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Empires Apart

Looks like a newer version of Age of Empires 2, and plays like a modern RTS. Good faction differentiation isn’t enough to save Empires Apart from being less than mediocre due to weak single player.
68%Game Brain Score
graphics, gameplay
optimization, stability
67% User Score Based on 975 reviews
Critic Score 69%Based on 5 reviews

Platforms

PCPCWindowsWindows
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About

"Empires Apart" is a free-to-play Real Time Strategy game set in medieval times, where you lead uniquely designed factions in procedurally generated maps. Gather resources, build structures, raise an army, and wage war against enemies in skirmish, survival, challenge mode or online ranked and custom matches. With various units, heroes, and relics to choose from, this game offers a fresh take on classic RTS gameplay.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Empires Apart screenshot
Empires Apart screenshot
Empires Apart screenshot
Empires Apart screenshot
Empires Apart screenshot
Empires Apart screenshot
Empires Apart screenshot
Empires Apart screenshot
Empires Apart screenshot

67%
Audience ScoreBased on 980 reviews
graphics76 positive mentions
optimization14 negative mentions
  • Empires Apart offers a fun and engaging real-time strategy experience reminiscent of classic games like Age of Empires, with unique civilizations and mechanics.
  • The game features a charming art style and smooth gameplay, making it visually appealing and enjoyable to play.
  • The developers are actively working on updates and improvements, showing commitment to enhancing the game based on community feedback.
  • The game suffers from significant performance issues, including lag and crashes, especially in multiplayer matches with larger player counts.
  • There is a lack of single-player content, with no campaign mode available, which limits the game's appeal for those who prefer solo play.
  • Many features, such as AI behavior and pathfinding, are poorly implemented, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
  • graphics
    171 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the unique low-poly art style and cartoonish visuals reminiscent of "Age of Empires," while others criticize the graphics as basic, lacking detail, and sometimes overwhelming. Many users note that while the visuals can be charming, they often feel underwhelming compared to other RTS games, leading to a consensus that the graphics, though enjoyable for some, could benefit from improvements to enhance gameplay experience. Overall, the aesthetic appeal is subjective, with a divide between those who find it appealing and those who see it as a drawback.

    • “The graphics are amazing.”
    • “I was genuinely blown away at the art style and how almost flawless the graphic design is.”
    • “Overall, the graphics are top-notch.”
    • “The game's graphics and detail are not improved.”
    • “While at first the graphics look 'smooth', they are in fact horrendous, once you've started playing, as you have no clear distinction between units because of the lack of detail.”
    • “It's like they were going after Team Fortress 2 meets Age of Empires 2 as a graphics style/color palette but failed by discarding any form of detail and unit distinction.”
  • gameplay
    150 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Empires Apart" is often compared to "Age of Empires," featuring familiar mechanics with some unique twists, such as distinct civilizations and their individual abilities. While many players appreciate the strategic depth and fast-paced nature of the game, criticisms include a lack of content, technical issues, and a complex interface that can detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game offers solid mechanics and enjoyable multiplayer gameplay, but it requires further refinement to reach its full potential.

    • “Mastering the mechanics and strategic depth of Empires Apart will lead to more victories and a more enjoyable gameplay experience.”
    • “The gameplay is actually very fun and well-designed, borrowing from the classic 90s RTS formula but adding some welcomed twists that help make the experience unique.”
    • “A solid chain of units, upgrades, tech advancements, and tactical choices allows for diverse gameplay across the board... if you like multiplayer.”
    • “Unnecessarily complex interface and mechanics, several lighting problems during sunrise and sunset and too low visibility at night.”
    • “Gameplay is so slow I nearly lost the will to live.”
    • “Badly designed gameplay, barely any content, lots of technical issues, worst AI I've ever seen.”
  • music
    36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received widespread praise for its stirring orchestral soundtracks, which enhance the overall experience and evoke a sense of immersion. Many players appreciate the unique themes for different civilizations, noting that the music is both memorable and fitting for the gameplay. However, some reviews mention that while the music is enjoyable, it may not leave a lasting impression compared to classic titles like Age of Mythology.

    • “The soundtrack is very stirring, orchestral.”
    • “The music is also unique for each race, which improves the uniqueness of each race.”
    • “From the menu music all the way to the music in the game itself, general or civ-based themes are so good to listen to while you do your own thing!”
    • “To finish, a good song music is ruined with poor and nonexistent game sounds.”
    • “The graphic and music are mediocre, the concept of art was nice though.”
    • “[almost complete lack of single player content, mediocre graphics and soundtrack]”
  • optimization
    32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization has been widely criticized, with many players reporting severe performance issues, including stuttering and lag, making it unplayable for some. While a few users noted improvements after patches, the overall consensus is that the game suffers from poor optimization, particularly on AMD CPUs, and lacks user-friendliness. Despite some positive experiences, the majority find the performance unacceptable, overshadowing the game's potential.

    • “In the early days after launch, there have been issues - some serious performance problems on large maps and some occasional pathfinding goofs - but I'm already really enjoying the game as I'm able to play it, and the developers seem active and are working towards improving it; they've already released a few small patches that fixed one or two issues I was seeing.”
    • “I have not had the optimization issues experienced by other players.”
    • “Performance on my machine is fantastic, no surprises there.”
    • “All of this combines to poor optimization.”
    • “It is a fun and interesting game but totally unplayable for a lot of people due to garbage performance.”
    • “I have given it several months before I wrote this review because I wanted the game to improve and do well, but even after several performance patches the game is still so laggy that it's unplayable.”
  • stability
    20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous users reporting significant bugs, glitches, and issues with AI behavior and unit pathfinding. While some players appreciate the game's potential and character, many describe it as a "buggy mess" that feels incomplete and unpolished, leading to frustration and disappointment. Overall, the consensus is that the game requires substantial improvements to achieve a stable and enjoyable experience.

    • “The game is a buggy, incomplete, rushed, borderline unplayable mess of an RTS game that broke the many promises it made to its loyal alpha and beta testers.”
    • “This game is still very buggy and it has terrible AI and unit pathfinding.”
    • “Payed full price for it at launch, now it's a loot box infested mess which is incredibly buggy at best and where you have to pay for civilizations separately.”
  • story
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its absence, with many users noting the lack of a single-player campaign or narrative-driven content. While the game features unique civilizations and randomized skirmish maps that enhance replayability, players feel it lacks a rich, story-driven experience. Overall, the consensus is that the game would benefit from a more developed storyline or campaign mode.

    • “I enjoyed the concept, but it's kind of missing a story-rich expansion.”
    • “It has a lot of personality and civilization uniqueness, but there is no campaign or story mode.”
    • “There is no campaign mode of scripted missions, though the randomized maps for the skirmish mode do give a lot of replay value.”
    • “Really pretty game, but gameplay isn't fun and there is no storyline.”
    • “Limited single player aspect due to lack of a campaign or story mode.”
    • “There is no campaign mode or scripted missions, though the randomized maps for the skirmish mode do give a lot of replay value.”
  • monetization
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization system in the game is heavily criticized for its reliance on microtransactions, including loot boxes and paid civilization unlocks, which many players view as a cash grab. While some users appreciate that certain microtransactions are purely cosmetic and can be avoided, the overall sentiment leans towards dissatisfaction with the game's approach to monetization, especially in comparison to its inspirations like Age of Empires. Despite these concerns, a few players find the monetization acceptable within the context of a free-to-play model.

    • “Its a free game that is plagued by microtransactions, yes, but it's also the only new RTS game I have seen be made recently. It is pretty much Age of Empires II but with less content. The game looks fine, it plays fine, and it will probably keep you entertained for a few hours. All in all, I'd say just give it a try; it's not perfect by any means, but if you can keep yourself from buying anything, all it will take from you is time.”
    • “Microtransactions are purely cosmetic and faction unlocks.”
    • “10/10 for the 'free to play' update; the monetization system is very modest and acceptable.”
    • “Low budget Age of Empires with the typical free-to-play monetization system (loot boxes with cosmetics rewarded by playing and civilizations unlocked by paying real money).”
    • “This is just a huge cash grab and I wouldn't be surprised if this game breaks some form of copyright laws.”
    • “In a time where everybody criticizes loot boxes and microtransactions, this is what you came up with to save your mediocre Age of Empires knockoff?”
  • humor
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is highlighted as a key feature, with players finding it particularly enjoyable when played with friends, especially those who embrace the absurdity. While many appreciate the game's funny moments and friendly interface, some note that the humor can be overshadowed by gameplay issues, including exploits and balance problems. Overall, the game is seen as a source of consistent laughter, especially in a social setting.

    • “Remember to have your friends with you; I recommend the silly ones as they make it ridiculously funny, and they don't put up competition.”
    • “I like the graphics, friendly interface, and this game is very funny.”
    • “Really funny game.”
  • replayability
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's replayability is mixed; while competitive and RTS elements can encourage players to improve and continue playing, the lack of a campaign mode and limited content may diminish long-term interest. However, the inclusion of randomized maps in skirmish mode offers some replay value. Overall, the game's appeal largely depends on individual player interest and motivation.

    • “There is no campaign mode of scripted missions, though the randomized maps for the skirmish mode do give a lot of replay value.”
    • “Replayability: Competitive games and RTS can be inherently replayable depending on your interest in them, since they're the kind of games you want to get better at and keep playing. However, there's no campaign, and it doesn't seem like there's a whole lot else to do, which makes the game less interesting. Thus, the replayability suffers.”
    • “There is no campaign mode or scripted missions, though the randomized maps for the skirmish mode do provide a lot of replay value.”
    • “Replayability: Competitive games and RTS can be inherently replayable depending on your interest in them, since they're the kind of games you want to get better at and keep playing. However, there's no campaign, and it doesn't seem like there's a whole lot else to do, which makes the game less interesting. Thus, the replayability suffers.”
  • grinding
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players note that grinding in the game can feel excessive, as it often shifts the focus from strategy to simply accumulating resources and upgrades quickly. The AI's inconsistent behavior can exacerbate this, leading to either overwhelming challenges or a passive experience that encourages mindless farming. While grinding can be rewarding for those willing to invest time, it risks diminishing the game's strategic depth.

    • “Grinding in this game is incredibly rewarding and keeps you engaged.”
    • “The grind is satisfying and offers a real sense of progression.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “This can help to prevent players from getting every single building the moment they have the resources for it and just focus only on efficiency and stacking, rather than carefully considering how they want to use and manage both their resources and troop classes, causing the game to lose its strategic orientation and just be about grinding to get all the upgrades as fast as possible.”
    • “So, if you're willing to spend time grinding, then the whole game is free to play.”
  • atmosphere
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is perceived as hostile, exacerbated by the developer's negative interactions with the community, including trolling and bans, which detracts from the overall experience.

    • “The game has a hostile atmosphere, with the developer taking out their frustration on players through forum trolling and bans.”
    • “The overall atmosphere feels poorly constructed, detracting from the immersive experience.”
    • “There is a lack of cohesion in the atmosphere, making it difficult to engage with the game world.”

69%Critics’ scoreBased on 5 critic reviews

Buy Empires Apart

33h Median play time
143h Average play time
2-350h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 5 analyzed playthroughs

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