|
|
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| − | '''''Empire: Total War''''' is a [[turn-based strategy]] and [[real-time tactics]] [[personal computer game|computer game]] developed by [[the Creative Assembly]] and published by [[Sega]]. The fifth instalment in the [[Total War (series)|''Total War'' series]], the game was released in North America on 3 March 2009, and in the rest of world the following day. The game, which focuses on the [[early modern period]] of the 18th century, was announced at the [[Leipzig Games Convention]] in August 2007.
| + | {{Total War}} |
| | | | |
| − | Following a similar style of play as earlier ''Total War'' titles, players choose a contemporary 18th century faction and set out to ensure that faction's domination over the known world through military force, politics, diplomacy, espionage and economics. Although the campaign element of the game is turn-based, players can direct battles in real-time. ''Empire: Total War'' is the first game in the series to allow naval battles to be conducted in real-time. In addition to the standard campaign mode, the game includes a special campaign that follows the development of the [[United States]] from the [[Jamestown Settlement|settlement of Jamestown]] to the [[American Revolutionary War|American War of Independence]]. Players may also engage in recreations of several historical battles from the early modern era.
| + | == Overview == |
| | + | [[Empire: Total War]] is set in the 18th century a turbulent era that is the most requested by Total War’s™ loyal fan base and a period alive with global conflict, revolutionary fervour and technological advances. With themes such as the Industrial Revolution, America’s struggle for independence, the race to control Eastern trade routes and the globalisation of war on land and sea, Empire: Total War™ promises to be amongst the richest and most dynamic PC RTS games of all time. |
| | | | |
| − | ''Empire: Total War'' received acclaim from reviewers upon release, and is commended as one the foremost strategy titles of recent times. Praise was bestowed upon the extensive strategy breadth, accurate historical challenges and visual effects. The real-time land battles, with a far greater focus on gunpowder weaponry than earlier ''Total War'' titles, were thought to be successfully implemented. Criticisms focused on shortcomings with the game's artificial intelligence and on the real-time naval battles, the latter of which were perceived to be difficult to control and co-ordinate. The game was a commercial success, topping sales charts within the week of release.
| + | Empire: Total War will see the debut of 3D naval combat within the Total War™ franchise. PC 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. |
| | | | |
| − | ==Gameplay==
| + | Along with the revolutionary introduction of Naval Combat, Empire: Total War™ will see further enhancements to the Total War™ series signature 3D battles and turn based campaign map. Real time battles will pose new challenges with the addition of cannon and musket, challenging players to master new [[formations]] and tactics as a result of the '''increasing role of gunpowder within warfare. And the Campaign Map – for many the heart of Total War™ – will see new improved systems for Trade, Diplomacy and Espionage with agents, a refined and streamlined UI, improved Advisors and extended scope taking in the riches of India, the turbulence of Europe and the untapped potential of North America. |
| | | | |
| − | ''Empire: Total War'' is focused on exploration, economics, politics, religion, the founding of [[colonies]] and, ultimately, conquest. The game is set in the [[early modern period]], spanning from 1700 to 1799,<ref name="Gspot GC 07"/> allowing players to lead a variety of contemporary factions to dominate [[Europe]], [[North Africa]], the [[Americas]] and the [[Indies]].<ref name="ign">{{cite web |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/815/815233p1.html |title=GC 2007: Empire: Total War |author=Butts, Steve |publisher=[[IGN]] |date=2007-08-23 |accessdate=2007-08-24}}</ref> The player will use both complex strategies on the campaign map as well as command military forces in battles on both land and sea. As with previous ''Total War'' games, ''Empire: Total War'' consists of two broad areas of gameplay: a [[turn-based strategy|turn-based]] campaign map that allows the user to move armies across the globe, conduct diplomacy, trade and other tasks needed to run their faction, and a [[real-time tactics|real-time]] battle mode that enables players to direct the course of any battles that take place.
| + | “Empire: Total War™ is a huge revolutionary step for the series. We’re delighted to introduce true 3D naval combat, something that adds a totally new dimension to Total War™ games. We’re genuinely excited about what we’re achieving with the naval battles and also by the scale of the improvements being made to the core of the game – the land battles and the campaign. This will undoubtedly be the biggest and best Total War™ game we’ve ever made.” |
| | | | |
| − | ''Empire: Total War'' features approximately fifty 18th century factions; however, only twelve of the most powerful and influential factions of the era are playable at the beginning. In western Europe, the main factions are [[Kingdom of Great Britain|Great Britain]], [[Early Modern France|France]], the [[Dutch Republic|United Provinces]], [[Swedish Empire|Sweden]] and [[Spanish Empire|Spain]], while eastern Europe is represented by [[Kingdom of Prussia|Prussia]], [[Austrian Empire|Austria]], [[Russian Empire|Russia]] and [[Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth|Poland–Lithuania]]. In the Middle-East, the [[Ottoman Empire]] is depicted as a major dominating faction for Islam, while the [[Maratha Empire|Maratha Confederacy]] and [[Mughal Empire]] are the major powers on the Indian subcontinent but only the Maratha is playable.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sega.co.uk/empire/gameinfo/factions.php|title=Factions|work=Empire: Total War|publisher=[[Sega]]|accessdate=2008-11-15}}</ref> The [[New World]] colonies of the major powers are represented as [[protectorate]]s of their respective home nations. The establishment of key nations during the era, such as [[French First Republic|Revolutionary France]] and the [[History of the United States (1776–1789)|United States]], and the fall of native states to the larger empires is reflected in the game.<ref name="Empire:Total War FAQ 2">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.sega.com/totalwar/2007/11/27/empiretotal-war-faq-2/ |title=Empire:Total War FAQ 2 |author=O’Connell, Mark |date=2007-11-27 |accessdate=2008-08-21}}</ref><ref name="IGN interview"/> Smaller factions, including the less powerful German and Italian states, [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] tribes and North African countries are also represented. Each faction varies in territory, strengths and specialities.<ref name="Empire:Total War FAQ 2"/>
| + | commented Mike Simpson, Studio Director at The Creative Assembly and the father of the Total War™ franchise. |
| | + | |
| | + | Empire: Total War™ has already been secretly in development at The Creative Assembly’s Horsham studio for over a year and is priming its forces for a release in early 2009. |
| | | | |
| − | A story-driven campaign mode entitled "Road to Independence" is also included in ''Empire: Total War'', where the player guides the [[British colonization of the Americas|British colonisation of America]] in three structured missions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=1044|title=''Empire: Total War'' Interview: Creative Assembly on the Road to Independence and Not Selling Out|first=Nick|last=Breckon|publisher=[[Shacknews]]|date=2008-11-13|accessdate-2008-11-16}}</ref> The first sees the player establish and develop the English colony of [[Jamestown Settlement|Jamestown]], the second focuses on the British fighting both the French and their allied Native American nations in the [[French and Indian War]], whilst the final portion has the player directing the American [[Continental Army]] against the British in the [[American Revolutionary War|War of Independence]].<ref>{{cite journal |year=2009 |month=January |title=''Empire: Total War'' |journal=[[PC Gamer|PC Gamer UK]] |issue=196 |page=p. 41}}</ref>
| + | :*[http://www.totalwar.com/index.html?page=/en/newsandpress/index.html&nav=/en/5/ Read More] |
| | | | |
| − | ===Campaign===
| |
| | | | |
| − | The main campaign of ''Empire: Total War'' involves a player choosing a faction and moving to forge an empire across the 18th century world. Each faction controls various historical provinces, each with a central town and a port if they are coastal settlements. The player can produce armies and navies to take and defend provinces by military means, or adopt [[diplomacy]] and [[politics]] to make advances in the game. In addition, players can use [[economics]] and [[religion]] to their advantage, as well as clandestine means such as [[espionage]] and [[assassination]].<ref name="IGN interview"/> The campaign mode is turn-based, allowing the player to attend to all needs of their faction before ending their turn and allowing the [[game artificial intelligence|artificial intelligence]] to make all other factions' moves.<ref name="PCGpreview"/> Each turn represents six months.
| |
| | | | |
| − | The campaign mode features a similar approach to those in ''[[Rome: Total War]]'' and ''[[Medieval II: Total War]]'', but includes several enhancements. The game features three main theatres of play: [[Europe]], the [[Americas]] and [[India]], and four minor [[trade]] theatres. The way provinces work has been decentralised; although a central settlement is still used, other locations within a province can deal with trade and military recruitment, allowing factions to disrupt a province's productivity without assaulting the main settlement.<ref name="PCGpreview"/> Diplomacy, taxation, and trade have been streamlined with the aim of making [[Micromanagement (gameplay)|micromanagement]] simpler. Part of this streamlining will allow players to appoint [[Government minister|ministers]] to allow them to better govern aspects of their kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/empiretotalwar/video/6199980/empire-total-war-official-trailer-3|title=''Empire: Total War'' Official Trailer 3|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|accessdate=2008-11-01|date=2008-10-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/empiretotalwar/news.html?sid=6198656&mode=previews&om_act=convert&om_clk=previews&tag=previews%3Btitle%3B4&page=2|title=''Empire: Total War'' Interview: Streamlined Interface, New Prestige System, and World Domination|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|date=2008-10-07|accessdate=2008-11-01}}</ref> The wandering scholars, emissaries and assassins used in previous titles to deal with the diplomatic, trade and espionage aspects of the game have been replaced with just two units: [[gentleman|gentlemen]] and [[Rake (character)|rakes]]. The former handles diplomatic pursuits and can challenge other characters to a [[duel]] to dispose of them honourably, while the latter performs clandestine tasks such as spying, assassination and burglary.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strategyinformer.com/pc/empiretotalwar/interview.html|title=''Empire: Total War'' Interview|publisher=Strategy Informer|accessdate=2008-11-01|archiveurl=http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cache:EaHlyiIAWLUJ:www.strategyinformer.com/pc/empiretotalwar/interview.html|archivedate=2008-11-06}}</ref> The way armies are produced also differs: rather than being produced by settlements and then moved to generals by the player, generals build their armies directly by recruiting from nearby settlements.<ref name="PCGpreview"/> Players can now research technologies along a [[technology tree]] leading to advances and new discoveries in areas such as infrastructure, politics, agriculture or the military.<ref name="Empire:Total War FAQ 2"/>
| + | ==General Information== |
| | | | |
| − | Changes in government may occur during the campaign as the rise of [[republicanism]] over the traditional rule by [[monarchy]] becomes an issue in the early modern time period.<ref name="IGN interview"/> For instance, the United States may only come into existence if the ruling [[British Empire]] is unable to maintain social order. Another example is that the [[French Revolution]] may occur if the people of France are no longer satisfied with their sovereign.<ref name="Empire:Total War FAQ 2"/> Factions will also have a varying number of objectives such as establishing successful colonies, trade routes and dominance in certain regions as victory conditions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/empiretotalwar/news.html?sid=6200119&om_act=convert&om_clk=newsfeatures&tag=newsfeatures;title;1|title=''Empire: Total War'' Updated Impressions - Diplomacy, Strategy, and Massive Land Battles|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|first=Jon|last=Miller|date=2008-10-08|accessdate=2008-11-01}}</ref> Rebellions and revolutions will occur, and are influenced by the form of government in place. When a revolution occurs, the player can opt to side with the rebellious forces or the loyalist troops. The type of government installed by the player in their faction will determine how other factions view the player and will influence their diplomatic relations. While religion no longer plays a central role as in ''Medieval II: Total War'', it is still important in helping bring under control newly captured regions and in defining to some degree diplomatic relations between nations.<ref name="Empire:Total War FAQ 2"/>
| + | *Empire: Total War will be the most accessible Total War game ever. Enhanced auto management, revolutionized UI, improved advice system and tutorials all combine to introduce new players to the concepts of Total War, quickly and easily. |
| | + | *Empire: Total War will boast a full re-write of the AI with a wider range of strategies and tactics, providing a formidable opponent on land, sea and on the campaign map. |
| | + | *The game is set in the years 1700 to the early 1800’s, a turbulent age of gunpowder, revolution, discovery and Empire Building. |
| | | | |
| − | ===Warfare=== | + | ===Factions=== |
| − | The second major area of gameplay is the battle system. Unlike the campaign part of the game, players control battles in real-time. As with all previous titles in the series—excluding ''[[Shogun: Total War]]''—battles in ''Empire: Total War'' can take place on both land and water. However, ''Empire: Total War'' differs from preceding titles by allowing naval battles to be fought in real-time as well as the land-based engagements; previously, when a naval battle was fought it would be automatically resolved by the game's artificial intelligence, taking into account factors such as number of ships and crew, and armament types to decide the victor. Automatic resolution of battles during a campaign is still an option for both land and sea battles. Outside of the main campaign mode, players can participate in recreations of historical battles in the 18th century and early 19th century.
| + | ::''-See main article: [[:category:Empire Total War Factions|Empire: Total War Factions]]'' |
| | | | |
| − | [[Image:Land warfare in Empire Total War.jpg|thumb|right|Land based combat features a greater focus on gunpowder weaponry than in previous games]]
| + | More than fifty factions will be included in the game, eleven of which are playable. The other factions will have to be unlocked or modded into the game. The eleven playable factions from the the beginning are: |
| − | In land engagements, players are given access to an 18th century army consisting of a variety of units, such as [[cavalry]], [[musketeer]]s, [[rifleman|riflemen]] and [[artillery]]. Each unit has its own intrinsic advantages, disadvantages, cost and overall level of effectiveness. Players must use 18th century tactics and formations with the units they have available to defeat their enemies. The terrain of the battlefield and the weather also impact on how a battle is fought.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=197284|title=Set sail on a voyage of discovery and carnage|first=Martin|last=Korda|work=[[PC Zone]]|publisher=''[[Computer and Video Games]]''|date=2008-09-16|accessdate=2008-10-29}}</ref> Factions can lay [[siege]] to settlements, replacing open land battles with street fighting and close-quarters combat. Each unit has [[morale]], which can increase if the battle goes well for their faction, or decrease in cases such as heavy casualties, loss of [[regimental colours]] or the death of the general. When a unit's morale is sufficiently depleted, they will [[rout]] and attempt to flee the battlefield. Depending on whether the unit's morale is merely broken or entirely shattered, the player may be able to rally the men in the unit and regroup. <ref name="PCGpreview">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=170570|title=It's time to master and command the world|work=[[PC Gamer UK]]|publisher=''[[Computer and Video Games]]''|first=Tim|last=Edwards|date=2007-08-22|accessdate=2008-10-29}}</ref> Victory in battle is achieved by causing every enemy unit to rout, or by killing or capturing the opposing army. In addition, siege battles can be won if the attacker manages to take control of the settlement's central square for a set amount of time. ''Empire: Total War'' also introduces several new battlefield elements to the ''Total War'' series. Units can take [[Cover (military)|cover]] behind walls or in buildings, allowing increased interactivity with the terrain and making some buildings points of strategic interest.<ref name="PCGpreview"/> Field defences may be set up in real-time on the battlefield, to adjust for given situations. Infantry units can also scale small obstacles in the field, such as walls and fences. Weapons based on [[gunpowder]] are prone to accidents, and can even malfunction and kill their users.
| |
| | | | |
| − | In naval battles, players can control a fleet of up to twenty ships, varying in class, size, armament and crew. As in land-based conflicts, players must make use of 18th century tactics to overcome enemy fleets. As with army units, each ship's crew has a set amount of morale that changes as a battle progresses; a crew may attempt to withdraw their vessel from the battle if their morale is broken, or in extreme cases may surrender without further enemy action. A battle is won when all of the hostile ships have been sunk or captured, or have left the map.<ref name="GSpot naval"/> Individual ships can be adjusted to allow for a maximum field of fire while attempting to maintain a minimalised target, all whilst remaining within an overall formation with the rest of the fleet. Players can designate which parts of a hostile ship they want a crew to target, making ships prone to sustaining authentic damage during a battle: masts can be toppled, sails and gun ports can be destroyed and various other damage can entirely disable a ship's ability to maneuver or eventually sink it.<ref name="PCGpreview"/> Various types of ammunition can be used during a battle, such as [[grapeshot]], [[chain-shot]] and [[round shot]]. As battles progress, crews can attempt to board enemy vessels and fight hand-to-hand in an attempt to capture the ship.<ref name="GSpot naval"/> Lastly, the weather in a naval battle can impact how it is fought; bad weather can result in effects from poor visibility to endangering a ship's safety.<ref name="GSpot naval"/>
| + | Playable Factions: |
| | + | *[[France (ETW Faction)|France]] |
| | + | *[[Great Britain (ETW Faction)|Great Britain]] |
| | + | *[[Spain (ETW Faction)|Spain]] |
| | + | *[[United Provinces (ETW Faction)|United Provinces (The Netherlands)]] |
| | + | *[[Prussia (ETW Faction)|Prussia]] |
| | + | *[[Austria (ETW Faction)|Austria]] |
| | + | *[[Sweden (ETW Faction)|Sweden]] |
| | + | *[[The Ottoman Empire (ETW Faction)|The Ottoman Empire]] |
| | + | *[[Poland-Lithuania (ETW Faction)|Poland-Lithuania]] |
| | + | *[[Russia (ETW Faction)|Russia]] |
| | + | *[[Marathas (ETW Faction)|Marathas]] |
| | | | |
| − | ===Multiplayer=== | + | === Campaign Map === |
| | | | |
| − | Multiplayer comes in two forms in ''Empire: Total War''. As with previous ''Total War'' titles, players can engage in real-time battles against each other either by creating the composition of their armies themselves, or reenacting historical battles. However, following a one-month delay of ''Empire: Total War'' in January 2009, the addition of a full campaign multiplayer mode was unveiled. The technology to create a multiplayer campaign game was not available in previous ''Total War'' games, and the extended development time allowed the Creative Assembly to implement the underlying technology for such a mode in ''Empire: Total War''. The campaign multiplayer mode will first be tested in a two-player [[beta software|beta build]], before eventually being made available in a post-release [[Patch (computing)|patch]].<ref name="campaignmultiplayer">{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/56352|title=Total War Delay brings Multiplayer Campaign Mode|last=Breckon|first=Nick |date=December 12, 2008|publisher=Shacknews|accessdate=2009-16-01}}</ref>
| + | *The game will include in the beginning 10 playable factions including Britain, Prussia, France, Spain, America and the Ottoman Empire. |
| | + | *The total number of factions in ETW will be more than 50 [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showpost.php?p=2094112&postcount=139] |
| | + | *Revolutionized Total War campaign spanning 3 continents and featuring new, enhanced systems for Trade, Diplomacy, Missions and Espionage. |
| | + | *An all-new fully animated campaign map with all buildings and upgrades visible. |
| | + | *Huge cast of historical figures including Peter The Great, Malborough and Charles XII of Sweden |
| | | | |
| − | ==Development== | + | === Battlefield Gameplay === |
| − | [[Image:Naval warfare in Empire Total War.jpg|thumb|right|Real-time naval battles are a major new addition to the ''Total War'' series. One designer spent a year working on the water's physics system.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamecyte.com/empire-total-war-preview-and-naval-combat|title=Gamecyte ''Empire: Total War'' preview|publisher=GameCyte|date-2007-08-27|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref>]]
| |
| | | | |
| − | ''Empire: Total War'' was announced by [[the Creative Assembly]] and publisher [[Sega]] at the [[Games Convention|Leipzig Games Convention]] on 22 August 2007.<ref name="announced">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/empiretotalwar/news.html?sid=6177171&mode=all|title=''Total War'' Sets Sail|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|author=[[Sega]]|date=2007-08-22|accessdate=2008-10-29}}</ref> In their press release, the Creative Assembly outlined various features in the game, such as the new [[game engine]] and the addition of real-time naval combat. However, as the game was still in early development, no gameplay footage was demonstrated at the convention.<ref name="Gspot GC 07">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/empiretotalwar/news.html?sid=6177177&mode=all|title=GC '07: ''Empire: Total War'' First Look|first=Jason|last=Ocampo|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|date=2007-08-22|accessdate=2008-10-29}}</ref> The game was announced alongside the Creative Assembly's console title ''[[Viking: Battle for Asgard]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/empiretotalwar/news.html?sid=6177198&mode=all|title=Sega waging new ''Total War''|first=Tom|last=Magrino|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|date-2007-08-22|accessdate=2008-10-29}}</ref> Media releases over the subsequent months showed [[screenshot]]s of the game and elaborated more on ''Empire: Total War''{{'}}s game mechanics. The game's [[trailer]], consisting of computer-generated [[cut scene]] footage, was released 10 July 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/empiretotalwar/video.html?sid=6193642|title=Empire: Total War Official Trailer 1|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|date=2008-07-10|accessdate=2008-10-29}}</ref> A playable demonstration of the game's naval combat was showcased at the [[E3]] convention later in July 2008, where it was estimated that the game would ship in 2009.<ref name="GSpot naval">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/empiretotalwar/news.html?sid=6194257&mode=all|title=E3 2008: ''Empire: Total War'' Impressions|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|first=Dan|last=Chiappini|date=2008-07-16|accessdate=2008-10-29}}</ref> The land combat was showcased at the later 2008 Leipzig Game Convention in August 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/empiretotalwar/news.html?sid=6196668&mode=all|title=GC 2008: ''Empire: Total War'' Impressions - Land Combat|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|first=Justin|last=Calvert|date=2008-08-22}}</ref> At the convention, the Creative Assembly announced that the game was out of the [[Software release life cycle#Alpha: internal test|alpha development phase]], and that they were aiming for a release date of 6 February 2009.<ref name="IGNGC2008release">{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/901/901519p1.html|title=GC 2008: ''Empire: Total War'' Progress Report|first=Charles|last=Onyett|date=2008-08-21|accessdate=2008-10-29}}</ref> On 28 October 2008, it was announced that the game would be released on [[Valve Corporation|Valve Corporation's]] content delivery system [[Steam (content delivery)|Steam]] on the official release date of 6 February. The game will fully incorporate Valve's [[Steamworks]] programme for both retail and electronic versions, allowing for updates and multiplayer to function more efficiently.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sega.co.uk/empire/gameinfo/news.php?n=2427|title=Full Steam Ahead for ''Empire: Total War''|publisher=[[Sega]]|date=2008-10-28|accessdate=2008-10-29}}</ref> The game's release was delayed in December 2008 to allow for the development of extended multiplayer features,<ref name="campaignmultiplayer"/> with a new release date for March 2009.<ref name="delay">{{cite web|url=http://www.sega.co.uk/empire/gameinfo/news.php?n=2936|title=Empire: Get ready for Total War from March 3rd 2009|date=2009-01-27|accessdate=2009-01-27|author=[[The Creative Assembly]]|publisher=[[Sega]]}}</ref><ref name="delay-SNews">{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/56333|title=Empire: Total War Delayed to March|last=Breckon|first=Nick |date=December 11, 2008|publisher=Shacknews|accessdate=2008-12-12}}</ref> A [[Game demo|demonstration]] of the game, featuring the [[Battle of Brandywine]] and the [[Battle of Lagos]], was released over Steam on 20 February 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/955/955721p1.html|title=''Empire: Total War'' Demo Out on Steam|first=Charles|last=Onyett|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=2009-02-20|accessdate=2009-02-23}}</ref> The game was released on 3 March 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.totalwar.com/empire/gameinfo/news.php?n=3063|title=''Empire: Total War'' Sets Sail For Stores Now|publisher=[[The Creative Assembly]]|date=2009-03-03|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref>
| + | *New Real-Time 3D Naval Warfare takes Total War’s unparalleled battle action to the high seas with players commanding single ships or vast fleets. |
| | + | *Realistic sailing model, cannon and musket fire, boarding actions, fully destructible sails, rigging and hulls and a full range of weather effects to influence battles. |
| | + | *It will be possible to capture ships and use them as a part of your fleet[http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=171987&skip=yes] |
| | + | *Land battles that will feature heavy artillery in the form of cannons, mortar and early rocket launchers, with bouncing cannonballs slicing through drifting gunsmoke to tear up lines of infantry. Bagpipes, drummers, flautists and trumpeters will fill the air with play out over the crack of musket fire |
| | | | |
| − | James Russell, the lead designer on the project, stated in an interview that the 18th century was chosen as the setting as "it's a fabulously colourful period... the 18th century is the great age of fighting sail, and it's the obvious arena in which to set our spectacular new sea battles." Russell also stated that the dynamic and far-reaching changes of the era, from political revolutions such as the [[French Revolution]], economic revolutions such as the [[Industrial Revolution]] to military revolutions such as the widespread use of [[gunpowder]], gave the "opportunity to develop some really interesting new features and gameplay dynamics that make for a lot of variation".<ref name="IGN interview">{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/866/866990p1.html|title=''Empire: Total War'' Interview|publisher=[[IGN]]|first=Steve|last=Butts|date=2008-03-18|accessdate=2008-10-29}}</ref> The game is notable for incorporating [[motion capture]] animation for the first time in the series to make characters seem more lifelike. The Creative Assembly researched how events such as [[duel]]s were conducted in the 18th century for authenticity, and also observed the [[choreography]] of actors in related films and TV series, such as ''[[Sharpe (TV series)|Sharpe]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/empiretotalwar/video.html?sid=6191477|title=''Empire: Total War'' Official Movie 1|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|author=[[The Creative Assembly]]|date=2008-05-22|accessdate=2008-10-29}}</ref> ''Empire: Total War'' ships with nine different versions of box art, eight of which represent the major faction for the market the game is sold in, and one general international version. For instance, German customers are presented artwork displaying colours with the [[Flag of Prussia|Prussian eagle]] and Prussian army uniforms, whilst the American artwork shows the American revolutionaries and the [[Betsy Ross flag]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shoguntotalwar.yuku.com/topic/36021|title=''Empire: Total War'' box art variations...|first=Mark|last=O'Connell|publisher=[[The Creative Assembly]]|date=2008-07-14|accessdate=2008-11-02}}</ref> A [[special edition]] version of ''Empire: Total War'' entitled ''Special Forces'' incorporates six elite faction-specific units: [[HMS Victory|HMS ''Victory'']], the [[Irish Brigade (French)|French Irish Brigade]], [[Guerrilla warfare#Napoleonic Wars|Spanish guerillas]], [[Gurkha|Gurkha infantry]], [[Rogers' Rangers]] and the Ottoman [[Ribauldequin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sega.com/empire/gameinfo/news.php?n=2440|title=''Empire: Total War'' - Special Forces Edition!|date=2008-10-29|author=[[The Creative Assembly]]|publisher=[[Sega]]|accessdate=2008-11-02}}</ref>
| + | ===Multiplayer=== |
| − | | |
| − | ==Reception==
| |
| − | {{VG Reviews
| |
| − | |title=
| |
| − | |state=plain
| |
| − | |1UP = A-<ref name="1UP">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3173120|title=''Empire: Total War'' Review for the PC|publisher=[[1UP.com]]|last=Goodfellow|first=Troy|date=2009-03-05|accessdate=2009-03-05}}</ref>
| |
| − | |EuroG = 9/10<ref name="EuroG">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/empire-total-war-review|title=''Empire: Total War'' Review|publisher=[[Eurogamer]]|last=Gillen|first=Kieron |date=2009-02-27|language=English|accessdate=2009-02-28}}</ref>
| |
| − | |GSpot = 8.5/10<ref name="GSpot">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/empiretotalwar/review.html|title=''Empire: Total War'' for PC Review|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|last=VanOrd|first=Kevin|date=2009-03-09|accessdate=2009-03-09}}</ref>
| |
| − | |GSpy = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name="GSpy">{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/empire-total-war/959077p1.html |title=GameSpy: Empire: Total War Review |author=Allen Rausch |publisher=[[GameSpy]]|date=March 3, 2009 |accessdate=2009-03-04}}</ref>
| |
| − | |IGN = 9.5/10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/957/957883p1.html|title=''Empire: Total War'' Review|last=Butts|first=Steve |date=2009-02-27|publisher=[[IGN]]|accessdate=2009-02-28}}</ref>
| |
| − | |PCF = 92%<ref name="PCF">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcformat.co.uk/blog-entry/review-empire-total-war-02-03-09|title=''Empire: Total War''|work=[[PC Format]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|date=2009-03-02|first=Dave|last=James|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref>
| |
| − | |PCGUK = 94%<ref name="PCGUK">{{cite journal|title=''Empire: Total War''|journal=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|location=Bath, United Kingdom|month=March|year=2009|first=Jim|last=Rossignol|issue=198|pages=pp. 54–59|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=209544|accessdate=2009-03-04}}</ref>
| |
| − | |GR = 91%<ref name="GR">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/942966-empire-total-war/index.html|title=''Empire: Total War'' for PC|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|accessdate=2009-03-12}}</ref> <small>(based on 15 reviews)</small>
| |
| − | |MC = 91%<ref name="MC">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/empiretotalwar|title=''Empire: Total War'' (PC: 2009) Reviews|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|accessdate=2009-03-12}}</ref> <small>(based on 32 reviews)</small>
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''Empire: Total War'' was received well by critics within the video game industry, holding an aggregate review score of 91% on both [[GameRankings]] and [[Metacritic]].<ref name="GR"/><ref name="MC"/> The game has become the fastest selling ''Total War'' title to date; ''Empire'' topped British video game sales charts for all platforms in the week of release, the first PC exclusive title to do so since in a year and a half.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=210189|title=''Empire: Total War'' topples ''Killzone''|first=Tom|last=Ivan|date=2009-03-10|work=[[Computer and Video Games]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|accessdate=2009-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2009/mar/10/pc-games|title=Empire Total War Invades UK Charts|work=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|first=Rob|last=Crossley|date=2009-03-10|accessdate=2009-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2009/mar/10/pc-games|title=''Empire: Total War'' conquers charts|first=Greg|last=Howson|work=[[The Guardian]]|publisher=[[Guardian Media Group]]|date=2009-03-10|accessdate=2009-03-10}}</ref> However, consumer response was hampered by technical problems arising from incompatibility with certain [[Nvidia]] [[Device driver|drivers]] released after the game's development was completed and reports of installation problems with the Steam content delivery system.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/latest-total-war-game-hampered-by-steam-nvidia-issues|title=Latest ''Total War'' game hampered by Steam, Nvidia issues|publisher=[[GamesIndustry.biz]]|first=Matt|last=Martin|date=2009-09-03|accessdate=2009-03-10}}</ref>
| |
| | | | |
| − | Reviewers praised the large scope of the game's strategy map. ''[[PC Gamer UK]]'' noted that the game "takes a great deal of its design philosophy from the events and trends of its era", which enabled the game to reasonably reflect the challenges faced by the factions' historical counterparts.<ref name="PCGUK"/> Praise was also given to the extensive amount of factions, down to very small factions such as the [[Knights Hospitaller|Knights of Malta]] and a renegade [[Golden Age of Piracy|pirate]] settlement.<ref name="PCGUK"/> [[Kieron Gillen]], reviewing for [[Eurogamer]], described the campaign map as "endless" and due to the large amount of content, observed that he had managed to complete the game without entering the Indian theatre of play; a factor that enhanced the game's replayability.<ref name="EuroG"/> Other reviews echoed this sentiment; [[GameSpot]] stated that "even a short, 50-year campaign can take a good amount of time to complete, given that each turn requires strategic thinking on multiple fronts".<ref name="GSpot"/> Praise was further bestowed on the refined interface, introduction of a technology tree and level of strategic thinking required for the campaign map.<ref name="1UP"/><ref name="GSpy"/><ref name="PCGUK"/> While the game's artificial intelligence was praised by several reviewers, [[1UP.com]] noted that it could perform illogical choices, such as "the occasional suicidal war between [[Dagestan]] and [[Russian Empire|Russia]]".<ref name="1UP"/>
| + | *A brand new multiplayer component will include player rankings, leagues and ladders and completely new gameplay modes. |
| | | | |
| − | The real-time land battles in ''Empire'' were thought of to be well constructed. Expressing that the Creative Assembly had effectively implemented what it had learned since ''Shogun: Total War'', [[GameSpy]] described the addition of personal firearms and friendly fire as something that "changes the tactical nature of the game much as it did in real life", and noting that the player controls and enemy AI were "competent".<ref name="GSpy"/> [[IGN]] felt that the real-time aspects captured "the cinematic brilliance of it all without ever falling back on obvious exaggerations or pretenses" and that the controls, specificially in relation to unit formation, were much improved.<ref name="IGN"/> GameSpot put the real-time land battles as "enjoyable to command and enjoyable to watch", particularly commending the amount of detail in each model and animation for every soldier, points carried in several other reviews.<ref name="PCF"/><ref name="PCGUK"/><ref name="IGN"/> However, GameSpot thought that the artificial intelligence could appear "confused" in some circumstances.<ref name="GSpot"/> In addition, Eurogamer felt that units' pathfinding abilities in fort sieges were insufficient.<ref name="EuroG"/>
| + | *A 1v1 campain mode due to be in on release date but in beta. |
| | | | |
| − | Naval combat was subject to more criticism than land battles. ''[[PC Format]]'' described the visuals in a naval battle as "incredible", but stated that the controls were "frustrating; genuine naval tactics fast disappear out of the window as [the player] struggles to bring [their] navy’s cannons to bear on the enemy".<ref name="PCF"/> ''PC Gamer UK'' reciprocated this view, but noted that naval strategy was a "deeply difficult task" for a developer, and that "the Creative Assembly have done the best that their game template would allow".<ref name="PCGUK"/> IGN praised the graphical quality of the naval battles and stated that "trying to line ships up correctly, making the most of the wind and choosing targets appropriately is very rewarding", but that "the formations and pathfinding leave a lot be desired".<ref name="IGN"/> GameSpot commented that "the AI seems incapable of managing [a naval battle] with much success".<ref name="GSpot"/>
| + | ===Minimum System Requirements=== |
| | | | |
| − | Despite criticisms, most reviews were ultimately favourable to ''Empire: Total War''. While IGN felt that the game "drags a bit and there are some small, rough edges in the tactical battles", the game still "deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the greatest names in gaming history".<ref name="IGN"/> 1UP.com finished by saying "For all its problems, it's undoubtedly progress",<ref name="1UP"/> while Eurogamer felt that issues "limit [the game] to being merely one of the games of the year," but implied that a post-release patch could deal with these flaws.<ref name="EuroG"/> GameSpot summarised that the game was "complex and rewarding" and GameSpy praised the game for "the simplified interface elements, great campaign, and much-improved map and information screens [that] make this the most accessible ''Total War'' yet, and a great place for those unfamiliar with the series to get started".<ref name="GSpy"/> For their part, ''PC Gamer UK'' enthusiastically proclaimed the game as "one of the most playable, important and accomplished games ever created".<ref name="PCGUK"/>
| + | Listed below are the Minimum System Requirements for Empire: Total War, as announced by CA: |
| | | | |
| − | ==References==
| + | 2.4 Ghz single core processor, 256MB Gfx card (DirectX9 compatible), 1GB RAM (For Windows XP, 2GB if using Windows Vista) |
| − | {{reflist|2}}
| |
| | | | |
| − | ==External links==
| |
| − | * [http://www.sega.com/empire/ ''Empire: Total War'' official website]
| |
| − | * [http://www.sega.co.uk/games/?t=EnglishUK&g=563 ''Empire: Total War'' Special Forces Edition official webpage]
| |
| − | * [http://www.totalwarblog.com/ The ''Total War'' Blog official website]
| |
| − | * [http://www.creative-assembly.co.uk/ The Creative Assembly official website]
| |
| | | | |
| − | {{Creative Assembly}}
| |
| | | | |
| − | [[Category:2009 video games]]
| + | == Community Links == |
| − | [[Category:American Revolution media]]
| + | *[http://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=469 TWCenter Empire TW Discussion Forum] |
| − | [[Category:Creative Assembly games]]
| |
| − | [[Category:French Revolution in fiction]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Games for Windows certified games]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Lua-scripted games]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Napoleonic Wars fiction]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Real-time tactics video games]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Sega games]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Total War series]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Turn-based strategy video games]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Windows games]] | |
| | | | |
| − | [[ar:الإمبراطورية: الحرب الشاملة]] | + | [[Category:Total War Series]] |
| − | [[el:Empire: Total War]]
| |
| − | [[es:Empire: Total War]]
| |
| − | [[fr:Empire: Total War]]
| |
| − | [[it:Empire: Total War]]
| |
| − | [[nl:Empire: Total War]]
| |
| − | [[no:Empire: Total War]]
| |
| − | [[pl:Empire: Total War]]
| |
| − | [[pt:Empire: Total War]]
| |
| − | [[ru:Empire: Total War]]
| |
| − | [[fi:Empire: Total War]]
| |
| − | [[sv:Empire: Total War]]
| |
| − | [[tr:Empire: Total War]]
| |
| − | [[uk:Empire: Total War]]
| |
