Star Wars: Empire at War

 PC
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 341 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 264 out of 341
  2. Mixed: 60 out of 341
  3. Negative: 17 out of 341
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  1. AngryGeek
    Jun 7, 2022
    9
    It is the perfect combination of star wars and strategy. Strategy lovers should definitely play.
  2. Jackie_Jackson
    May 26, 2022
    9
    Я - полковник Я командую имперскими силами ты на крейсере класса звёздный разрушитель и Я на крейсере класса звёздный разрушитель и парад в нашу честь пьём пиво потом салют в нашу честь из Альдераана
  3. Axilley
    Jul 22, 2021
    9
    good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good sw legend strategy
  4. nazarkin123
    Mar 11, 2021
    8
    Star Wars Empire at War is one of the best Star Wars RTS games for the PC .
  5. SewAwOw
    Jul 19, 2020
    8
    Отличная стратегия по Звездным войнам, в детстве тащился от нее, хотя не являюсь любителем стратегий. Плюс интересное дополнение Forces of Corruption, которое добавляет много контента. Фанатам ЗВ мастхэв.
  6. Genek13
    Nov 20, 2019
    8
    RTS in Star Wars universe ? What more you can ask :)
    Great galaxy management, land battles and especially space battles.
    You can easily play this game even today.
  7. w13510n
    Apr 12, 2017
    9
    The game itself is a 6 to 7, but with mods like Phoenix Rising (For Forces of Corruption Expansion) it becomes a really epic game with a score of 9 to 10, with the only downside, that the AI can't handle really large scale galactic campaigns which span more than 40 hours.

    Though i wouldn't say that the AI is innately useless, it's probably just bugged somewhere. With the Phoenix Rising    The game itself is a 6 to 7, but with mods like Phoenix Rising (For Forces of Corruption Expansion) it becomes a really epic game with a score of 9 to 10, with the only downside, that the AI can't handle really large scale galactic campaigns which span more than 40 hours.

    Though i wouldn't say that the AI is innately useless, it's probably just bugged somewhere. With the Phoenix Rising mod for instance: I've built about 1.000 very large Destroyers with some hundred smaller Cruisers for their support, but no small fighter squadrons. With time i obliterated the enemies fleet, blew into space all of its destroyers and cruisers, but at a certain point the AI made a remarkable switch, it recognized that its destroyers and cruisers were no match for me and that my weakspot was defense against small bomber fleets. It started to create dozens over dozens of them and it began to destroy a solid 30% of my destroyers and cruisers.

    In the meantime i was building a lot of specialized fighter squadrons to hunt its bomber squadrons down, when i was ready i assigned to all of my destroyer and cruiser fleets a bunch of them, closing my last remaining weakspot. From there on the AI seemed to resign, it just built space station and defense structures on the ground, but never again made an attack.

    All in all: First playthrough with the vanilla game is great, same for the FoC Expansion, but the real fun begins with the mods, which not only bring mayor gameplay improvements, but also bring a sh**ton of SW:Expanded Universe lore to the game, they are the REAL EaW Experience.    … Expand
  8. chookshagger
    Nov 7, 2016
    8
    The best part of this game is the epic galactic conquest. Galactic conquest is absorbing and meaty especially the space battles as you struggle for space supremecy before you can take over the planet. The ai with the planet land battles can be a tad weird and I generally auto play them
  9. MIke_Levin
    Aug 22, 2016
    9
    This game is amazing! For me, there's only one con and many pros on this.

    Con: later on in the game, you'll be able to predict its patterns and thus be able to defeat them easily in easy, middle, and hard levels. The difficulty of this game is more on stronger/harder-hit units or more amount of units deployed in combat, than on actually increasing the A.I.'s intelligence that you're    This game is amazing! For me, there's only one con and many pros on this.

    Con: later on in the game, you'll be able to predict its patterns and thus be able to defeat them easily in easy, middle, and hard levels. The difficulty of this game is more on stronger/harder-hit units or more amount of units deployed in combat, than on actually increasing the A.I.'s intelligence that you're competing against. Increasing A.I.'s intelligence would make one feel like they're playing chess against them; that's very vital on making a best strategy game.

    Pros: awesome CGI, the strategic/tactical challenges you'll initially encounter, some characters, units, storytelling, and pretty much everything else. This game was very addicting to me. When I've bought it, I've played it for hours until I get bored w/ it and then left for some time; one week later, I'm still playing it again.

    For someone who's 1) a Star Wars fan, 2) likes strategy games like Ages of Empire, and 3) really into CGI 3D effects, this game is it.    … Expand
  10. RC-1148
    Mar 28, 2016
    9
    i have had the game on steam for a few years, i still love it to this day. its not the perfect game but it is very very fun. if i were to lose my steam account to a hacker, not only would i be destroyed because of all the games i lost, but i would be sad because i lost empire at war
  11. Pablo92jedi
    Nov 16, 2015
    10
    The best Star Wars game ever made! I love it.
    Noone have the ability to do something so good. Buy it!
    The expansion are fantastica and there are a lot of Universe Expanse caracther!
  12. MagesticLean
    Aug 17, 2015
    10
    this game is better than most games of today i miss the old days of effort that was put into video games nowadays developers get tons of time and make ****
  13. JacobCleveland
    Apr 3, 2014
    10
    This game is one of the best RTS games I've ever played, and gives you a satisfying Star Wars experience. While the initial game isn't too large in scale by today's standards, the great modding community gives us even more depth into the Star Wars canon, and gives us a truly fantastic experience. The only fault i could give for this game is that there isn't more of it out there.
  14. spacepirate369
    Feb 12, 2014
    10
    This is one of the best games I have ever played, and certainly the best RTS. The game is fantastic on its own, with an excellent diversity of units and playstyles, but the fantastic modding community makes it all the more legendary. Due to the inclusion of both space and land battles, I would even go so far as to say that this game is better than the critically acclaimed Starcraft II, andThis is one of the best games I have ever played, and certainly the best RTS. The game is fantastic on its own, with an excellent diversity of units and playstyles, but the fantastic modding community makes it all the more legendary. Due to the inclusion of both space and land battles, I would even go so far as to say that this game is better than the critically acclaimed Starcraft II, and not just because EaW is Star Wars. Fanboys will cry about the canonocity (I know I did at first), but again, this can be fixed easily with mods, as can any other nitpicks you might come up with.… Expand
  15. CaptainChaos
    Feb 9, 2014
    10
    This 2006 game is still SO MUCH fun. The graphics are a bit retro but are so colorful the space battles still stand up BEAUTIFULLY! And all the sounds are completely licensed from Lucas Arts. I haven't seen such a balance between abilities and weaknesses of different factions (Empire, Rebels, Zann Consortium (criminal syndicate), since Star Craft. And both land and space battles requireThis 2006 game is still SO MUCH fun. The graphics are a bit retro but are so colorful the space battles still stand up BEAUTIFULLY! And all the sounds are completely licensed from Lucas Arts. I haven't seen such a balance between abilities and weaknesses of different factions (Empire, Rebels, Zann Consortium (criminal syndicate), since Star Craft. And both land and space battles require complex balancing of mixed forces. Generally, with few exceptions, you can't just build imperial star destroyers and expect to take on swarms on rebel fighters or proton frigates, they will surprisingly eat you alive without proper escorts. To say nothing of strategically managing the planetary map (balancing what kind of buildings you build on your planets). And the AI is quite good, both tactically and strategically. The only drag is the sometimes brutally repetitive nature of some of the attacks. Pro Tip: If you use auto-resolve, often times you will lose seemingly hopeless battles (or win some easy ones with ridiculous loses). BUT, if you begin the tactical combat and then use the Fast Forward button, and sit back and watch, you may very well win, and win with no or few losses. It takes 2-3 minutes but it's worth it (Advanced Pro Tip: If you do this, I think you still manually need to fire the planet based weapons, so un-FF and then fire, and re-FF).

    Example, being rusty at this game, as the all powerful Empire, I laughingly got my rear end kicked all the way back to Coruscant, was invaded, and almost lost the game, but was forced to think of inventive new strategies to claw my way back up, using a combination of land based hypervelocity cannons to secure my local space, and researching powerful new techs, which also opened up new "hero units" such as Captain Piett (with a suped up star destroyer) and Darth Vader (with an Executer Class Super Star Stardestroyer Command Ship), which turned the tide.

    I highly recommend this game for anyone who wants the ultimate RTS Star Wars experience done really well, even if the graphics (particularly the land battles) are a bit dated.    … Expand
  16. HawkeyeWii
    May 9, 2013
    9
    One of the very best RTS games to ever grace the PC. Also one of the very best Star Wars games, sitting right next to Battlefront 2. This game is still a blast to play with others online, even today!
  17. Kurtz
    Dec 22, 2011
    8
    Great game. Not without it's flaws but still a must for any Star Wars fan. Good amount of content, 2 campaigns, galactic conquest mode, skirmish and multiplayer. Also there is a huge modding community around the game which will increase it's re playability.
  18. cub317
    Oct 3, 2011
    9
    This is simply an amazing game! I just can't put it down! I really like how it is basically a strategy game for both beginners, and experts. The game play is very good, and it suits expert strategy gamers, without going so hard on beginners. I think that this could be the best Star Wars strategy game out there. Then again, I actually like Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds better, butThis is simply an amazing game! I just can't put it down! I really like how it is basically a strategy game for both beginners, and experts. The game play is very good, and it suits expert strategy gamers, without going so hard on beginners. I think that this could be the best Star Wars strategy game out there. Then again, I actually like Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds better, but that's not to say that this game is terrible. The one thing that's better from Galactic Battlegrounds is the graphics. Battlegrounds was 2D, while everything here is 3D. Not to mention that it has a game engine of its own, where Galactic Battlegrounds works on the Age of Empires engine. However, there is one thing that I don't like about Empire at War, and that's the space battles. The battles, when playing in instant action mode, last only a measly seven minutes, where the ground battles last up to thirty! However, that problem doesn't totally ruin the game. It's still a good game nonetheless.… Expand
  19. JC
    Aug 11, 2007
    8
    Probably the best strategy game of the Star Wars series since Rebellion. This game makes for both ground and space based warfare, making it an interesting change from past games. The Single Player Campaigns were interesting. 1 Con about this game is its A.I. The AI of this game is pretty bad and easily defeatable. Online play is ok, but generates loads of lag and poor online design.
  20. KravinM.
    Mar 27, 2007
    9
    Star Wars Empire at War is one of the best Star Wars RTS games for the PC. With good game play you'll be playing for hours.
  21. PoviR.
    Mar 18, 2007
    10
    Love this game. Multiplayer galactic conquest is where it's at.My buddy and I are still trying to beat each other after a week of playing a 40+ planet campaign. Brilliant! Saving your game during multiplayer is also a nice touch. Also, you don't need a super mega PC to run this game, unlike the current stock out there.
  22. DanielJ.
    Mar 17, 2007
    9
    Although the other Star Wars RTS games weren't great, Star Wars Empire at War proves out to be one hell of an RTS. The graphics are really awesome, especially with a good video card. The sound is simply perfect! And there is just a ton of game-play from skirmish vs the AI to the story campaign. In summary Empire at War is a great game and what I consider to be one of the best Star Although the other Star Wars RTS games weren't great, Star Wars Empire at War proves out to be one hell of an RTS. The graphics are really awesome, especially with a good video card. The sound is simply perfect! And there is just a ton of game-play from skirmish vs the AI to the story campaign. In summary Empire at War is a great game and what I consider to be one of the best Star Wars strategy games in the series. I hope they make a sequel.… Expand
  23. FilhaberH.
    Mar 16, 2007
    9
    Hands down one of the best Star Wars RTS games to date. The space battles are truly epic and the game looks great on max detail with a good video card. If you like RTS games and like Star Wars, Empire at War is a must have game.
  24. FredG.
    Mar 15, 2007
    10
    H.is game is so much fun I couldn't stop playing even for dinner. Empire at War is just right for difficulty, not to easy and not to hard. But if you like hard you can crank up the difficulty. The space battles are truly awesome, being able to command a fleet of star destroyers and the death star is totally cool. I haven't played many RTS games, but after playing EAW it made me H.is game is so much fun I couldn't stop playing even for dinner. Empire at War is just right for difficulty, not to easy and not to hard. But if you like hard you can crank up the difficulty. The space battles are truly awesome, being able to command a fleet of star destroyers and the death star is totally cool. I haven't played many RTS games, but after playing EAW it made me think that RTS games aren't that bad at all. I would definitely recommend it to those who like RTS games and even those that don't. If you like to make maps you can download the editor. It's pretty easy to use and a lot of fun.… Expand
  25. NateW.
    May 30, 2006
    10
    it's totally awesome. the sound and graphics are the best for a RTS game.
  26. ThrawnM.
    Apr 10, 2006
    9
    The game is great and sports some awesome graphics and at least 30+ hours of single-player game play. Multiplayer is where the game is at with a cool team mode for land and space maps; the game also has tons of options to choose from. There is also a neat online campaign mode for those who want to play a
  27. Felipevillegas
    Apr 9, 2006
    9
    The game does lack a little bit.. but im not worried the game delivers and plays well. Mods will Make this the best Starwars RTS of all time, hopefully just fixing the ground battles a bit and adding tons more units .. But i am extremely satisfied
  28. LukasK.
    Mar 29, 2006
    8
    Very good game but it's quite short. I was done with this game in 20 hours. I mean single player. Exactly storyline. But it's very good. You must be good in economy, strategy and tactic. I won a battle against 10 big machines (I don't know how their are called exactly.) with 2 squad of marines and one factory. If you like RTS you should play this game.
  29. YilmarS.
    Mar 6, 2006
    10
    What can i say about this game??It's awesome and i can't stop playing!! The gameplay is very reliable and easy and you can control almost everything in the galaxy. The sound is another strong part of the game with special sound effects and all the explosions blowing at your ears!Especially if you have a 5.1 system!!The laser sounds from the spaceships are the classic sound of What can i say about this game??It's awesome and i can't stop playing!! The gameplay is very reliable and easy and you can control almost everything in the galaxy. The sound is another strong part of the game with special sound effects and all the explosions blowing at your ears!Especially if you have a 5.1 system!!The laser sounds from the spaceships are the classic sound of every laser with something more!! The graphics section is the strongest part of the game! Star Wars Empire at War has something more than excellent graphics!!The universe looks very real and the spaceships very realistic!!In the middle of a battle you can relax and admire all the special effects and the awesome explosions that taking place in front of your eyes!! Don't lose this game at all costs! It's a must for every pc gamer!… Expand
  30. StrellS.
    Mar 2, 2006
    10
    An absolutely fantastic strategy game whether you like Star Wars or not! Exceptionally strong multiplayer element that is extremely fun! Best strategy game I played since StarCraft and RA2!
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Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Best PC Game of 2006
24
#24 Most Discussed PC Game of 2006
14
#14 Most Shared PC Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 45 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 45
  3. Negative: 0 out of 45
  1. The Sydney Morning Herald
    60
    Empire at War hits all the right notes if you're a Star Wars fan, but be prepared to grind out your victories.
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  2. Game Informer
    83
    It's not every day that a licensed game actually makes its source material cooler, especially when you are talking about Star Wars. [Mar 2006, p.114]
  3. IGN
    76
    Star Wars: Empire at War definitely scores big in terms of style. Gamers who are looking for an authentic Star Wars experience will not be disappointed with this one... What really stinks is that the actual gameplay isn't exciting enough to support the setting.
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