Napoleon: Total War PC
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Feb 23, 2010
Metascore
81 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 56 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 56
  3. Negative: 1 out of 56
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  1. IGN
    89
    Napoleon is an enjoyable addition to the Total War franchise but it's not as a big a game changer as previous sequels. While Napoleon and his armies were probably every bit as terrifying as Mongols, Vikings or Barbarians, the scope of this sequel is a bit more limited.
  2. Cheat Code Central
    88
    With huge campaigns and multiple gameplay options, you won't be finished with Napoleon until the next Total War game is released.
  3. Game Informer
    88
    Napoleon: Total War may not rewrite history, but its subtle gameplay refinements, tactical variety, and new multiplayer campaign do more than enough to offset the litany of legacy issues hindering this otherwise impressive strategy game.
  4. Games Master UK
    90
    More totally brilliant Total War as the strategy stalwart delivers arguably its strongest showing. [May 2010, p.76]
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  5. Game Over Online
    88
    Napoleon is a game of land battles, continental conquests and European power struggles. This was an incredibly rich backdrop that inspired numerous writers and composers, one of whom is Beethoven and is featured in game’s phenomenal soundtrack. That I happen to sink a minimum of three or four hours every time I click on the icon is another reason why it’s an enjoyable game.
  6. NZGamer
    93
    The cannon may be the final argument of kings. But the Total War series is undoubtedly the king of the real time strategy genre - and Napoleon: Total War could very well be Creative Assembly’s crowning jewel.
  7. Eurogamer Italy
    90
    Total War is a come back for the Total War series: after the uncertain step of Empire, we now are in front of a wonderful game, one with great gameplay. Walking in the shoes of Napoleon is a dream for every strategist and being able to do it in such a game is fantastic. Multiplayer is the icing on the cake.
  8. Strategy Informer
    90
    Whether or not you can forgive CA for 'pulling a Valve' is up to you, but please don't blame the game itself - this is a worthwhile experience and well worth the money in reality, if not in principle.
  9. Computer and Video Games
    91
    Visually stunning high-strategy from the masters of the genre.
  10. PC Format
    88
    It's a far tighter package than Empire was. [Apr 2010, p.98]
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  11. Gameplanet
    90
    While the game retells the campaigns of its namesake in somewhat linear fashion, developers The Creative Assembly have retouched and introduced a number of new gameplay mechanics that create a much more intricate experience than any Total War game to date.
  12. PC Zone UK
    89
    Tightened engine. [May 2010, p.78]
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  13. Cynamite
    90
    Napoleon: Total War doesn't topple Empire: TW, but the new setting sets you back in the Napoleon Wars. The game is really worth a look.
  14. Gamers.at
    90
    Napoleon: Total War doesn't redefine Total War but that was never its intention. The bottom line is that Napoleon: Total War is a must have for all who like those dashing battles of the 19th century.
  15. GamesNation
    88
    SEGA made good use of the experience made with Empire to improve its RTS formula, resulting in a more effective gameplay. Although Napoleon: Total War has its shortcomings – even with the AI – it still manages to keep the player involved throughout, thanks to its thoroughness and rather accurate historical setting.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 351 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 32
  3. Negative: 4 out of 32
  1. SteveM
    1
    It's still the same broken game as before. They didn't fix anything. They just removed the features that didn't work. Diplomacy didn't work so they took out most of the factions and made it France vs everyone else. The AI couldn't figure out the whole naval thing so they took most of that out of the game too. The battle AI still sucks. This is the EXACT same garbage as E:TW was. Don't fall for it like I did.… Full Review »
  2. EllEzDee
    5
    (As an important note: If you don't think you can run this game on ultra settings, do NOT purchase it. This isn't some graphical elitism, this is because the game is TERRIBLE if you're not running it maxed out. For some reason, TCA have removed the dead bodies unless you play on ultra settings; after about 10 seconds, the dead bodies will disappear. Why?! Oh God why would you do this? Also, i'm playing on medium settings and GUH it's ugly. Empire looked pretty great to me on medium, but this...this is horrible. The characters are all washed out and completely lack bump mapping. You'll understand what i mean if you check the Steam store screen shots; the textures look rushed, and i'd expect better from a modder.)

    Anyway. Nappy Total War isn't a bad game. It's just not a very good game either. It's just a rehash of Empire with improvements that could easily have been patched into Empire. The improvements over Empire are very tasty though, such as round shot on cannon actually being useful now, somewhat improved AI and all the other crap promised in the blurbs. The problems are that the bugs are still present, including some new ones, the AI still can't manoeuvre over the battlefield without getting confused, and the campaign is crazily short. The new "technology" is just a rehash of other tech in Empire, much like the promised "Warpath" technology.

    "Game Revolution
    If you own Empire, there's not a good reason to own Napoleon."
    There you have it.    … Full Review »
  3. vicente
    4
    Well, CA, was wrong when making Nappy a full game. This game excels barely on single player. On to graphics, the effects and terrain actually look better, but the models don't really look good as expected, the soldiers look "shiny", and their faces seem all the same, just with different mustaches and beards. The campaign drop-in battle addition is actually pretty cool and interesting, though there's really something; CA forgot to improve the A.I. It's dumbed out as Empire's. The campaign is still fun, but when fighting in real-time battles with A.I., it's not really fun. Napoleon is basically Empire, with fewer factions and a new title screen. This game only excels in multiplayer. There's no dumb A.I. that puts its cannons behind hills, or any exploitable stupid act they perform. If you're that guy that doesn't play singleplayer (specifically, the campaign) at all (like the Prince of Macedon), this game may suit you. Although, beware of noob players.… Full Review »
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