Game reviews / Rome: Total War
Rome: Total War
2004 · Windows · macOS · Linux · iOS · Android · Turn-based strategy · Real-time strategy
6 scored sources · 5 countries contributing scores
Review consensus
Rome: Total War is widely regarded as an expansive and highly satisfying historical strategy game, distinguished by its combination of turn-based empire management and large-scale real-time battles. Reviewers consistently praised its faction variety, campaign depth, tactical formations, sieges, atmosphere, music, presentation, and replayability. Its weaknesses include weak or inconsistent AI, technical glitches, awkward menus and camera controls, long end-turn waits, limited campaign multiplayer, and underwhelming naval combat. Some systems can feel demanding, while infantry battles may devolve into straightforward frontal engagements.
Limited geographic coverage. Treat this score as an early indication.
Last researched: 2026-09-12
Pros
- Deep campaign combining diplomacy, economy, empire management, and faction-specific choices
- Large, cinematic real-time battles with extensive formations, morale, cavalry, and siege tactics
- Strong historical atmosphere, audiovisual presentation, music, and environmental detail
- High replayability supported by varied factions and mod support
Cons
- Weak or inconsistent AI and occasional bugs or technical glitches
- Awkward menus, camera issues, confusing controls, and long end-turn waits
- Naval combat is disappointing, and campaign multiplayer is absent
- Some infantry engagements become direct frontal clashes, while certain campaign systems lack depth
Review sources
12 sources found across 9 countries. This is not exhaustive worldwide coverage.
- Gamersky 游民星空 · China
- Jeuxvideo.com · France · 80/100
- GameStar · Germany
- Multiplayer.it · Italy
- SpazioGames · Italy · 93/100
- 4Gamer · Japan
- GAME Watch · Japan
- GRYOnline.pl · Poland · 90/100
- Vandal · Spain · 95/100
- GamesRadar+ · United Kingdom
- GameSpot · United States · 91/100
- IGN · United States · 94/100