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. AlexG.
    Oct 24, 2004
    7
    While Rome: Total War is one of the most visually impressive strategy games I've played, the AI is rather atrocious; and frankly, that's where it counts when it comes to strategy. For instance, once I was playing as the Greeks, and suddenly the Macedonians laid siege to my city with their entire standing army. Taking the offensive, despite being outnumbered by about 400 men, I While Rome: Total War is one of the most visually impressive strategy games I've played, the AI is rather atrocious; and frankly, that's where it counts when it comes to strategy. For instance, once I was playing as the Greeks, and suddenly the Macedonians laid siege to my city with their entire standing army. Taking the offensive, despite being outnumbered by about 400 men, I managed to destroy their forces with one archer unit and the built-in defenses of the city's stone wall by sending my general out of the city gates to lure them forward, and then pulling him back in. Wash, rinse, repeat, and you repel virtually any siege; since the AI has no concept of self-preservation, it won't even bother to move troops under fire in many instances. Fortunately (or unfortunately), the AI for your troops is no better, so things balance out. Perhaps it's unfair to expect Rome: Total War to set the bar higher for RTS AI; but it's disappointing nonetheless, that in spite of such graphical and aural splendor, even simple tasks like pathfinding have improved little since the days of Ms. Pacman. As for the game's plaudits, the other reviewers have pointed most of those out already, and Rome is everything it should and could be aesthetically; all that remains now is for the developers is to make a game that actually requires a shred of strategem and we'd all be set for life. … Expand
  2. JamesP.
    Oct 15, 2004
    10
    A MASTERPIECE!!! This colossal game takes strategy into a new level, spectacular battles, excellent graphics and wonderfull AI. I am a bit annoyed with the guy that gave 0, he probably hasn't even played the game so he is just make things up. What an idiot.
  3. RobertM.
    Oct 12, 2004
    10
    Demnads patience och comp. power, gives back a really complete strat. game.
  4. VladimirLenin
    Oct 11, 2004
    10
    Spectacular, simply put. A terrific game that I would highly recommend.
  5. [Anonymous]
    Oct 8, 2004
    10
    This is a really great game that has issues but what game does not on release? Most of the issues will be fixed in patches. This is probably the best game I have ever played all time. I can't wait for the expansion. It is fun trying to beat it just on medium diffuculty with all the different factions. (have only beat 50 plus regions and beat the roman arimes with Cathage thus far) This is a really great game that has issues but what game does not on release? Most of the issues will be fixed in patches. This is probably the best game I have ever played all time. I can't wait for the expansion. It is fun trying to beat it just on medium diffuculty with all the different factions. (have only beat 50 plus regions and beat the roman arimes with Cathage thus far) This is the first game I have played in a long time that holds my interest for hours on end. This game isn't for someone of low intell. or has a very short attention span. There is always one who will rate a game ZERO just so they can be different. Don't listen to them! … Expand
  6. BobR.
    Oct 7, 2004
    10
    If you look down at the 0 rater, he says some idiotic things about the graphics. He's completely wrong about the animation and visual quality. The animation is absolutely gorgeous, that dope just has some compatibility issue or is too dumb to troubleshoot. Wonderful game.
  7. THARNS.
    Oct 6, 2004
    10
    I usually don't comment on games, because I think most online reviewers do a fine job. I just needed to speak up a bit to offset the (zero) that was given to this title. Rome Total War is by far the best and deepest strategy game ever made. The only reason I'm not saying it's the most unique is because the Total War series has been out for about 5 years now. With RTW, the I usually don't comment on games, because I think most online reviewers do a fine job. I just needed to speak up a bit to offset the (zero) that was given to this title. Rome Total War is by far the best and deepest strategy game ever made. The only reason I'm not saying it's the most unique is because the Total War series has been out for about 5 years now. With RTW, the makers have obviously taken the time to make a game for not only themselves, but the fans of strategy and History. I rarely shell out 50$ for a game. I can honestly say that I do not regret my purchase one bit. I am guessing that the 0 given was based on the demo and not the full title- The only thing I can say could use some adjustment is the AI given to the 'Generals': they tend to charge headlong into the fray and get themselves killed-leaving their men to get mopped up by the opposing force- This, I do believe will be addressed. Yet over-all this game is fun and challenging. RTW can easliy vie for the Game of the Year title!… Expand
  8. ApostelesLightbringer
    Oct 4, 2004
    10
    This game is an instant classic. There is nothing not worth loving. Respect!
  9. D.Owen
    Oct 3, 2004
    8
    Well, I look a bit like a war elephant... so when playing I raise my arm to my nose and go "Huuuaaahhhh" and then shake my belly. The game is so incredible it makes me want to do things like that.... The graphics, the gameplay, the strategy.... I keep a bust of Caesar on my desk while playing and french kiss it after every victory - the game is amazing.
  10. GordonF.
    Oct 3, 2004
    10
    Cool game...Exactly what Charles said...and you can have 10,000 people on the field!!!!!!!
  11. HansV.
    Oct 3, 2004
    10
    As a big fan of the Total War series, owning both Shogun and Medieval, with expansion discs, this game was one of the most awaited games this year for me, as for many of you too. I have to say, R:TW lives to my expectations and more. The graphics and gameplay engine is unbelievable in this type of game, when thousands of models march to the battlefield and clash with each other. I smile As a big fan of the Total War series, owning both Shogun and Medieval, with expansion discs, this game was one of the most awaited games this year for me, as for many of you too. I have to say, R:TW lives to my expectations and more. The graphics and gameplay engine is unbelievable in this type of game, when thousands of models march to the battlefield and clash with each other. I smile eveytime when my succesfull cavalry or elephant charge breaks my enemys lines, like a hot knife on butter. And the new 3d-strategy map is great too. There is nothing to complain about in this game, 'cause we as players can feel the love Creative Assembly has put to it. Old Total War-series players feel like coming to home with this title. … Expand
  12. SeanF.
    Sep 30, 2004
    9
    Well, I play this game on my knees with a crown of ivory around my head and a white bedsheet - I yell, "I am Caesar, I came, I saw, I kicked patootie" and then laugh madly. It's just that good. An amazing game. Plus, I like the feel of the bedsheet.
  13. CharlesP.
    Sep 30, 2004
    10
    I have been waiting for this game for years now, hoping that it wouldn't dissapoint like so many other games I have waited for that didn't live up to expectations. This is one that has delivered. R.N. doesn't know what he is talking about. The graphics in this game are superb, as are the animations. I think he fails to realize that this isn't your average RTS. You I have been waiting for this game for years now, hoping that it wouldn't dissapoint like so many other games I have waited for that didn't live up to expectations. This is one that has delivered. R.N. doesn't know what he is talking about. The graphics in this game are superb, as are the animations. I think he fails to realize that this isn't your average RTS. You don't have 20-100 models in your army, like in a game such as Dawn of War or Warcraft. Instead, you have 100 soldiers in each Unit, and you have many many units in your army. So while other RTS's might be more detailed, because there are less models, R:TW can't have quite that much detail. But it is no slouch. In fact, it beats a lot of RTS's in terms of detail. And we haven't even gotten to gameplay. R:TW is half Turn Based Strategy, half Real Time Strategy. I'm sure you can read about both in all the reviews, but they are both excellent and work toegether wonderfully. The new 3d Strategy map is excellently done. The interactions between units in the RTS portion are great. Cavalry charge and knock models over, axemen barbarians yell and charge forward doing leaping attacks. Straight up, this is in my top 5 best game of all time. Any fans of the series will like, and newcomers don't be put off by its depth. Once you dig in you won't regret it. Oh, and R.N... you can turn off the "character guides." There is a big option where you can set level of advice "low, medium, high, NONE", but apparently you need more than a 2nd grade class room level of education to figure that out...… Expand
  14. JoeSmith
    Sep 30, 2004
    10
    What an idiot this guy giving Rome a 0. Clearly a moron of the higest order. This game owns... clear and simple. The reviews are spot on. This is the best RTS ever made. A must have for any PC gamer.
  15. R.N.
    Sep 29, 2004
    0
    I want my money back!! This game is definitely over-hyped. The art work is and the animation is putrid. The graphics are done by the same people who illustrated my grandmother
  16. JohnS.
    Sep 28, 2004
    10
    Maybe not for strategy beginners, but stunning tactics & graphics! buy it and try it!
  17. TomS.
    Sep 27, 2004
    10
    I wet myself... literally. Then I stripped off all of my clothes and danced around naked. Then, I made my wife, Amanda, pretend to be my conquered Greek Sex Slave and showed her my Roman War Elephant. Enough Said - go get this game!
  18. HarmL.
    Sep 27, 2004
    7
    Yes, a good game. But the total war has a history allready. Not much added to my opinion.
  19. GregA
    Sep 25, 2004
    10
    Another leap ahead in the series. Simply a fantastic game - hope to see more like!!!
  20. J.Knight
    Sep 25, 2004
    10
    I Have been a fan of of the total War Series since the beginning. I have also played the "other" strategy games that are out there. Age of Empires, Command and Conquer, etc., etc.. But compared to even the first total war, Shogun Total war, they shouldn't even be able to compete. But the most amazing thing, Is that Each one has gotten better. I have just picked up Rome, and it's I Have been a fan of of the total War Series since the beginning. I have also played the "other" strategy games that are out there. Age of Empires, Command and Conquer, etc., etc.. But compared to even the first total war, Shogun Total war, they shouldn't even be able to compete. But the most amazing thing, Is that Each one has gotten better. I have just picked up Rome, and it's gameplay is just outstanding, It's AI is scary at moments, being to take your troop movements assess the battlefield, send in the first wave, see you repositioning your troops to reinforce the line, withdraw it's troops to try what it has determined to be a weaker point in the line, and re-engage in the battle. This games gameplay is just beyond what I had ever imagined. I have been waiting on this game to be released since I heard about it last fall, was dissappointed when it didn't come out in January, dissappointed again when it didn't come out in June, but found the wait well worth it when I played just played it for the first time on Thursday, and when it kicked my ass on the first battle, I knew they had one hell of a great game on their hands and fully expect it to exceed not only their expectations, but their hopes for the popularity of this game.… Expand
  21. Gameboy
    Sep 25, 2004
    0
    All the hype about this?
  22. PaulD.
    Sep 25, 2004
    10
    Simply put -- the best game I've ever played.
  23. AmmarK.
    Sep 23, 2004
    10
    This is a very good game.
  24. EricDeLaurent
    Sep 23, 2004
    10
    I have handed in my resignation at work, broken up with my girlfriend, bought 50 cases of Power Sauce, paid the rent and bills for 4 months and put up boards over my windows and doors....

    ...I'm really worried about myself....

    I LOVE ROME: TOTAL WAR!!!

    Is there a rehab for Total War addicts?
    Now.....is that
  25. BatmanMonkey
    Sep 17, 2004
    10
    Played the Demo...Buying it for sure!!! best and most realistic RTS game ever...just wish it ran faster on my computer.
  26. Chimp
    Aug 24, 2004
    10
    I was a huge fan of shogun and medieval, but this game is simply out of this world, and redefines strategy. For the first time in any strategy game, the way units fight looks PERFECT. Elaphants charge through units and literally THROW them with their tusks, and the units go flying. its not like medieval or shogun where they all stood there and had a general attack animation while the game I was a huge fan of shogun and medieval, but this game is simply out of this world, and redefines strategy. For the first time in any strategy game, the way units fight looks PERFECT. Elaphants charge through units and literally THROW them with their tusks, and the units go flying. its not like medieval or shogun where they all stood there and had a general attack animation while the game calculated stats and units suddenly fell over and died. The best part is, it runs at 70+ FPS on my computer, which for some reason was running slow with MEDIEVAL TW! I mean, perfect! i can play call of duty and UT and stuff, but this game never slowed down for one second on very high settings and everything, and it zoomed across the map without a hiccup. I only have enough money for one game this fall, and instead of half life 2, this is gonna be it.… Expand
  27. LokiH.
    Jun 25, 2004
    10
    The best game ever.
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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 »