Napoleon: Total War

Napoleon Total War is a 2010 real-time turn-based strategy game developed by The Creative Assembly and published by Sega.

A True Historical Saga

Napoleon Bonaparte, a historical figure of great ambition, provides the subject material for this Total War game. Napoleon’s great conquests are followed through three different game campaigns. The Creative Assembly team decided to stay authentic to the historical facts to give the game an edge.

The campaigns have fixed goals. As a player, you are required to reach the objectives to explore the next adventure. You will experience Napoleon’s early venture into Italy and Austria, then you will follow him into Egypt and later go back with him to conquer Europe. Besides the campaigns, you can experience other famous battles in separate scenarios.

The detailed maps give you a clear view of the battlefields. But the campaigns are not rich in options. Due to the historical nature of the game, the outcomes of the battles are restricted to real events. If you know your history, the element of surprise is gone. Whatever your battle strategy, you kind of know where the events are headed.

Battles and Empires are Lost on Provisions and Cost Analysis

Due to the nature of Napoleon’s conquests, it might feel like you should concentrate on the strengths and weaknesses of the enemy combatants. However, the gameplay has strategic obstacles to make sure you take care of your costs for providing provisions and sustenance for your own army. The logistics of keeping peace on the conquered territories is as much a part of the game as it is to fight your enemies.

Visuals, Sounds, Battles, and Gameplay

Visuals and sounds of this game create a rich texture to bring the battles alive. Whether you are marching into Vienna, fighting a harsh winter in Russia or ordering your soldiers to forge ahead in Egypt, the graphics, the sounds, and the music give you a cinematic experience. You can sit back and enjoy the fruition of your strategic plans. The AI of the game has some glitches. At times, the soldiers might roam around and seem lost. But when you are playing in the multiplayer mode against human opponents, this will not be an issue.

Conclusion

Napoleon Total War is a good addition to the franchise. It is not a game changer because it relies heavily on the innovations of the previous Total War games. Historical authenticity has limited the options for taking creative risks in the gameplay. But on the other hand, staying true to history is also endearing. It gives the game a feeling of connection to the real world and the past. If you are a history buff, you will definitely enjoy Napoleon Total War. You might enjoy the interactive learning experience. Or you might enjoy the excitement of blowing things up in the massive battlefields. Either way, you will have a good time.

Pros

• Historical accuracy adds a sense of authenticity
• Battlefield visuals and sounds are great for a 2010 game
• Multiplayer modes provide great gameplay

Cons

• Campaigns are restrictive due to historical adherence
• Battlefield AI is not responsive sometimes