The Current State of Historical Total War Games
Historical Total War titles are currently experiencing a shift in focus, with the spotlight increasingly falling on the Warhammer series. Creative Assembly Sofia has taken the reins of historical narratives while the primary studio dedicates its efforts to the fantasy realms of orcs and elves. This transition has seen the historical aspect of the franchise being perceived as secondary to its fantasy counterpart.
Total War: Pharaoh Review
The review of Total War: Pharaoh reflects a mixed reception. While the game earned a respectable score, it failed to captivate the author in the same way as its predecessor, Total War: Three Kingdoms. The latter is described as a rich strategy game, brimming with historical and legendary figures and a diverse array of unique units. Despite its focus on a specific era of Chinese history, Three Kingdoms managed to feel both experimental and grand in scale. However, the abrupt end of support for Three Kingdoms, without any announcement of a follow-up, left a void for fans of the series.
The Case for a Total War: Empire Sequel
The author’s initial excitement for Total War: Empire was fueled by its ambitious scope, promising a grand strategy experience across a global map. However, the game’s release was marred by significant issues, including a buggy AI that struggled with the campaign’s scale and was often seen making illogical decisions in battle. The ranged combat mechanics were particularly problematic, leading to frustration as units failed to fire due to formation issues.
(Image credit: Sega)
Despite these setbacks, the original Total War: Empire contained many elements that resonated with players, suggesting that a sequel could address its shortcomings and fulfill the game’s initial promise. With advancements in AI and combat systems, a sequel could offer a more polished and engaging experience that lives up to the series’ potential.
Improvements Since Empire
Since its release, Total War: Empire has seen significant improvements thanks to patches and the dedicated work of modders. Notably, DarthMod emerged as a fan-favorite, enhancing the game’s AI and overall experience. The mod addressed many of the game’s initial shortcomings, providing a more stable and enjoyable experience.
- Enhanced AI behavior
- Bug fixes and stability improvements
- Improved battle mechanics
Nick Thomadis, the creator of DarthMod, later contributed his expertise to the genre as the lead designer of Ultimate General: Civil War, further influencing the development of historical strategy games.
(Image credit: Sega)
Lessons from Ultimate General: Civil War
The game Ultimate General: Civil War is often cited as a blueprint for what a new Total War: Empire could aspire to be. It addressed the era’s limited unit diversity by making units more versatile and emphasizing the importance of terrain, equipment, and tactical maneuvers. This approach shifted the focus from the units themselves to the skill and decisions of the player, creating a more strategic and engaging battlefield experience.
(Image credit: Game-Labs)
Creative Assembly’s Growth
Creative Assembly’s experience with the Total War: Warhammer series could greatly benefit the development of a new Total War: Empire game. The studio has demonstrated its ability to manage vast campaigns and complex AI behaviors, which could translate into a more sophisticated and expansive sequel to Empire.
| Warhammer Features | Potential Empire Features |
|---|---|
| Fantasy races and units | Historical factions and armies |
| Magical abilities and spells | Technology and firearm advancements |
| Hero units with RPG elements | Historical figures with unique traits |
| Monstrous creatures and siege engines | Realistic artillery and naval combat |
(Image credit: Sega)
Looking Ahead: The Future of Total War
A sequel to Total War: Empire could serve as a refreshing change for the series, offering a unique experience that stands apart from the fantasy-driven Total War: Warhammer. However, Creative Assembly is currently navigating through challenging times, particularly after the cancellation of their FPS project, Hyenas. This turbulence, coupled with community discontent over DLC pricing strategies, might influence Sega to opt for a more conservative approach in their next big release.
Despite these challenges, there is potential for a bold move that could invigorate the franchise. A well-executed Empire sequel, leveraging the lessons learned from both past successes and failures, could rekindle interest in the historical side of Total War and offer players a distinct alternative to the Warhammer series.
