Total Annihilation

About

"Total Annihilation" is a real-time strategy game featuring intense battles between vast armies and epic units. Players construct bases, gather resources, and command powerful armies to defeat their opponents in varied and detailed environments. With a focus on strategy and tactics, the game offers a deep and rewarding experience for fans of the RTS genre.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,205 reviews

music106 positive mentions

optimization3 negative mentions

Total Annihilation is a timeless classic that still holds up well today, offering engaging gameplay and a vast array of units and strategies.
The game features an excellent soundtrack composed by Jeremy Soule, enhancing the overall experience with memorable music.
The modding community is active, providing numerous mods and expansions that add new content and improve gameplay.

The AI can be quite dumb at times, leading to frustrating moments during gameplay, especially in skirmish mode.
The game has some technical issues on modern systems, including problems with resolution scaling and occasional crashes.
The unit cap can feel limiting, and players may need to manually edit configuration files to increase it for a more expansive experience.

music
185 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
41%
2%
The music in the game, composed by Jeremy Soule, is widely praised as one of the best soundtracks in video game history, featuring a dynamic orchestral score that enhances the gameplay experience. Players appreciate how the music adapts to different in-game situations, creating an immersive atmosphere during both intense battles and quieter moments. Despite some minor bugs and repetitive tracks at lower volumes, the overall consensus is that the soundtrack is a timeless classic that significantly contributes to the game's enduring appeal.
- “From the moment I first booted up the game and heard the iconic soundtrack by Jeremy Soule, I knew I was in for something special.”
- “The epic orchestral music set the tone for the intense battles that awaited me on the battlefield.”
- “The music is absolutely amazing and the gameplay can still go toe-to-toe with some of the best of the current RTS games being released, if not surpassing them entirely.”
- “The soundtrack perhaps is the only thing I never heard since I have it at 20% volume; it kept repeating the same song over and over again.”
- “Soundtracks seem a bit off, wrong timing for events, not too big of an issue.”
- “There are a few minor bugs to do with the in-game music, but I think for a 20-year-old game, we can forgive it this minor evil.”
graphics
159 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
60%
13%
The graphics of the game are widely regarded as dated, reflecting its 1997 release, yet many players find them charming and still visually appealing for their time. While some reviews note that the graphics can be difficult to distinguish and may not hold up against modern standards, others appreciate the nostalgic value and the game's ability to run smoothly on contemporary systems. Overall, despite the outdated visuals, the gameplay remains engaging, and many players express a desire for a remaster with updated graphics.
- “The game's graphics, while dated by today's standards, were groundbreaking at the time, with detailed unit designs and sprawling landscapes that brought the game's futuristic setting to life.”
- “Graphics-wise, at the time of writing this review, the game is 23 years old so they aren't going to be top-tier, but they have aged very well, in my opinion, and still actually look pretty good.”
- “The graphics still look amazing, even after all this time.”
- “Graphics are awful, can't tell your vehicles apart.”
- “Graphics/maps are all over the place.”
- “The graphics are obviously lacking and the game isn't as revolutionary as it was then, but this game has great meaning for me and changed the way I viewed gaming.”
gameplay
118 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
61%
3%
The gameplay of this classic RTS is praised for its simplicity, strategic depth, and intuitive mechanics, making it accessible yet engaging for both casual and veteran players. With infinite resources, smooth unit movement, and a focus on macro management, it offers a unique experience that stands the test of time, even when compared to modern titles. Despite its dated graphics, the game remains highly enjoyable, featuring a wealth of content and replayability that keeps players coming back for more.
- “The gameplay and levels were so well designed that the game is still very enjoyable 25 years later!”
- “Controlling armies of tanks, mechs, and aircraft felt incredibly satisfying, and the strategic depth of the gameplay kept me coming back for more.”
- “Even after playing modern RTS games, the graphics and gameplay of Total Annihilation still hold up.”
- “The mechanics are so primitive that it's more a matter of rock-paper-scissors than anything tactical.”
- “For new players, it can be a sort of struggle to get into the game since there is no tutorial; I advise just playing the campaign on easy first, you will have enough time to understand the mechanics and units.”
- “Initially, I thought this was a great game until I discovered one particular broken mechanic.”
story
87 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
74%
3%
The story in the game is generally well-received, with many players appreciating its minimalist approach and compelling narrative that supports the gameplay. While some missions can be frustrating and the overall presentation may feel outdated, the game offers a rich variety of campaigns and missions that keep players engaged. The soundtrack and atmosphere enhance the experience, making it a nostalgic and enjoyable journey for fans of the RTS genre.
- “The storytelling and narration, along with the all-out bitter warfare of the Core and the Arm, is highly compelling.”
- “The campaign story is compelling, and the graphics aren't too shoddy either.”
- “It's simply one of the best RTS games I've ever played, with a great plot and an epic soundtrack from Jeremy Soule.”
- “The story concept is neat, but aside from the premise, it doesn't do much with it.”
- “The only shortcoming I found was in the 'story' and how it was presented in the game... it essentially boils down to completely annihilating the opposing side at any cost.”
- “Just keep in mind, as a newcomer, you probably won't enjoy the game too much because the missions will get frustrating and the game's age is showing, so don't expect too much.”
replayability
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
33%
25%
The game boasts exceptional replayability, driven by a wealth of community-generated content and official expansions that enhance the experience. Players highlight its unique mechanics and challenging gameplay, making it a timeless classic that continues to offer hours of enjoyment, both in single-player and multiplayer modes. Despite its age, the nostalgia and endless replay value keep it relevant and engaging for new and returning players alike.
- “This game was revolutionary in 1997 and although its age is apparent now, its replay value, massive amount of community content, and nostalgia mean that it's still a blast to play today.”
- “It has infinite replayability and can always be challenging.”
- “This game was revolutionary in 1997 and although its age is apparent now, its replay value, massive amount of community content, and (for some) nostalgia mean that it's still a blast to play today.”
- “Total Annihilation was full of replay value due to the number of units and maps the community was creating at the time and the two official expansions that were released in the spring of '98.”
- “Still a lot of replayability in this old game.”
stability
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while many players report it runs smoothly on modern systems, some experience bugs and glitches, particularly with larger resolutions and specific operating systems. Users have noted issues like music continuing after battles and occasional freezes, but many have successfully resolved these through tweaks or third-party applications. Despite its age, it generally performs well on various setups, including Windows 7 and 10.
- “Plays flawlessly with no glitches.”
- “I am shocked it runs great on Windows 10 with zero issues.”
- “Still runs great on modern systems, even though it was released almost 20 years ago.”
- “If you're thinking of trying this game out, note that this is a real old game that will be buggy/glitchy on modern systems.”
- “Wtf just freezes and won't let me do anything.”
- “Some glitches for larger screens but still playable.”
atmosphere
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
33%
33%
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its unmatched depth and variety, combining elements of dark themes with imaginative sci-fi aesthetics. Players highlight the impactful commander mechanics, evocative storytelling, and a standout soundtrack that enhance the overall experience, making it a benchmark in the RTS genre. Its unique blend of epic scale and emotional resonance continues to resonate with fans, solidifying its status as a masterwork.
- “None of the many imitations that followed ever managed to reach the level of atmosphere or variety that this game offers.”
- “The commander mechanics and narrated storyline are one of the main things that make this game stand out as such a gem to me, not to mention the atmosphere.”
- “However, aside from brilliant base design, this conveyed one of the darkest atmospheres I've ever experienced.”
- “My opinion has not changed in the nearly two decades that have passed since Total Annihilation's launch date; this is still a forward-thinking masterwork of the RTS genre, its eerily desolate atmosphere and lush, Jeremy Soule-composed score just as evocative as it was back then.”
- “The pure atmosphere and 'feel' of the game is still unrivaled.”
optimization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
17%
50%
Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed reviews. While it runs well on modern systems and can handle large battles without significant issues, some players note that it struggles with widescreen support and may not perform optimally at higher resolutions. Additionally, it can run on low-end hardware, but performance may degrade in more demanding scenarios.
- “For me, it was especially more enjoyable this year as I have a computer that can render pretty much as many units on the screen as you want, so I got to experience some of those massive battles that you always see in screenshots but could never quite get to run smoothly on those early 3D graphics cards.”
- “In addition to these units, the game considers physics, including wind speed and gravity, as relevant factors affecting unit performance, which was not attempted in RTS games prior to this title.”
- “A classic, but has not aged well. This version has widescreen support, but it is not optimized for widescreen; it plays best in the original resolution.”
- “As far as optimization goes, settings and resolutions have been adjusted for modern systems, and the game ran without the use of modernization tweaks or mods.”
- “Most modern-day PCs won't have a problem until, like Skyrim, you hit a point where your computer begins to chug along.”
humor
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of dark comedy and situational irony, often challenging players' creativity and decision-making. Users appreciate the game's ability to evoke laughter through unexpected gameplay moments, such as misinterpreting commands, while also noting that its humor has aged well alongside the graphics. Overall, it stands out as a memorable and entertaining experience in the strategy genre.
- “Actually requires you to think, challenges your creativity for completion and has some dark humor.”
- “(which is sending units to move and attack on sight) funny story, I clicked attack on a position thinking it was attack move, couldn't figure out why my units were attacking units I couldn't even see... it was the ground lol.”
- “It's funny of all the strategy games out there this one still takes the cake for me.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The monetization model of the game is praised for its absence of microtransactions, allowing players to enjoy a pure RTS experience without gimmicks. Additionally, the strong mod support enhances the game's longevity and player engagement.
- “This game is everything an RTS should be, no gimmicks, no microtransactions, fantastic mod support even to this day.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, reminiscing about the joy it brought them years ago and highlighting its wholesome nature. The combination of nostalgia and innovative gameplay evokes strong feelings, making it a memorable experience.
- “I shed a tear while playing this; it brought back the same joy I felt 16 years ago when I first played it. :')”
- “Perhaps one of the most wholesome RTS games of all time, and certainly one of the most technologically innovative of its time.”
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, especially when playing with friends via TCP/IP. However, the unique mechanics and effective resource farming contribute to a high replay value, making the overall experience worthwhile.
- “You can also play with your friends via TCP/IP, but it's very tedious.”