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Star Wars: Empire at War

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8.5 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 45 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 113 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: LucasArts

Developer: Petroglyph

Genre(s): Real-Time Strategy

Players: 8

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Release Date: February 16, 2006

Summary

Set a few years before the events of "Episode IV A New Hope," the game lets players rewrite history as well as experience the aftermath of "Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith," the creation of the Rebel Alliance, and Darth Vader's rise to power. Using an entirely new game engine created by the Las Vegas-based developer Petroglyph, Star Wars: Empire at War features beautifully rendered land and space battles set on memorable planets such as Hoth, Tatooine and Dagobah as well as never-before-seen environments taken directly from the Star Wars films and expanded universe novels. In the game, players can choose to join either the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire, building and setting up tactical forces that can be unleashed on the enemy in real-time 3D. All of the gameplay and action within Star Wars: Empire at War is a persistent, meaning that strategic and tactical elements from previous events will have a permanent effect on the galaxy. As players build, manage and progress their space and ground-based units, troops and vehicles, memorable Star Wars hero characters will begin playing a role in key situations. In addition to the single player campaign mode, the game includes a two-player Empire vs. Rebellion mode and up to eight player online skirmish modes. [LucasArts]

Also On Metacritic

GAMES: Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds: Clone Campaigns Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds

Cheat Codes & Hints: GameSpot Guide

Also On The Web: ActionTrip Preview GameSpot Preview GameSpy Preview IGN Preview Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

GamerFeed

Empire at War has everything. The graphics, sound, and overall presentation are each near perfect. Gameplay is fast-paced and fun, with very little repetition, and fans of the setting will be amazed with the attention to details.

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IC-Games

A colossal game from the geniuses that brought us all "Command and Conquer."

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RewiredMind

Finally a Star Wars strategy game that got it right. Everything works the way it should, and that is no mean feat.

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Cheat Code Central

Not only is this a great game but like most Star Wars videogames, the production values are beyond reproach. The game looks fantastic.

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PC Gameworld

Third time is the charm for LucasArts as they hit a grand slam with their new Star Wars real-time strategy game.

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Computer Games Magazine

Who would have guessed that some of the most seasoned real-time strategy veterans on the planet would take one of the most well-worn licenses in gaming and turn it into one of the most inventive game in years? [May 2006, p.45]

GameSpot

If you're into AT-ATs stomping around battlefields, Darth Vader knocking over 20 soldiers with Force push, or space battles thick with dozens of fighters swarming in between gargantuan capital ships, Empire at War will deliver all that in a fun, compelling package.

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Pelit (Finland)

The best Star Wars strategy ever, which, actually, is not much of a merit. Thanks to the strategic metagame and the good space battles, it is also a lot of fun. The ground battles are only so-so, but they are also short enough. Good job! [Mar 2006]

Gamers' Temple

It is the first strategy game to really capture the feel of Star Wars, and is a must buy for anyone who is a fan of the classic trilogy.

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BonusStage

The gameplay is smooth and streamlined, making it easy for noobs and deep for veterans.

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eToychest

Even hampered, however, Empire at War is a great game with exhilarating visuals, and fun gameplay that any true RTS fan should enjoy.

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PALGN

Star Wars Empire at War is the RTS Star Wars fans have been waiting for. Not only will those that loved the movies be impressed, but the game also offers a great deal of engaging play that should please any fan of the genre.

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GamingTrend

For the Star Wars fan, this game quite easily shakes the shadow of Force Commander, and stands as a serious, fun strategy game in all gameplay modes.

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Computer and Video Games

Yes, Empire At War boasts almost everything a Star Wars and RTS fan could hope for. There's innovation, excitement, intrigue and enough tension to give you an aneurism, but those pesky land battles just manage to sully an otherwise top-class piece of software. [PC Zone]

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PC Gamer

Empire at War finally delivers a truly satisfying Star Wars strategy experience. [Apr 2006, p.62]

ActionTrip

Gamers who are out for classic real-time strategies, might be repelled by the overwhelming Star Wars lore and the relatively steep learning curve. Still, once you get the hang of it, you're sure to find the game a rewarding experience, both in single-player and multiplayer.

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Armchair Empire

A very good real-time strategy game and the best that has featured the Star Wars franchise (regardless of what I said about Galactic Battlegrounds).

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GameZone

The only problem with this game is that it could have been so much better. The game's land battles tend to get repetitive but thanks to the wide variety of missions and options, this game will be playing in your PC for a very long time.

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FiringSquad

A surprisingly charming title. It’s simple enough to be liked by casual gamers and deep enough to have some appeal for the hardcore player.

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Game Informer

It's not every day that a licensed game actually makes its source material cooler, especially when you are talking about Star Wars. [Mar 2006, p.114]

Gamer 2.0

Its pure size is its greatest asset, but because it occasionally loses focus, its greatest liability too. Even with the inconsistencies on the ground, the galactic map and thrilling space battles fill in the gaps.

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Computer Games Online RO

By far the best strategy released under the Star Wars banner and a real success for Petroglyph Games.

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Game Chronicles

For me, this was like having the world’s biggest Star Wars play set and getting to play ‘army”, only with cool special effects and explosions and authentic sounds.

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Jolt Online Gaming UK

You’ll have worked out by now that our earlier reference to the quality of the three parts of the game refer to the space battles being pretty good, the campaign map being reasonable, and the ground battles being a bit limp.

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Yahoo! Games

While the ground stages don't quite match the rest of the game's quality, there's still something superbly delightful about marching a group of AT-ATs into battle, or commanding a fleet of star destroyers, or chopping up stormtroopers with Obi-Wan Kenobi. Empire at War captures these emotions perfectly, and backs them up with a robust large-scale strategic game and no end of single and multiplayer content.

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1UP

In short, to make the game more accessible to Star Wars fans, the RTS elements -- while innovative and fun -- lack the depth that can define genre greats. Nevertheless, the Force is strong with this one.

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Total Video Games

There's no denying that there are a number of features implemented in Empire at War that separate the game from any other RTS title, and the excellent interconnection between strategy and tactics creates an enthralling experience; it's just a shame that certain areas, cannot match the enjoyment provided by strategically taking over the galaxy in the galactic sections.

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DailyGame

The thing of it is, though, all but the most hardcore RTS junkies will play only one-fourth of the game (only the Empire half, and within that half, only the space battles). That doesn't mean the other three-fourths of the game is wasted content, but if LucasArts had balanced things out a bit more, there's little that could've stopped this game from being a must-buy.

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IGN

Star Wars: Empire at War definitely scores big in terms of style. Gamers who are looking for an authentic Star Wars experience will not be disappointed with this one... What really stinks is that the actual gameplay isn't exciting enough to support the setting.

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My Gamer

If you are looking for an RTS that doesn’t get too in-depth, or if you are just looking for a cool new Star Wars game, look no further than Star Wars: Empire at War.

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PC Format

Visual splendour, but we find its lack of (3D) space disturbing. [Apr 2006, p.92]

Worth Playing

The $50 price tag might seem somewhat high for a game that takes one idea, tweaks it a bit, and calls it a whole new play function. However, when one takes into consideration the extensive replay value that the multiplayer functionality brings to the table, that price point seems less intimidating.

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The Onion (A.V. Club)

Sure, you could find a deeper or better-tuned strategy game—but this one has AT-ATs.

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Detroit Free Press

The day-to-day ground conflicts that make up most of the game are not particularly inspiring. The full-on space wars are a real thrill to behold.

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AtomicGamer

While Empire at War does have an overall decent gameplay system that requires a mix of strategies, as well as a story-based campaign that can be played from the side of either the Rebels or the Empire, there's just not enough here to pull you away from the many great strategy games that are available today.

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Game Over Online

The computer AI doesn’t cut it, the units do retarded things sometimes, and the multiplayer game is either too long, or too uninteresting compared to other RTS games available out there – I would much rather play "Warcraft 3" or "C&C: Generals."

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Eurogamer

Ultimately, there's no single aspect of the game that really demands your interest.

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Next Level Gaming

The game starts out fun, but after awhile it can become very boring.

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GameSpy

It's trying something completely different, and even when it doesn't work, it's true to its license and it's making bold choices. There's a lot to be said for this approach.

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Boomtown

I don’t want to give the impression this is just another lazy Star Wars game, because it’s clear a lot of love has gone into the game. But there’s a lack of ambition at the heart of Empire at War that is the ultimate reason for its failure to be a really great strategy game.

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Game Revolution

Its conquest content is thin and its RTS content is rudimentary, but the interplay between all these elements makes for an extremely immersive and convincing experience.

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Da Gameboyz

Empires at War is a poorly designed RTS that would have been laughed off the Gamestop shelves without its Star Wars skin.

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Sydney Morning Herald

Empire at War hits all the right notes if you're a Star Wars fan, but be prepared to grind out your victories.

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AceGamez

As much I hate to say it, Star Wars: Empire At War isn't worth the entry fee. This is a terrible shame, since it had such promise from the pre-launch screenshots, but sadly the repetitive and shallow gameplay, combined with the below par presentation and ludicrously high difficulty level, simply can't compete with the best of the genre.

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GamePro

Ultimately, Empire at War isn't just RTS-lite--it's RTS extremely lite. Hardcore RTS fans will rapidly grow bored, and even fans of the franchise are better served with Battlefront for its galactic conquest games, or Galactic Battlegrounds for a Star Wars RTS experience that's actually an RTS.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.5 (out of 10) based on 113 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

J C gave it an8:
Probably the best strategy game of the Star Wars series since Rebellion. This game makes for both ground and space based warfare, making it an interesting change from past games. The Single Player Campaigns were interesting. 1 Con about this game is its A.I. The AI of this game is pretty bad and easily defeatable. Online play is ok, but generates loads of lag and poor online design.

Kravin M. gave it a9:
Star Wars Empire at War is one of the best Star Wars RTS games for the PC. With good game play you'll be playing for hours.

Povi R. gave it a10:
Love this game. Multiplayer galactic conquest is where it's at.My buddy and I are still trying to beat each other after a week of playing a 40+ planet campaign. Brilliant! Saving your game during multiplayer is also a nice touch. Also, you don't need a super mega PC to run this game, unlike the current stock out there.

Daniel J. gave it a9:
Although the other Star Wars RTS games weren't great, Star Wars Empire at War proves out to be one hell of an RTS. The graphics are really awesome, especially with a good video card. The sound is simply perfect! And there is just a ton of game-play from skirmish vs the AI to the story campaign. In summary Empire at War is a great game and what I consider to be one of the best Star Wars strategy games in the series. I hope they make a sequel.

Filhaber H. gave it a9:
Hands down one of the best Star Wars RTS games to date. The space battles are truly epic and the game looks great on max detail with a good video card. If you like RTS games and like Star Wars, Empire at War is a must have game.

Fred G. gave it a10:
H.is game is so much fun I couldn't stop playing even for dinner. Empire at War is just right for difficulty, not to easy and not to hard. But if you like hard you can crank up the difficulty. The space battles are truly awesome, being able to command a fleet of star destroyers and the death star is totally cool. I haven't played many RTS games, but after playing EAW it made me think that RTS games aren't that bad at all. I would definitely recommend it to those who like RTS games and even those that don't. If you like to make maps you can download the editor. It's pretty easy to use and a lot of fun.

Kneel B4 Zod gave it a6:
Da Gameboyz hit the nail on tha head; this game's biggest positive reinforcement, it that it come from the Star Wars Genre and has all that cool star wars stuff. If it had been any other space oriented game it would have fallen on its face and bit off its tongue. Honestly, the game isn't terrible, its quite fun. However, once you beat the game, its sucks a fat one.... i had had more fun popping pimples than continuing playing this game. P.S. idk what all you critics are talking about, that was incredibly easier than you make it out to be. "grind through the game" my ass, i bet you can't play a video game for sh.... PWN..... yea it makes me feel like a bigger man.

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Star Wars: Empire at War

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