Empire: Total War

 
8.8
very good
 
CRITICS SCORE
8.9
(37 ratings)
GAMER SCORE
8.6
(2587 ratings)

The Good

Impressive and ambitious historical scope, A huge amount of content, online and off, Both land and naval battles are fun to play and fun to watch, Addictive gameplay will keep you glued to the monitor.

The Bad

An array of artificial intelligence issues, Numerous bugs and performance hitches.

The Bottom Line

Empire: Total War maintains the series' genre-leading 3D battles, grand turn-based campaign map and rich historical flavor while for the first time introducing 3D naval combat into the series. The game is set in the 18th century, a turbulent era alive with global conflict, revolutionary fervour and technological advances. Empire: Total War sees the debut of 3D naval combat -- gamers will be able to intuitively command vast fleets or single ships upon seascapes rich with extraordinary water and weather effects that play a huge role in your eventual glorious success or ignominious defeat. After pummelling your enemy with cannon fire, close in to grapple their ship and prepare to board taking control your men as they fight hand to hand on the decks.

Expert Reviews

GameSpot review logo
85/100
score

This strategy sequel is incredibly deep, broad, addictive--and a bit rough around the edges.

IGN review logo
95/100
score

Empire: Total War is a masterful combination of all the things that I love about strategy games -- a great setting, a first-rate presentation, tactics that reward maneuver, and a strategic layer that requires flexibility in your plans...Simply put, if you

Game Features

New Era of Warfare -- Set between 1700 and 1800, players will battle against a backdrop of technological advancement, social upheaval and political turmoil. Make your mark in history!
Revolutionary Naval Combat -- New real-time battle system lets you control single vessels or massive armadas on the open sea. Use powerful cannons to splinter and sink enemy ships or use loyal troops to board and lay siege to vessels.
Legendary Battlefields - Massive landscapes and huge armies under your control change the course of history. Storm the fields of war with all new weapons such as the musket and artillery -- and unleash the thunderous cavalry.
Historical Campaign -- Take charge of history in a campaign spanning three continents and featuring newly designed systems for Trade, Diplomacy, Missions and Espionage. Command the forces of ten playable factions including Britain, France, Spain, America and the Ottoman Empire.
Dynamic Weather -- On land or sea, real-time weather effects will play integral roles in your strategy as you command your forces.
Cutting Edge Graphics -- A completely new graphics engine renders real-time seascapes and ground-based landscapes like never before, as well as populating the battlefield with flora systems and destructable buildings.
Enhanced Multiplayer -- The vastly improved multiplayer component features all-new player rankings, leagues and completely new gameplay modes.
Intuitive Battles -- A compliment of interface enhancements and improvements let players dive in and focus on combat. Enjoy new tutorials and systems designed to let you command your forces with confidence!
Design the Conflict -- A suit of all-new tools and editors make Empire: Total War the most customizable Total War game yet

ESRB Game Ratings

ESRB Rating of "T"
This game is Rated: Teen
Content is most suitable for children ages 13 and up. This game may contain violence, gambling, suggestive themes, crude humor, or some strong language.
Content Descriptors:
Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Blood, Language, Violence
 
Game Info
Platform:PC
Release Date:3/3/2009
Publisher:SEGA
Developer:Creative Assembly
Genre:Strategy
ESRB Rating:T
Gamesite:Click here
 
Game Quality Ratings
Overall
9
Gameplay
9
Graphics
8.5
Sound
10
Concept
8.5
Difficulty: Medium/Hard
OVERALL
9/10
Empire: Total War
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