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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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!!
  14. 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.
  15. 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!
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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!!
  21. 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 !
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. 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)
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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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 »