Total War: Pharaoh

68%
Game Brain Score Based on 4,141 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • optimization
Total War: Pharaoh Game Cover
Total War: PHARAOH is a smashing success as a grand strategy game and brings the hit franchise to a new historical era. Fascinating leaders and subplots with mechanics to match help make each play session fresh and enjoyable.
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"Total War: Pharaoh" is a historical strategy game set in ancient Egypt during the Bronze Age Collapse. Players can choose to lead Egypt as its Pharaoh, conquer as the Great King of the Hittites, or command the Sea Peoples' hordes. The game features dynamic real-time battles and turn-based empire management, with a focus on the dramatic events that threaten Egypt's destruction. Unearth a vibrant recreation of the Bronze Age Collapse and lead your faction to victory.

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  • Windows
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Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

68%
Audience ScoreBased on 4,141 reviews
gameplay447 positive mentions
stability64 negative mentions
  • The game features beautiful graphics and a well-designed campaign map that immerses players in the Bronze Age setting.
  • New mechanics such as the outpost system and court intrigue add depth and complexity to the gameplay, making it more engaging.
  • The battles are visually stunning and require strategic thinking, with unit variety based on regional recruitment enhancing the tactical experience.
  • The game feels like a re-skinned version of Total War: Troy, lacking significant innovation and depth compared to previous titles.
  • The AI behavior in battles and on the campaign map can be frustrating, often leading to illogical decisions and poor pathfinding.
  • The limited number of playable factions and unit types makes the gameplay repetitive and less exciting over time.
  • gameplay1,232 mentions

    The gameplay in "Total War: Pharaoh" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting the introduction of new mechanics such as the court system, ancient legacies, and resource management, which add depth and replayability. However, some players feel overwhelmed by the complexity and find the mechanics lack meaningful impact, leading to a perception of the game as a re-skinned version of "Troy." While the battles are generally praised for their tactical elements and visual appeal, the campaign mechanics can feel repetitive and less engaging, resulting in a divided reception overall.

    • “You have different buildings, units, mechanics, strengths and weaknesses, different types of paths, and a flexibility that ensures that each faction feels and plays differently.”
    • “The roots of the systems and mechanics in this game are seeded with good care!”
    • “The campaign mechanics and innovations are fantastic.”
    • “The gameplay in Total War: Pharaoh is nothing short of boring.”
    • “The mechanics feel uninspired, and the overall progression lacks depth.”
    • “The game fails to engage players in a meaningful way, with repetitive tasks and lackluster objectives that fail to capture the essence of strategic gameplay.”
  • graphics413 mentions

    The graphics in Total War: Pharaoh have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals, detailed environments, and immersive battle scenes, often described as the best in the series to date. Many players appreciate the game's aesthetic, which captures the historical context of the late Bronze Age, although some have noted that certain graphical elements can feel cartoonish or dated compared to previous titles. Overall, while the graphics are a highlight, opinions vary on whether they compensate for gameplay shortcomings and a perceived lack of depth.

    • “The graphics are amazing, this is truly a beautiful game and easily outpaces any other Total War game I have played to date, this is true for both the campaign map, the UI, the battle maps and the units and weather effects as well.”
    • “The advancements in graphics are extraordinary - I'm shocked at the detail every time I zoom into a battle.”
    • “With truly impressive graphics both in campaign and battle view, as well as many new, intriguing game mechanics in a very interesting and poorly known historical setting - this game is probably the most well-made title in the Total War series.”
    • “The sprite graphics are well below the standard for other CA games.”
    • “It's a great disappointment... 8 years after Attila, the visuals are hardly any better!”
    • “The game does indeed feel like Troy only in a different area of the map; however, my biggest complaint is that, also like Troy, it feels more like watching a low-budget cartoon instead of playing a historical Total War title.”
  • optimization138 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its smooth performance and stability, particularly on lower-end systems, while others report significant performance issues, including memory leaks and lag after extended play. Some players highlight it as one of the best-optimized titles in the Total War series, but others express frustration over the need to constantly adjust settings to maintain playable frame rates. Overall, the game's optimization appears to be a strong point for some, but a critical issue for others, particularly during longer sessions.

    • “Definitely the most beautiful and well-optimized Total War game to date.”
    • “I thought the art of optimization had died out in the early 2000s, but these guys proved me wrong; quick loading screens, no crashes, fast AI turns, no lag/stutter in battles.”
    • “The game runs smoothly and flawlessly, a testament to the craftsmanship of the developers.”
    • “I am struggling with performance issues so much that it's almost unplayable.”
    • “There is literally no reason for having to reduce settings from ultra, to high, to medium, and still have so many performance issues.”
    • “The game is unplayably poorly optimized.”
  • replayability104 mentions

    The replayability of the game is a mixed bag, with some players praising the extensive campaign customization options and unique faction mechanics that enhance replay value, while others criticize the limited diversity among factions and repetitive gameplay. Many reviewers note that while there are interesting mechanics and randomization features that can increase replayability, the overall scope and content feel lacking compared to previous titles in the series. Ultimately, the game's replayability is seen as promising but hampered by its current limitations.

    • “It's a bold new Total War with lots of new mechanics and a beautiful campaign that has lots of detail and replayability.”
    • “The customization screens for the start of each campaign are a major step forward for replayability.”
    • “For $60 you get an excellent video game with infinite replayability.”
    • “In terms of value, this is the Total War game with the least amount of replayability so far.”
    • “The replay value is incredibly low... 3 cultures, one of which uses the court system of the other two.”
    • “This game isn't even replayable; all the factions are basically the same thing, using the exact same tech tree.”
  • music102 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its immersive and atmospheric qualities, particularly the blend of electric guitar and Mediterranean influences that enhance the setting. While some players find the soundtrack beautiful and engaging, others describe it as forgettable or lacking the charm of previous titles in the series. Overall, the sound design and music contribute positively to the game's ambiance, though opinions vary on its memorability and impact.

    • “The music is beautiful and specific to the setting.”
    • “Reforging the Hittite Empire to electric guitar with a blend of Mediterranean music is lit.”
    • “It's a beautiful and crisp game, the art and UI are top notch, the audio design is fantastic, and the music is enthralling.”
    • “For example, the music is basically non-existent background noise, and there are quite a few features like diplomacy options that were in WH3, but are missing in Pharaoh.”
    • “The music in this game is off the rails.”
    • “It squanders its potential with meager gameplay, story, soundtrack, and performance, and fails to add anything of note to the Total War series, or leave an impression of its identity.”
  • story94 mentions

    The story aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its historical setting and immersive campaign mechanics, particularly the court system that enhances political intrigue. However, many critics feel that the narrative is poorly presented and disconnected from gameplay, lacking depth and replayability, which detracts from the overall experience. While the visuals and storytelling elements are noted as impressive, there is a consensus that the game falls short in delivering a compelling and cohesive story.

    • “The campaign is actually a pretty awesome story, and as long as you auto resolve every battle you will have no issue.”
    • “Its historical accuracy, immersive gameplay, and captivating storyline make it one of the best Total War games in recent years.”
    • “As a fan of ancient Egypt, the land of pharaohs and the story of their flashpoint at the end of the Bronze Age is super flavorful, and CA Sofia did a spot-on job representing the era and getting the flavor rounded out!”
    • “You are given a story, told to more or less follow it, and that story is inappropriately presented and feels disconnected from the game. This must improve in the future.”
    • “Boring gameplay, boring and shallow mechanics, terrible story.”
    • “It squanders its potential with meager gameplay, story, soundtrack, and performance, and fails to add anything of note to the Total War series, or leave an impression of its identity.”
  • stability75 mentions

    The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its overall performance and noting fewer bugs compared to previous titles in the franchise. However, many users report significant issues, including audio lag, freezes, and glitches, particularly with unit control and multiplayer functionality. While some believe it has potential with future updates, others advise against purchasing until these stability issues are addressed.

    • “Very well made game, very polished as they say, little to no glitches.”
    • “As a total war fan of almost 20 years, it feels like they finally got down the optimization and it runs great on my meh-tier PC.”
    • “If you want a historically focused, very well running and bug-free total war game, then this is for you.”
    • “I wanna like this game, but it just has audio lag, freezes on loading, and if you tab out, it's done.”
    • “As someone who plays Total War primarily multiplayer, we had to give up because of so many crashes, desyncs, and freezes.”
    • “Not recommended. Buggy, laggy, massive FPS drops on the campaign map. Not worth purchasing until it's fully patched, no matter what setting you try to edit in options, and if you use mods, it lags the hell out of the campaign map making it unbearable.”
  • grinding46 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being tedious and overly complicated, with many players feeling that the micro-management elements detract from the overall enjoyment. Battles often feel scrappy and repetitive, leading to a sense of frustration as players are forced to focus on resource management and constant development to fend off invasions. While some may appreciate the strategic depth, the overwhelming consensus is that the game leans too heavily into tedious mechanics, making it less engaging and enjoyable.

    • “The court system, the building management, and the royal decree systems are the worst offenders here - it feels like everything is complicated and tedious without being engaging, like the developers just added features until it took players a certain amount of time per turn.”
    • “This perpetual struggle made the game feel tedious and frustrating.”
    • “After an extremely brief stint of just 27 minutes, I made the decision to request a refund for this game, which I can only describe as a DLC for 'Total War: Troy.' The game is a tedious, uninspired addition to the Total War series, which seems to be on a downward spiral.”
  • atmosphere34 mentions

    The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its immersive and beautiful depiction of the ancient Middle East, particularly during the late Bronze Age. Players appreciate the combination of stunning graphics, dynamic visual effects, and evocative music that effectively convey the mood of the period. However, some note a contrast between the vibrant visuals and the darker themes of battle, suggesting a potential mismatch in tone. Overall, the game successfully creates a rich and engaging atmosphere that resonates with fans of the historical setting.

    • “Pharaoh feels really polished for a new Total War release, and oozes with the atmosphere of ancient Egypt, so it hits a lot of buttons for me.”
    • “Again, the game is absolutely beautiful...but there is something to be said about dark battlefields of mud-soaked soldiers not benefiting from an atmosphere of bright and vibrant colors everywhere.”
    • “Tl;dr: if you are actually interested in the late Bronze Age, particularly the approach to the Bronze Age collapse, Pharaoh is loaded with atmosphere, cultural and religious tidbits, and aesthetic representations of a period that is otherwise fairly neglected in gaming.”
    • “The atmosphere is well done, and the battle maps are well designed.”
  • monetization22 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many reviewers expressing frustration over the reliance on microtransactions and the perception of rushed, unfinished content. Players feel that the developers prioritize quick profits over delivering a quality gaming experience, leading to disappointment and a lack of trust in future releases. Overall, the sentiment is that the game fails to meet expectations and is seen as a missed opportunity for meaningful content.

    • “The monetization model is fair and doesn't feel exploitative, allowing players to enjoy the game without feeling pressured to spend money.”
    • “I appreciate that the game offers cosmetic items that don't affect gameplay, making it easy to support the developers without compromising the experience.”
    • “The in-game purchases are optional and reasonably priced, which makes it easy to enjoy the game without feeling like you have to spend a lot.”
    • “Just a cash grab, don't do it.”
    • “2023 should have been one of the better years for game releases, and instead it's been one ugly cash grab after another.”
    • “If you think just simply having skins makes a game bad, you need to remember that the core problem of microtransactions is that the company created a problem and is selling you the solution.”
  • character development10 mentions

    Character development in the game is praised for its depth and variety, allowing players to shape their faction leaders through numerous choices and mini-games, enhancing the overall experience. While the attention to detail in character design and environments is commendable, some reviewers feel that the characters lack distinct personality and purpose, suggesting a need for more skilled character designers. Overall, the game successfully combines elements of simplicity from earlier titles with new, engaging character development features.

    • “The campaign is fun with the little mini games such as the court, ambitions/objectives, and there's a sense of character development as you turn your faction leader into whatever you want with all the options and choices you are given.”
    • “Interesting character development with crowns and titles.”
    • “I think you guys have to hire some talented character designer and perhaps someone who actually knows how to create characters with personality and purpose.”
    • “The campaign is fun with the little mini games such as the court, ambitions/objectives and there's a sense of character development as you turn your faction leader into whatever you want with all the options and choices you are given along.”
    • “Has some of the crispness and simplicity of the earlier TW games but with new levels of character development and unit idiosyncrasies.”
  • emotional10 mentions

    The emotional responses to the game are mixed, with some players expressing heartbreak over the perceived decline of the series and frustration with developer practices, while others find a profound emotional narrative in the game's depiction of a world succumbing to chaos and despair. Overall, the emotional impact varies significantly among players, with some feeling deeply connected to the game's themes and others feeling disillusioned.

    • “It really is heart breaking.”
    • “Cannot recommend this game or this series anymore, which is heartbreaking to me.”
    • “For me, seeing this ancient world slowly (and literally!) disappear into darkness as countless invading hordes, famines, droughts, and unrest begin to destabilize the world was a wonderful and more emotionally narrative experience than I've had yet in a Total War title.”
  • humor8 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as subtle and situational, with players finding amusement in the learning process and impressive cinematics, which can be both funny and grim. However, veterans of the Total War series note that the game is not primarily focused on humor, as the enjoyment comes more from strategic elements than comedic content. Overall, the humor is present but not a central feature of the gameplay experience.

    • “The funny thing is that in my 9 hours, I had like 4 battles in total, because I'm enjoying every moment of learning about different benefits to buildings, factions, provinces, etc.”
    • “Laughing and singing”
    • “Impressive cinematics, sometimes funny, sometimes grim.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

72% average critic score

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Play time

22hMedian play time
52hAverage play time
5-55hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 52 analyzed playthroughs

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