Game Specs, Critical Acclaim, Legacy & Influence – Developed by Creative Assembly, the Total War franchise combines grand strategy, turn-based empire-building, and real-time tactical battles. Below, we break down its most iconic titles with specs, reviews, and lasting impact.
Historical Total War Games
| Game | Release | Platforms | Setting | Key Campaign Features | Units | Critical Acclaim | Legacy & Influence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shogun: Total War | 2000 | PC, Mac | 16th-century Japan | Clan management, Realm Divide mechanic | Samurai, Ashigaru, Ninja | 85/100 Metacritic – “Revolutionised strategy gaming” (IGN) | Pioneered the franchise; introduced real-time 3D battles. |
| Rome: Total War | 2004 | PC, Mac, Mobile | Ancient Rome (270 BC–14 AD) | Family tree, province development | Legionaries, Elephants, Gladiators | 92/100 Metacritic – “A landmark in strategy” (PC Gamer) | Popularised historical epics; mods like Europa Barbarorum still active. |
| Medieval II: Total War | 2006 | PC, Mac | Medieval Europe (1080–1530) | Crusades, Papal mechanics, Americas expansion | Knights, Trebuchets, Mercenaries | 88/100 Metacritic – “Depth unmatched in its era” (GameSpot) | Beloved for mods (Third Age: Total War for LOTR); inspired later titles. |
| Empire: Total War | 2009 | PC, Mac | 18th-century global empires | Trade routes, naval battles, tech tree | Line Infantry, Ships of the Line | 90/100 Metacritic – “Ambitious scope with mixed execution” (Eurogamer) | First to introduce naval combat; laid groundwork for Napoleon. |
| Shogun 2 | 2011 | PC, Mac, Linux | Feudal Japan (Sengoku Jidai) | Realm Divide, clan-specific bonuses | Katana Samurai, Matchlock Ashigaru | 90/100 Metacritic – “Perfect balance of strategy and spectacle” (Destructoid) | Praised for AI improvements; Fall of the Samurai DLC remains iconic. |
| Three Kingdoms | 2019 | PC | Ancient China (190–280 AD) | Character relationships, diplomacy system | Tiger Cavalry, Fire Archers | 85/100 Metacritic – “Best diplomacy in series history” (Kotaku) | Popularised RPG elements; set concurrent player records (192,000 on Steam). |
| Pharaoh | 2023 | PC | Bronze Age Egypt | Dynamic weather, court politics | Chariots, Medjay Warriors | 78/100 Metacritic – “Niche but polished” (Rock Paper Shotgun) | Focused on smaller-scale conflicts; divisive among fans. |
Fantasy Total War Games
| Game | Release | Platforms | Setting | Key Campaign Features | Units | Critical Acclaim | Legacy & Influence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total War: Warhammer | 2016 | PC, macOS | Warhammer Fantasy | Vortex Campaign (Warhammer II), monster hunts | Dragons, Steam Tanks, Vampire Lords | 86/100 Metacritic – “A bold, brilliant fusion” (Polygon) | Revolutionised fantasy strategy; tripled CA’s player base. |
| Total War: Warhammer II | 2017 | PC, macOS | Warhammer Fantasy | Mortal Empires (combined map), rituals | Dinosaur Riders, Skaven Artillery | 87/100 Metacritic – “The pinnacle of the series” (PCGamesN) | Cemented Warhammer as CA’s flagship; sold 2 million copies in 6 months. |
| Total War: Warhammer III | 2022 | PC | Warhammer Chaos Realms | Survival Battles, Realm of Chaos | Daemons, Kislev Ice Guard | 80/100 Metacritic – “Ambitious but buggy at launch” (IGN) | Expanded multiplayer; ongoing support with DLC (Shadows of Change). |
Top 5 Total War Games (By Critical & Fan Reception)
| Rank | Game | Metascore | Awards | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shogun 2 | 90/100 | BAFTA Strategy Award (2012) | 1.5M+ copies |
| 2 | Total War: Warhammer II | 87/100 | Golden Joystick Best Strategy Game (2017) | 3.4M+ copies |
| 3 | Medieval II | 88/100 | Modding Hall of Fame (2010s) | 2.2M+ copies |
| 4 | Three Kingdoms | 85/100 | Steam Awards (Most Playable, 2019) | 1.8M+ copies |
| 5 | Rome: Total War | 92/100 | Game of the Year (2004, multiple outlets) | 6M+ copies |
Total War: Three Kingdoms
Shogun: Total War (2000) – The Game That Started a Dynasty
Released in June 2000 by Creative Assembly, Shogun: Total War revolutionised strategy gaming by blending turn-based empire management with real-time 3D battles. Set in 16th-century feudal Japan during the Sengoku Jidai (“Warring States” period), players vie for control of the islands by leading one of seven clans (e.g., Takeda, Oda, Uesugi) to unite the nation under the title of Shōgun.
Key Specs & Features
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Platforms | PC, Mac |
| Campaign Scope | 36 provinces, 7 playable clans |
| Unit Types | Samurai (Katana, Archer), Ashigaru (spearmen), Ninja, Mongol invaders (DLC) |
| Core Mechanics | Turn-based strategy map; real-time battles with up to 5,000 troops |
| Graphics | 3D battle maps with 2D sprites; cinematic cutscenes |
| Expansion | The Mongol Invasion (2001) – Added Mongol invasion scenario |
Critical Reception
| Publication | Score/Quote |
|---|---|
| IGN | 9/10 – “A landmark in strategy gaming… the battles are breathtaking.” |
| PC Gamer UK | 90% – “A masterclass in tension and tactics.” |
| Metacritic | 85/100 – Universal acclaim for innovation. |
Gameplay Innovations
- Real-Time Tactics: Introduced large-scale 3D battles with morale, terrain, and flanking mechanics.
- Clan Management: Balanced diplomacy, espionage, and economy on a risk-style campaign map.
- Honour System: Actions affected clan reputation and loyalty of generals (daimyō).
Legacy & Influence
- Genre Pioneer: Established the Total War formula replicated in sequels (e.g., Rome, Medieval).
- Modding Foundation: Early mods like Total War: Mongol Invasion Overhaul laid groundwork for later communities.
- Cultural Impact: Inspired historical games like Nobunaga’s Ambition and TV’s Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan.
Sales: Sold over 500,000 copies by 2002, proving the viability of hybrid strategy games.
Limitations by Modern Standards
- Dated AI: Battle AI often charged headlong without tactics.
- Simplified Diplomacy: Alliances were brittle and lacked depth.
- Repetitive Endgame: Late-stage campaigns became a grind against rebel factions.
Where to Play Today
- GOG.com: DRM-free version (£4.99, compatible with modern OS).
- Mods: Sekigahara Campaign mod adds historical clan accuracy.
Final Word: Though overshadowed by later titles, Shogun: Total War remains a watershed moment in gaming. As Creative Assembly co-founder Michael Simpson noted: “We wanted to make history feel alive, not just numbers on a spreadsheet.” Its blend of spectacle and strategy still resonates, making it a cult classic among retro gamers.
Legacy of the Total War Series
- Genre Impact: Defined the “grand strategy” genre, influencing titles like Crusader Kings and Civilization.
- Modding Community: Over 50,000 mods on Steam Workshop; Third Age: Total War (LOTR) and Stainless Steel (Medieval II) remain legendary.
- Cultural Reach: Featured in academic studies on historical accuracy in gaming; inspired Netflix’s The King (2019).
- Sales: 40.4 million copies sold as of 2023; Warhammer trilogy earned £300M+ revenue.
Recommended Entry Points:
- Newcomers: Shogun 2 (historical) or Warhammer II (fantasy).
- Veterans: Medieval II (mods) or Three Kingdoms (diplomacy depth).
Blending historical authenticity with epic scale, Total War remains a titan of strategy gaming. Its evolution from Shogun to Warhammer proves adaptability, even if recent entries polarise fans. As Creative Assembly says: “History is written on the battlefield.”
