Total War: Empire stands as an ambitious installment in the Total War series, taking players on a journey through the Age of Enlightenment and the dawn of the modern era. With its vast scope compared to previous titles, the game took a large step up from the localized regions that situated Rome and Medieval.

Empire's focal point is the variety and scale of its playable regions. The game covers three continents, allowing players to control a historical faction, each with its own unique starting position and objectives. Empire's attention to historical accuracy and detail is commendable, and the game captures the essence of the time period, from the technology and weaponry of the era to the political tensions and global conflicts. The game handled the introduction of gunpowder weaponry to the series very well, and the game has laid the framework for firearms in future games to come.

However, Empire is certainly not without its grand list of flaws. The game's AI can be erratic and inconsistent, sometimes leading to questionable decisions and actions by the computer-controlled factions. Adding onto the annoyance of dealing with AI is the rather useless diplomacy, with AIs happily breaking alliances and agreements the second your back is turned. Several battle mechanics are also frustrating, notably naval and fort battles which both feel clunky and greatly show the games' rough spots.

Despite its imperfections, Total War: Empire remains a enjoyable experience for veteran Total War players seeking a grand strategy before Napoleon's era. The scale of the game, historical units, and scope ensure that each campaign is drawn-out conflict, for better and for worse. If you're really into the time period, I would recommend it at a decent sale as it comes with all of the DLC.

Total War: Empire stands as an ambitious installment in the Total War series, taking players on a journey through the Age of Enlightenment and the dawn of the modern era. With its vast scope compared to previous titles, the game took a large step up from the localized regions that situated Rome and Medieval. Empire's focal point is the variety and scale of its playable regions. The game covers three continents, allowing players to control a historical faction, each with its own unique starting position and objectives. Empire's attention to historical accuracy and detail is commendable, and the game captures the essence of the time period, from the technology and weaponry of the era to the political tensions and global conflicts. The game handled the introduction of gunpowder weaponry to the series very well, and the game has laid the framework for firearms in future games to come. However, Empire is certainly not without its grand list of flaws. The game's AI can be erratic and inconsistent, sometimes leading to questionable decisions and actions by the computer-controlled factions. Adding onto the annoyance of dealing with AI is the rather useless diplomacy, with AIs happily breaking alliances and agreements the second your back is turned. Several battle mechanics are also frustrating, notably naval and fort battles which both feel clunky and greatly show the games' rough spots. Despite its imperfections, Total War: Empire remains a enjoyable experience for veteran Total War players seeking a grand strategy before Napoleon's era. The scale of the game, historical units, and scope ensure that each campaign is drawn-out conflict, for better and for worse. If you're really into the time period, I would recommend it at a decent sale as it comes with all of the DLC.