Empire and Napoleon Total War Collection - Game Of The Year PC DVD

Although I have loved the TW series since Shogun, I resisted buying this game due to all the bugs that other reviewers kept on reporting. However, in Agust 2010 I relented when I saw this going cheap, so got a copy. My review will be split into 2 bits - the game itself (and the manual), the bug problem & instalation/steam: THE GAME (Empire) The game itself seemed daunting at first as it had a massive map over 3 screens. The manual was absolutly dire and only gave the most basic of information - other stuff I learnt off various forums because without knowing how the mechanics work, you can't enjoy a game like this. In reality, the manual should have been beefy, espcially as its supplied as PDF on the disks as well, so theres no excuse (IMO) for not explaining everything in reasonable detail. At first I hated the game - too much going on, and knowing to little made it less of an experience. I don't get to play games that often, so was disapointed at it all, but I perservered and after a while got into it a bit more, as I started to understand things. I have now played it on and off for around 4 months and will say the following: 1. Battles: Despite the size of the campaign map, the land battles lack the scope of previous TW games - in virtually all my battles, they have been fought on flat ground only. They have buildings which you can use, but don't (but its quite cool looking at your men inside, busting out the windows ready to shoot - but I did this once in 100 years!). Gone are the mountains that were seen in other TW games (as much as a pain as they were), even the bridges, that are on the map, end up like a swamp type battlefield and everyone liked the mass slaughter at the bridges!!! That said, the battles are decent for what you get - most of the units you don't really need (you mostly just use line infantry) and the opponents are pretty weak unless you set to 'very hard' (recommended). There seems to be a bit more AI thinking in the battles, which is an improvement - but its not very strategic - the enemy will still walk into gun fire and get slaughtered etc. Seiges are a thing of the past really as well, as they all take place in 'star forts' which are ALL the same. 2. Graphics: I have a 5600 dual core (on XP) and I only get mediocre graphics - they are okay, but its a shame probibly only 1 in 10,000 will see the game in its full glory. Still, it plays fine without lags with the settings right! 3.Campaign Map: This vast and pretty decent. The new system of towns takes a bit of getting use to but its okay and the diplomacy is definatly improved. 4. Sea Battles - After a bit of practice these seem okay UNTIL you get big fleets fighting it out - 5 to 6 ships and its easy to micromanage it, but after that its gets a lot more difficult - still its okay! 5. Loading times - These are loooooooong - and TBH a pain in the backside! INSTALLATION Having read many of the previous reviews I knew what I was getting into with steam, the download bit etc and TBH it was pretty painless. I installed from the DVD's, connected to steam, let it do its download thing, then played it. It has only crashed once so far, so I presume the download sorted out certain bugs (It now automatically turns the sound off when you speed things up, which was a COD bug - which is a shame really, as even at fast speed, the battle sounds should be heard as in previous games). I would have prefered not to use steam, or at least have the option, but it did update well (though a patch downloaded could have done the same). Occassionaly I get a message from steam saying I can't play for some reason, but if I restart it plays fine!!! Still, Sega should take note of the users dislike of it in future releases IMO! Overall I gave it a 3/5. This is because I can't get the better graphics and the gameplay doesnt match previous TW games - but all in all, its decent enough for the money, so I can't complain. this review is for Empire only - I havnt played Napolean or the other campaigns yet, so will update review when I do.

I've been a huge fan of Total war ever since my first go at Medieval way back in 2002. I've also played Rome and Medieval II, both being great, but had an extended break of around 5 years up to this purchase. When I initially decided to plunge back in I presumed I'd have to pay around £20-30 for just one of the games so when I saw both available for just over £8 I was pretty amazed, and that right there is probably the single best point in my opinion as there is almost zero risk involved. Firstly in regards to the Steam 'problems' many people have mentioned. The entire installation from putting in the first CD to being able to start playing probably took around 3 hours and this might have been shorter had I sat poised ready to click every box instantaneously (I wasn't that eager). And the process of setting up the Steam account is also pretty straightforward for anyone who has used the internet. Naturally you need an internet connection to do this but who seriously doesn't have that seen as you've used Amazon to purchase it.... In regards to the game it has exceeded all expectations by a long way. The great thing about the game is the tutorial is basically the task of taking the USA towards independence which at least in my opinion is very cool and amazingly interesting and educational (I was inspired to read up on the real events that were represented in the game). On the actual game-play, there is so much to talk about so I'll give a few of my best things: 1. There are 3 separate maps for the Americas, Europe and India which opens up the world properly for the first time. 2. Most units are ranged (i.e. have guns) so battles take a very different approach which I personally like a lot. 3. The naval battles, whilst they are very different to normal battles and take a while to the hang of they are a great addition. Overall though for the price it a terrific game and a must buy for fans of the series or even new players.

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戦列歩兵の戦闘にあこがれる人には大変お勧め また海戦も楽しいです

Aunque viene de inglaterra el juego está completamente en castellano. Se necesita cuenta en steam para instalarlo (es gratuita). Instalacion sencilla y se descargan automaticamente todos los dlc o ampliaciones. Son muy entretenidos y a buen precio. En la caja vienen 4 DVD's. 2 por juego. Y la clave en una pegatina del interior.

I read some of the other reviews and so far I have had no problems with the games & didn't pay extra for DLCs (as far as I know). I've had it for a month - month & half and my only problems were the 8 hour(Empire) & 24 hour(Napoleon) DLC download times, you don't get all DLCs (could be the rest came out after game) and the fact that I have to use STEAM to play (total BS). Aside from that, I love everything about this game bundle & recommend that all RTS lovers get this game...I have all of the TOTAL WAR games & can't wait to get ROME II

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