unit and issue orders to run three to four times to each unit and thenAbsolutely useless. Nothing to do with strategy. This game is clearly an unfinished project. Bought in 2014 and it still drops out for no reason, due to its programming and despite two patches. Graphics can not be adjusted even with a new powerful machine. If your idea of a fun strategy game is to babysit every single unit and issue orders to run three to four times to each unit and then still find them walking -loosing every single opportunity for advantage in open battle or defense. Also the AI is utterly unreasonable, while apathetic in battles with large numbers, the game allows a single defending missile horseman to venture out of guarded gates and attack 80 arches surrounded by other friendly units, and risk routing them! 3 missile horsemen against 80 javelin men completely routing them, again, while surrounded by friendly units, such as multiple phalanx units chasing them, to which the horsemen pass neatly at the edges of the spears without being engaged and rout your weakest units without even have a reasonably sized force. In the meantime of course none of the attacked units thinks about eliminating their single attacker. Other occasions missile horsemen reduced to 4 units surrounded by 30 heavy cavalry units with General and taking ages to eliminate them, you have to constantly click on them. In the meantime other bigger forces approach and your units are still dealing with the one unit that had been also routed previously. The turn based map is ridiculous also, there is no undo if you accidentally move a unit wrongly and as your turn ends, the next turn's events could be detrimental. You have to be precise with every move to the degree of being impractical. The economy can not really be managed efficiently due to being non intuitive , obscured and embellished with information that does not help the game, you have to try hard all the time for the simplest tasks and you rarely know how economy in some cities will go in the next turn. The impact of each decision is not visible and it can not be managed well. All this while battles, enemy alliances and own expanses are ongoing. The auto management does not seem to achieve much especially in military build. Some cities build more others less with no clear indication. It is a total waste of time. Honestly the one thing this game deserves credit for, is that it forces you to spend hours playing despite immense frustration and upset because you just can not believe that it can be so bad and you keep trying in the hope that it was only one frustrating mission or a particular element that was bad. Unfortunately this game is a constant source of never ending frustration. It feels like its been designed to keep you occupied rather than allow you to have fun. It is definitely worth an uninstall. There is no cure, newer versions in the series maintain the same problems. Graphics are not great, unit management could not be any worse, economies and user interfaces perplexing. The first thing that is needed in order to be on the road of fixing this game is for units to obey orders. Very few other games do not give you even this basic control. This game is the worst I have ever encountered in this respect. Literally unplayable. No amount of patience can solve the problems of this game.… Expand
  75. smeeeee
    May 27, 2014
    10
    The graphics are great, the combat animations are real and intense, and most of all this game changed my life... seriously. It got me into Roman history, introduced me to military strategy, and is, really, much more than just a game. All who gave this game less than a 9, shame.
  76. dandeon
    Mar 1, 2014
    10
    this game is the best game i have ever played. It has good graphics and wonderful buildings but the thing is that when there is to much sword men in the game the game goes slower and it begins to stop so you should be aware of that.
  77. TheBlackPrince
    Feb 4, 2014
    10
    A true classic in gaming history. I'm one of the most strategic gamers out there, and I can glady say that I played this in 2014 and was astonished at how I never bought it before (too busy playing Civ 5). If you think this game is old, think again. True, the graphics are not on par with many newer games, but you have to go in-depth and appreciate the tremendous amount of effort andA true classic in gaming history. I'm one of the most strategic gamers out there, and I can glady say that I played this in 2014 and was astonished at how I never bought it before (too busy playing Civ 5). If you think this game is old, think again. True, the graphics are not on par with many newer games, but you have to go in-depth and appreciate the tremendous amount of effort and artistry put into this game. The campaign makes you think you've seen it all, that your a super power and can't get wiped out by your opposing roman families. Wrong. They strike with a venegence, your enemies return in strength, and then...new units are revealed. This was a shock to me, as I've never seen that happen in a game without some hint of the upcoming units.
    If you like strategy, if you like fierce battle, if you like commanding a max of 2500 units (all shown), then this is the game for you (can't speak for Rome II, haven't played it, but if you tune in to local chats you'll hear its buggy).    … Expand
  78. total
    Jan 27, 2014
    10
    One of the best games I have ever played. It is a great game highly recommend it too series fans and newcomers alike. This is Way better then Total War Rome 2. If you want to play rome in this series play this one not Total War Rome 2. It macks Total War Rome 2 look like it was made by noobs
  79. Pannon
    Jan 17, 2014
    8
    Just replayed it again (Jan 2014). The game is head and shoulder above R2:Total War. While it's not perfect and it has its own bugs, this game may not have all the graphical bells and whistles of its predecessor, it has something much more important: gameplay.
  80. Faced
    Jan 6, 2014
    9
    Super fun strategy game. Hard to pick up as a beginner, but really easy and fun once you get the hang of it. Some pretty unbalanced factions as well, but just adds to the difficulty. Also, Better than the second one... unfortunately.
  81. PvtJackson
    Dec 31, 2013
    10
    This is undoubtedly the best game of the year. With well-written script, amazing graphics which stuns you, especially when you're in battle mode with thousands of soldiers, literally, crashing and fighting for their own factions, and most importantly, impressive AI in level "hard" and "very hard" that catches me on surprise numerous times, Rome Total War earns it's place to be one of theThis is undoubtedly the best game of the year. With well-written script, amazing graphics which stuns you, especially when you're in battle mode with thousands of soldiers, literally, crashing and fighting for their own factions, and most importantly, impressive AI in level "hard" and "very hard" that catches me on surprise numerous times, Rome Total War earns it's place to be one of the greatest Real-time strategy game of all time.… Expand
  82. Shorkan1000
    Dec 22, 2013
    8
    Rome: Total War was the first Total war game I ever played, I have played it for at least 6 years now and although it has some flaws, it is definitely worth playing. The graphics were really good back in the day (of course if you compare it to Shogun 2, it looks terrible, but you have to look at it, as if you would have 7 years ago. After all, it was released in 2005) and this game made meRome: Total War was the first Total war game I ever played, I have played it for at least 6 years now and although it has some flaws, it is definitely worth playing. The graphics were really good back in the day (of course if you compare it to Shogun 2, it looks terrible, but you have to look at it, as if you would have 7 years ago. After all, it was released in 2005) and this game made me play every next total war game except for Napoleon. The campaign map was large, and a large variety of units existed. Cities didn't always display on the right location, like Segesta, which was a Sicilian city, but was put by the developers at the spot of Genua. The battles were difficult, but if you were at least a little bit of a tactician, you could beat the AI. The city viewing is another great feature, which I missed in every next total war game. I hope they will add it to new games at some point. The most memorable however, were the huge amount of soldiers you can put on the screen. The largest amount I have ever fielded was around the 10.000, but I have seen videos of more.
    Despite all the good things, some negative things also exist. The cultural variation is not always accurate, as is the case with the "Germans" and the "Britons". They simply didn't exist as a single faction back then. The assault of a siege sometimes really sucked, since sometimes the units simply didn't want to climb the siege tower. The AI was really weak at using phalanxes.
    It has to be mentioned however, that the greatest asset of Rome Total war was the large amount of mods that have been released to address aforementioned problems. The ones I played were Europa Barbarorum and Amazon: Total War, the former being a more historically accurate mod than the latter, which introduced female warfare. All in all, a fantastic game, which redifined the essence of a strategy game, and despite some minor issues made a major impact on the world of gamers.    … Expand
  83. thebraveGG
    Dec 20, 2013
    10
    There is just nothing I can say that is bad about this game... Must be one of the, if not the best Stat game of all time.
  84. TWfreak
    Dec 16, 2013
    10
    This an amazing game, far superior than Rome2 which I'm playing since it's release, without getting bored at all! IT ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  85. Stratego
    Dec 2, 2013
    10
    The very only game i keep coming back to even after 9 years.
    Definitely one of the greatest strategy games ever and my all time favourite that i grew up with.
    Great work by The Creative Assembly
  86. J4MESOX4D
    Oct 26, 2013
    10
    The best strategy game ever made; ingenious in every way. This game is streets ahead of it's sequel nearly a decade later. If you want a good Rome-themed strategy; reinstall this or buy for a pittance as it's one of the most in-depth and engrossing titles produced in any genre.
  87. GaudyCube
    Oct 21, 2013
    10
    I LOVE this game! It's so cool! You can choose a lot of faction create different tactics but also you can expand all over the world if you change something in the game data.

    There are Romans Greeks Macedonians and others faction and each one of those are fun to play with against so what are you waiting for? Buy this game and become the greatest General of all the world!
  88. Cloud7
    Oct 6, 2013
    9
    Wow, after 9 years this is still the best Total War game. Rome 2 was just....I don't want to start with that again. In short Rome 2 was a rushed failure. This game is far more in depth and filled with features. If you love the Roman era like me then you will feel totally immersed as I was for each campaign.
  89. AdityaMookerjee
    Oct 2, 2013
    10
    Great game. I unlocked the Carthaginian and Greek cities factions, but I wanted to unlock the faction of the senate. The games that I had were epic, in grand campaign, and I was more administrator, than warrior. It seems, that I took care of my faction territory, and advanced in the culture aspect, and the military. I reached Egypt, was the first faction to do so, but there was no use forGreat game. I unlocked the Carthaginian and Greek cities factions, but I wanted to unlock the faction of the senate. The games that I had were epic, in grand campaign, and I was more administrator, than warrior. It seems, that I took care of my faction territory, and advanced in the culture aspect, and the military. I reached Egypt, was the first faction to do so, but there was no use for trade as the civilization was far away. I did have a trade treaty though. The Praetori and the Urban Cohorts can win a lot of wars. It seems, that if Rome can influence the other factions to not increase territory, but to trade, then there would be great advancement and prosperity. Apparently, the S. P. Q. R. faction that is the senate, was afraid that the factions would turn on each other and on Rome itself, and that is why they wanted foreign conquests. The faction members were made members of the senate, for this reason, it appears, and also apparently, they were originally from Rome. Every faction wanted to rule Rome.… Expand
  90. hr00kjw1
    Oct 2, 2013
    10
    the greatest Strategy games of all time

    people who played since rome 1 is just came out

    they know how great it was

    it was reavolution of Strategy game
  91. orctown-troll
    Sep 26, 2013
    10
    Based on the time it was made, this is a rarely PERFECT game.

    The beautiful core of the game is the tension between the 3 main political factions of Rome. The player takes on one faction and has to earn glory for Rome, while watching his back. Too much success can bring on the ire of the other factions. It is interesting that this beautiful design was not invented by Creative    Based on the time it was made, this is a rarely PERFECT game.

    The beautiful core of the game is the tension between the 3 main political factions of Rome. The player takes on one faction and has to earn glory for Rome, while watching his back. Too much success can bring on the ire of the other factions.

    It is interesting that this beautiful design was not invented by Creative Assembly, it reflects the genius at the heart of the real Roman political system. This system was destroyed historically by the megalomania of Gaius Julius (known to us as Julius Caesar. Caesar is not a name, it is the title: Kaiser, or king). Julius Caesar effectively destroyed the republican system and for this sin, he was assassinated. His son. became the first emperor (Augustus).

    This game is great because it learns from and makes accessible to us, the dynamics of true political genius. Its a history lesson, and it took its design cues from the real past.

    Beyond that the tactical battles are fun. Following the lives and careers of your factional families is intriguing. You always want to see how many stars you can get a general before he dies or goes crazy.The campaign is big and challenging. Final success is rewarding.

    Overall, Rome Total war remains a triumph of game design. With a few mods to update the graphics it remains eminently worth playing.

    Update to September 2013: This month CA went and took a dump on the brilliance of Rome total War by stripping away all the best bits to give us soul-less overblown, pretty-as-a-picture-but-no-fun-to-play Rome 2.

    Nice work guys!

    NOT!

    Orctowngrot.    … Expand
  92. StarScream90
    Sep 15, 2013
    10
    2013 and it still the best strategy game eaven after the release of the crapy Rome 2 total war this one still own them along with shogun 2 and napoleon
  93. puleknow
    Sep 14, 2013
    6
    I am hyped for total war. However, before anything cool happens, I'm thrown onto the campaign map. I'm very much confused what to do. After struggling with the game and learning basic mechanics of how to play I start to understand campaign mechanics. Then a battle happens. Not much is known and I get the basics after a 3 or 4 more battles. However after the repetition of losing battlesI am hyped for total war. However, before anything cool happens, I'm thrown onto the campaign map. I'm very much confused what to do. After struggling with the game and learning basic mechanics of how to play I start to understand campaign mechanics. Then a battle happens. Not much is known and I get the basics after a 3 or 4 more battles. However after the repetition of losing battles over again, I realize the greatest flaw in this RTS. This is the worst gaming A.I. i have ever seen. That is pretty much the heart of the cons in Total War Rome. My platoon moves to fight the enemy and immediately they are thrown out of order in a big blocky mess. All they do is follow my orders. That is the problem. I have a giant wall of soldiers coming towards my enemy and they don't even think to break up formation slightly and walk as a unit rather than a giant wall.When they contact the enemy they don't naturally surround them using their brains and try to flank them. They stand as a block and stare at them. When the fighting actually starts happening. ONE unit swings his sword randomly in the air and someone dies. Then the rest of the group tries desperately to find a target and what happens is a big clunky mess of units walking into to each other. Thats the combat. Walking and Flailing. Its unacceptable, and ruins the game for me. Now don't start calling me and idiot saying I don't know how to play RTS or RTS noob. I've played the original total war shogun. You know? the one with actually battle violence? possible the most violent war game? At least in the unit combat had a clunk to it. At least in that the interface was easier to control.
    Ive played Supreme Commander. That game is a strategic nightmare to master, but not impossible. Because the A.I. hits, the combat is effective, the game interface is accessible. This game does not give you a clear understanding of what the hell is happening on the battle. Your watching an incoherent mess because units don't strike at the first instance they see a unit. If an elephant is attacking spear men those spear men should be spearing the living out of it rather than path-finding like a chicken with its head cut off. Now that is over. The rest of the game offers unique ideas no other RTS can pull off,
    for that it is rewarded but for pretty much everything else it disappears.    … Expand
  94. Maximus44
    Sep 7, 2013
    10
    Rome one was an amazing game! It had spectacle, sounds, and overall great game play! Armies would stay in formation and you felt immersed in the game with each new land conquered. The missions were interesting as well. I loved the unique units in this game.
  95. MDLion
    Sep 5, 2013
    10
    A true classic never to be challenged or bested worth re visiting time and time again. Prepare for a experience like no other as you carve your empire out in the most brutal era of human history.
  96. Onlyransomdfd13
    Aug 22, 2013
    10
    One of my favorite Total War games. It combines nice graphics (Although they are a little outdated now) with exceptional gameplay and replayability. I have spent hours playing this game,and it still doesn't get old to me. I played the Egypt campaign a few times now, and all the Rome factions at least once. Sure, some of it IS repetitive, but it provides a certain feeling that I just cantOne of my favorite Total War games. It combines nice graphics (Although they are a little outdated now) with exceptional gameplay and replayability. I have spent hours playing this game,and it still doesn't get old to me. I played the Egypt campaign a few times now, and all the Rome factions at least once. Sure, some of it IS repetitive, but it provides a certain feeling that I just cant back away from. I keep coming back to the game, every time I can say I had fun.… Expand
  97. Razz5928
    Aug 7, 2013
    10
    this game, apart from the mediocre ai and movement, the medieval feel soundtrack and american voices. This game is generally great, ive only been playing for a few hours and ive already fell in love, i bought the game off steam with the money i had, knowing it would be well spent. i whent onto multiplayer and had no problems getting on. For a 2004 game this really out did itself, but imthis game, apart from the mediocre ai and movement, the medieval feel soundtrack and american voices. This game is generally great, ive only been playing for a few hours and ive already fell in love, i bought the game off steam with the money i had, knowing it would be well spent. i whent onto multiplayer and had no problems getting on. For a 2004 game this really out did itself, but im not talking about the graphics. The way they immersed the best strategic feeling and one of the best 'rule your own land and stuff like that' was amazing for its time. The people that say this game is too slow and boring are wrong. that is infact the whole reason why strategy games are so good! you actually have too strategically think about things like will it help your economy or will it increase your defenses but make your town smaller. if thats the only reason why you hate this game. You shouldnt play strategy's Overall in the few hours ive played this its been the best strategy rts game i have ever played. i hope MOST of you agree with me that it is the best strategy of its days and infact now.… Expand
  98. iseeall
    Jul 29, 2013
    10
    An excellent game. If you haven't seen it yet or played other games in the Total War series, be sure to check this one out. I played the grand campaign at least 3 times, and played for non-roman ones (including those you can unlock by editing a config file) everything is just great. In multiplayer, there are slight disbalances (e.g. overpowered berserkers) but if you abide to "CWB" rules,An excellent game. If you haven't seen it yet or played other games in the Total War series, be sure to check this one out. I played the grand campaign at least 3 times, and played for non-roman ones (including those you can unlock by editing a config file) everything is just great. In multiplayer, there are slight disbalances (e.g. overpowered berserkers) but if you abide to "CWB" rules, the game will be pretty balanced.… Expand
  99. zeniff
    Jul 18, 2013
    10
    I became addicted to all Total War games because of this one. For a history and strategy buffs this game is amazing. The battles are epic and the nation building is fun. Can't wait for Rome II
  100. ibitato
    Jul 17, 2013
    10
    this game is excellent
    Turn based strategy combined with amazing real time battles, all well crafted and mixed with amazing voice acting, music and help system.
    this game is a must buy.
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best PC Game of 2004
7
#7 Most Discussed PC Game of 2004
5
#5 Most Shared PC Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 58 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 58
  3. Negative: 0 out of 58
  1. Total Video Games
    90
    An epic game in terms of both visual execution and longevity...Campaigns can last for several hundred turns, so prepare for the long haul.
    Read full review
  2. Gaming Age
    91
    Many games are excellent world-builders, and many are deep real time strategy war games. Rome: Total War sets out to be both and pulls it off wonderfully.
    Read full review
  3. games(TM)
    90
    The tactical battles are better than ever thanks to an improved engine and significantly smarter enemy AI. You can now take up to 400 units into battle, leading to some impressive large-scale scraps.
See all critic reviews »