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Empire Deluxe Combined Edition Game Cover

About Empire Deluxe Combined Edition

Empire Deluxe Combined Edition is a single player and multiplayer turn-based strategy game with a warfare theme. It was developed by Killer Bee Software and was released on June 1, 2018. It received very positive reviews from players.

Empire Deluxe: Combined Edition is the latest in the classic Empire Series of games, which has spanned almost five decades. Empire Deluxe is a game about taking cities. Starting with just one, the city enables a commander to produce units. These units in turn can directly attack or support the attack of more cities. Your imperialistic desires are not satisfied until you have taken every city on t…

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Games Like Empire Deluxe Combined Edition

Looking for games like Empire Deluxe Combined Edition? Here are top turn-based strategy recommendations with a warfare focus, selected from player-similarity data — start with Master of Magic Classic, Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete or Rise of Nations.

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Reviews

94%Audience ScoreBased on 161 reviews
graphics6 positive mentions
grinding3 negative mentions

  • Classic and timeless turn-based 4X strategy game with deep strategic and tactical gameplay that remains engaging decades after its original release.
  • Highly customizable with numerous game modes, unit sets, map generation, and modding capabilities, allowing players to tailor complexity and experience to their liking.
  • Strong replayability with multiple AI difficulty levels, multiplayer options (hot seat, PBEM, network), and various scenarios, supported by a dedicated developer and active community.
  • Outdated graphics and sound with little to no modernization, which may deter players seeking modern presentation or accessibility.
  • AI opponents are often considered weak or flawed, with some complaints about early game imbalance and poor utilization of new units, limiting challenge and realism.
  • User interface changes and control schemes differ from older versions, resulting in a learning curve and some inconveniences like missing popular hotkeys or cumbersome unit command sequences.
  • graphics

    30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    20% positive mentions, 70% neutral mentions, 10% negative mentions

    The graphics are consistently described as dated, simple, and reminiscent of classic DOS-era visuals, lacking modern polish or detail. However, this retro style is embraced by fans who appreciate the game's focus on strategic depth over flashy presentation, finding comfort and nostalgia in its straightforward, unembellished look. Overall, the graphics may deter those seeking contemporary visuals but are considered fitting and iconic for this classic strategy experience.

    • “This modern version has much better graphics, but it's still a blast to play.”
    • “While some may consider the now dated graphics a negative, those who have grown up playing the series take the same comfort from those familiar graphics as one might get from donning one's favorite, well broken in pair of slippers.”
    • “Despite simple graphics, the game is full of wonderful tactical and strategic gameplay.”
    • “The graphics are nothing to look at since they are from the 80's and the sound is .... well ..... just turn it off.”
    • “The graphics are simple and even crude.”
    • “Although it's a native Linux/Mac/Windows game now, you could think that it's one of those 'runs via DOSBox' ones, because the graphics haven't changed much in the past thirty years - you could run this with VGA 256 colours and not notice the difference.”
  • gameplay

    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    33% positive mentions, 42% neutral mentions, 25% negative mentions

    The gameplay offers layered complexity, starting simple and allowing players to gradually master mechanics and add units, providing deep tactical and strategic challenges. Despite dated graphics, the game remains highly engaging with features like realistic enemy visibility and a thoughtful supply system, supporting extensive replayability. It balances simplicity with depth, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned players.

    • “There are multiple levels of unit complexity, so start with a simple game, master the mechanics, and level up your skills until you are using them all!”
    • “The new supply system and drain mechanic really add the element of 'do I really need 6 more infantry divisions?'”
    • “Despite simple graphics, the game is full of wonderful tactical and strategic gameplay.”
    • “The new supply system and drain mechanic really adds the element of 'do I really need 6 more infantry divisions?'”
    • “The idea that one didn't know where the enemy was unless one had eyes on them made so much sense, but didn't exist in the gameplay of the day simply because of performance limitations.”
    • “It’s dated but still has the core mechanics that make it a solid game that people have loved for over 30 years.”
  • replayability

    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    The game offers exceptional replayability, driven by adjustable difficulty levels that range from easy to challenging, and an addictive "just one more turn" gameplay hook. Its simple rules combined with strategic depth ensure long-lasting engagement and varied experiences.

    • “This game has more replayability than any other I know and has that compelling 'just one more turn' hook.”
    • “Difficulty can range from trivial to outright impossible depending on how you configure your game, providing a ton of replayability.”
    • “The game emphasizes solid strategy with simple rules, addictive playability, and engaging replayability.”
  • grinding

    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    0% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 100% negative mentions

    Grinding in the game can be extensive due to its large map and numerous unit types, but built-in features like convoys, auto-explore, and customizable units help manage the tedium. While reaching the end-game may feel like a repetitive mop-up, the progression toward that point remains engaging and enjoyable.

    • “That could soon become very tedious in a game with a large map, and I have seen it be very tedious in other games. However, this game has many features to manage that automatically, like convoys, paths, and auto-explore mode, along with many different types of units that can be heavily customized if needed.”
    • “You're going to be doing a lot of grinding.”
    • “There is an end-game issue where after a tipping point, it becomes just mop-up work which can be tedious, though it's still fun until reaching that point.”
  • optimization

    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    0% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 100% negative mentions

    The game's optimization is impressive, allowing for detailed mechanics like line-of-sight enemy detection without performance issues. Even on large maps such as the 400x500 Europe map, players experience smooth gameplay with no noticeable drops in performance.

    • “The idea that one didn't know where the enemy was unless one had eyes on them made so much sense, but didn't exist in the gameplay of the day simply because of performance limitations.”
    • “I've been playing on the 400x500 Europe map without any discernible drop in performance.”
  • story

    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    0% positive mentions, 100% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    The story aspect is largely absent or undeveloped, with users focusing more on gameplay frustrations such as AI behavior rather than narrative elements.

  • music

    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    0% positive mentions, 100% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    There are no available user reviews or comments regarding the music in this game.

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Play Times

2000h Median play time
2000h Average play time
2000-2000h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Empire Deluxe Combined Edition is a turn-based strategy game with warfare theme. Common tags for Empire Deluxe Combined Edition include turn-based, classic, indie, war and retro.

Empire Deluxe Combined Edition is available on PC, Mac OS, Windows and Linux.

On average players spend around 2000 hours playing Empire Deluxe Combined Edition.

Empire Deluxe Combined Edition was released on June 1, 2018.

Empire Deluxe Combined Edition was developed by Killer Bee Software.

Empire Deluxe Combined Edition has received very positive reviews from players. Most players liked Empire Deluxe Combined Edition for its graphics but disliked it for its grinding.

Empire Deluxe Combined Edition is a single player game with multiplayer support.

Similar games include Master of Magic Classic, Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete, Rise of Nations, Panzer Corps, Order of Battle: World War II and others.