Empire: Total War

Release Date: March 3, 2009

Strategy, RTS, turn-based, Napoleonic era, war strategy, 18th century, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet, LAN

90%

Steam

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The fifth installment in the popular strategy game series created by Creative Assembly in 2000. This new game is set in the 18th century, focusing on key events of the period, such as the American Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, and the rivalry over the Eastern trade routes. Although the core concept of the gameplay remains the same, the mechanics went through some major alterations, mainly due to the introduction of sea warfare.

guide

Last Update: May 21, 2009

Empire: Total War Game Guide

Variety of tips for playing all kinds of battles, the game mechanics and behavior on the campaign map. Precise descriptions of the basic units and tips for all of the campaigns.

Empire: Total War Game Guide

Videos and Screens

[0:41] Empire: Total War Mobile Release Date Trailer

[1:53] Empire: Total War launch movie

90%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (18,762)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Engaging Gameplay: Players appreciate the gunpowder line warfare mechanics, which offer a rewarding experience in strategy and tactics.
Vast and Immersive World: The game allows players to explore a large map with various nations and unique geopolitical challenges, enhancing the sense of empire-building.
Deep Economic Systems: The economic aspect is engaging, with players needing to manage resources and trade effectively to succeed.
Naval Warfare: The inclusion of ship-to-ship combat is highlighted as a significant and enjoyable feature.
Modding Potential: Many players express enjoyment in using mods, which can enhance the gameplay experience.
Nostalgia Factor: Despite its age, many players find joy in revisiting the game for its historical setting and mechanics.

The main cons of the game

AI Issues: The game's AI is frequently criticized for being broken or unresponsive, particularly during siege battles, where it often fails to act effectively.
Combat Mechanics: Players note that combat can feel clunky and outdated, especially in melee and siege engagements.
Limited Player Choice: There is a reduction in player autonomy regarding building choices in regions compared to earlier titles in the series.
Bugs and Crashes: The game is reported to have frequent bugs and crashes, particularly during late-game campaigns, which can corrupt save files.
User Interface: Some players find the UI less intuitive than in newer games, making navigation and management cumbersome.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Improved AI: Many players wish for a more competent AI that can handle battles and sieges better.
Enhanced Customization Options: Users desire more options for customizing battles, such as unit sizes and available funds in custom battles.
Broader Building Choices: There is a call for more variety in the types of buildings players can construct in different regions.
Accessibility of Mods: Some players express frustration with the difficulty of accessing and implementing mods, wishing for easier integration similar to other Total War titles.
Modern Mechanics: Players hope for a sequel (Empire 2) that incorporates modern game mechanics while retaining the core elements that made the original enjoyable.

Summary

Overall, while "Total War: EMPIRE ? Definitive Edition" is celebrated for its strategic depth and immersive historical experience, it is also critiqued for its AI limitations, combat mechanics, and technical issues.

Summary generated on: November 25, 2024

8.3

GAMERS Score

Average score from 5434 votes. 806 players anticipated the game.

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Empire: Total War is the fifth installment in the eponymous RTS series, launched back in 2000 with the release of Shogun: Total War. It was developed exclusively for PC by Creative Assembly.

Story

The game depicts the most important events of the 18th century such as the Industrial Revolution, the American Revolutionary War, or the struggle for control over the Eastern trade routes, among others. The selected events of the period occur in the campaigns created by the developers.

Gameplay

The latest game in the Total War franchise introduces some revolutionary changes and offers several entirely new options. The basic gameplay mechanics remain very similar, though. We still operate within two screens. The tactical one lets us govern our empire in turns. Battles, however, are fought in real time, which makes the game similar to other RTS productions. Furthermore, the main campaign screen was enriched with new trade, diplomacy, and espionage options. The behavior of our advisers was also enhanced, making their advice more accurate.

The biggest novelty offered by Empire: Total War is the ability to fight sea battles, which were unavailable in the previous installments of the Total War series. In the game, we can command entire flotillas as well as single ships. We can either try to sink hostile vessels or try to take them over by means of boarding. We are given some new attractions in classic battles as well, such as cannons and muskets. Units can also assume new formations.

Technology

Empire: Total War for PC presents even higher visual quality than its predecessors. The enhancements were made in the appearance of water, among other things. What is interesting, weather conditions at sea have a significant impact on the outcome of battles, for example: a powerful storm can render some tactics impossible to carry out.

Last updated on January 27, 2016

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in Total War Game Series

Game Series

Total War Series

The highly popular series of strategy games by British studio Creative Assembly. The series Total War successfully combines elements of turn-based strategy, based on resource management, as well as tactical battles fought in real time. Since 2005, the series has been under the publishing supervision of Sega. In 2010 it was decided to make a change in the naming of the series, making its main element a member of the Total War, previously being only a subtitle.

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Total War Game Series