Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES
- July 25, 2024
- CREATIVE ASSEMBLY
- 31h median play time
"Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES" expands the campaign map from Ancient Egypt to Mesopotamia and the Aegean, adding new factions, settlements, and victory objectives. The new Dynasty system lets you start a family tree, navigating strategic marriages, deaths, and assassinations while dealing with mortality. Sea travel lanes have been added for faster fleet movement, enabling raids and invasions to reach further and faster.
Reviews
- The Dynasties update has transformed Pharaoh into a comprehensive Bronze Age Total War experience, adding a vast map and numerous factions.
- The new mechanics, such as the resource management system and the dynasty feature, add depth and replayability to the game.
- The battles are engaging and visually stunning, with the new lethality system making combat feel more impactful.
- The AI can be overly aggressive, leading to multiple factions declaring war on the player unexpectedly.
- There are still bugs and performance issues, particularly with pathfinding and unit behavior during battles.
- The court system and some mechanics can feel tedious and may detract from the overall gameplay experience.
- gameplay248 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the latest Total War installment has been praised for its depth and complexity, introducing numerous innovative mechanics such as resource management, court intrigue, and a new lethality system that enhances battle tactics. While many players appreciate the return to historical settings and the variety of factions, some criticize the overwhelming number of mechanics that can feel tedious or unnecessary, alongside persistent issues like pathfinding and AI behavior. Overall, the game offers a rich and immersive experience, though it may require patience to fully grasp its intricacies.
“I love the new resource mechanics and all the new mechanics in general.”
“So many thoughtful, well-executed game mechanics... I love the emphasis on building and meaningful diplomacy while not at all taking away from the dynamic and exciting battles we've come to expect from a Total War game.”
“The new mechanics, particularly around diplomacy and internal politics, add layers of depth that keep each campaign fresh and engaging.”
“There's a few neat mechanics this game introduces like the court intrigue system or being able to barter resources, but those just end up feeling like one more thing to min-max without actually providing fun gameplay.”
“The gameplay is plagued by the usual poor pathfinding, unable to place units correctly, etc. Settlement mechanics are lackluster.”
“The vast majority of the mechanics in the game are ridiculous and unnecessary.”
- graphics72 mentions
- 51 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics of the game have received high praise for their beauty and detail, with many reviewers noting the impressive visuals in both campaign and battle maps. While some players expressed a desire for clearer UI and better optimization, the general consensus is that the graphics are a standout feature, enhancing the immersive experience of the game. The art style and historical authenticity also garnered positive remarks, making it one of the most visually appealing entries in the Total War series.
“The graphics are incredible and run as well as Rome 2 does for me - great software design, I guess, or just the advancement of game development.”
“Campaign and battle maps are well designed both strategically and aesthetically.”
“Pharaoh-dynasties is very polished, the battles are a huge improvement compared to Troy, and the game visuals are gorgeous!”
“Game is excellent but ruined by uber nerds... the graphics suck also.”
“I also still hate the visuals/color scheme that they have since Rome 2 and in the Warhammer games; Three Kingdoms didn't have it, and I think that's why out of the last decade, Three Kingdoms TW is the only one I like.”
“Somehow with this game's graphics engine, even seeing units on the battlefield gives you eyestrain; they just sort of fade into the terrain at a distance.”
- music27 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its immersive quality and thematic depth, enhancing the overall experience with region-specific tracks and a captivating soundtrack. Many reviewers noted the significant improvement in sound design compared to previous titles, highlighting the music's ability to complement the stunning visuals and gameplay. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing to the game's historical atmosphere and player engagement.
“The soundtrack and visuals deserve a special mention too—both are top-notch and really help immerse you in the world of ancient Egypt.”
“The pure massive map along with the music specific to different regions as well as the individual battle maps for each region makes me want to explore every part of this world!”
“One of the most mechanically interesting Total War games to date, one of the more historically flavorful, and that's all garnished with some of the finest sounds, music, and visuals of any Total War ever.”
“I own all the Total War series (including DLCs) since Rome, and I noticed the soundtrack in these games is getting worse with every game (perhaps Jeff van Dyck raised the bar too high).”
“The music is okay, not the best.”
“Definitely some new music was added.”
- optimization24 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed reviews; while many players praise its performance and graphics, noting it runs smoothly on high-end setups, others report issues such as memory leaks and crashes after extended play. Some users feel it still requires further polish and bug fixes to reach the standards of previous Total War titles. Despite these concerns, the general consensus is that the game performs better than its predecessor, Troy, but not as well as Warhammer III.
“Graphics and optimizations are awesome.”
“Game is very well optimized (running 4k w/ max graphics on a 3070, smooth), has an abundance of comprehensible features even if they take some getting used to, and the time period in general is very interesting, made better by the fact that they've actually added in more distinct cultures.”
“From the campaign layer, to the battle layer, to the fantastic performance (for a total war game), everything has exceeded my expectations.”
“There is some sort of memory leak or performance issue that is causing excessive lag after a few hours of play.”
“So after playing this game for a few hours, I'm appalled that it hasn't been optimized for PC (it's the only platform).”
“My rating: 6/10 - better than before, but the game needs more polish, optimization, and some player quality of life improvements to really reach the heights of older Total War titles.”
- replayability23 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability due to its diverse factions, cultures, and innovative mechanics, offering players a fresh experience with each playthrough. Many reviewers highlight the inclusion of dynasties and community-driven content, such as mods, which further enhance replay value. While some players feel it may not match the endless replayability of previous titles like Warhammer, the overall consensus is that the game provides a rich and engaging experience with significant replay potential.
“Best Total War since Rome 2, truly a genuine improvement from previous titles. Most of the campaigns feel fresh with a lot of replayability, and it runs very smoothly compared to other Total War titles, providing the immersion I always wanted in the older games.”
“It actually has more new features and innovations than the series has had in a long time, and with the huge map, many culture groups, and plenty of playable factions and sub-cultures, it has a lot of replayability.”
“I am on my second dynasty playthrough and though I am having fun, this does not have the same endless replayability for me as other Total War titles, especially Warhammer.”
“The community-driven content, including mods and custom scenarios, further extends the game's replayability, ensuring that no two campaigns are ever the same.”
“Seems to have a strong foundation for replayability and if we're lucky enough to have the wonderful modders from the other games in the series work their magic a bit here, there is so much potential.”
- story11 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is characterized by a classic redemption narrative, allowing players to engage in court intrigue and personal ambition through a sandbox environment. While it offers opportunities for emergent storytelling reminiscent of earlier Total War titles, some players feel that the overarching plot is overshadowed by gameplay mechanics and details, leading to a lack of cohesive narrative. Overall, it is seen as a commendable comeback for the franchise, despite its narrative shortcomings.
“What CA has done with Pharaoh is a classic redemption story, and one with a magnificent bronze ending.”
“If this was the original Total War: Pharaoh, then it would have been so much better; great comeback story.”
“Now a little plot twist: every single problem in this game has been in virtually all the preceding Total War games.”
“Instead of getting story objectives, you can just toy around with your tools in an open sandbox of opportunities and make your own story.”
“This is the kind of emergent storytelling that used to exist in Rome/Medieval Total War.”
- grinding10 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious and monotonous, with many mechanics feeling like busy work rather than enjoyable gameplay. The campaign and management systems require excessive micromanagement, leading to a sense of boredom rather than engagement. While some appreciate the multilayered economy, the overwhelming number of menus and repetitive tasks detract from the overall fun.
“The campaign, although somewhat nice at first, becomes tedious and boring extremely quickly.”
“The campaign map is extremely tedious, and you have to excessively micromanage to get the results you want.”
“There are too many menus and too much tedious inconsequential management.”
- stability8 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 88 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent freezes and bugs, particularly during specific scenarios like the Egyptian dynasty. While some users note improvements in updates, persistent glitches and performance issues, especially after extended play, detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game is seen as needing significant fixes to enhance its playability and stability.
“Another good aspect of the game is that it seems quite bug-free and stable.”
“I can't believe how many times this game freezes, especially on dynasty when I play Egypt. Fix this, please!”
“Game is still bug-ridden and flawed at its core.”
“The game starts being laggy and buggy after turn 70-80, like the original Pharaoh, and I need to reopen the game every 15 turns to continue my campaign.”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its depth and immersive qualities, blending historical elements with rich mythology and spirituality that resonate throughout the gameplay. Players appreciate the beautiful art style and the gritty, apocalyptic ambiance that evolves as the game progresses, evoking a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of earlier titles in the series. Overall, the atmosphere enhances strategic thinking and engagement, making the experience both enjoyable and captivating.
“It has an amazing atmosphere, and for the first time since Attila, I find myself thinking about strategies and my next moves in the campaign even when I'm away from the keyboard.”
“Beautiful map, and gameplay with great atmosphere and a ton of flavor.”
“The art style is refreshing, and the apocalyptic atmosphere was nailed, slowly growing more gritty as the end times draw near.”
“It brings back the atmosphere and excitement of the older games.”
- humor5 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- -40 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as a mix of cringe-worthy moments and amusing scenarios, such as the use of funny unit portraits and the absurdity of fighting with straw boats. While some aspects elicit laughter, particularly the chaotic army rushes, the overall humor is overshadowed by performance issues, which players find less amusing.
“Not a big deal, but it's kind of funny when used for the unit portrait in the encyclopedia.”
“The intro to the game is super cringe but also funny.”
“Fighting with straw boats is amusing because it sounds funny.”
“Good news: the game has better performance than Troy: Total War. The bad news is that it has much worse performance than Warhammer III... this is not funny, really.”
“The attempts at humor in the game fall flat and often feel forced, making the experience more cringeworthy than entertaining.”
“I expected some witty dialogue, but instead, I was met with tired clichés and jokes that missed the mark completely.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users express frustration with the game's mechanics, particularly the camera movements and unit interactions, which detract from the overall experience and evoke feelings of disappointment and nausea. The emotional impact is heightened by the sense of wasted time and heartbreak over poorly executed gameplay elements.
“If that is really the case, it is heartbreaking.”
- monetization3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is criticized as a cash grab, with users feeling that it offers little meaningful change from its predecessor, Pharaoh. Many express disappointment in the lack of innovation and quality, suggesting that the game prioritizes profit over player experience.
“This is probably my least favorite title release that I own, which feels more like a cash grab by the developers. The animations are terrible, such as the archers on walls.”
“Nothing meaningful changed from Pharaoh. If you liked Pharaoh, you will like this; if you didn't like Pharaoh, you won't like it. It's the same game, just a cash grab for anyone.”
“Please make more of them at this scale and stop with the cash grab sagas!”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game features impressive character designs and visually stunning cut scenes, enhancing the overall experience. While the character development of generals and ancillary characters is appreciated, it leans towards being somewhat exaggerated.
“The game is absolutely beautiful to look at, with great character designs, post-battle duel animations (I'd highly recommend the Blood & Sand DLC), and some really well-done cutscenes placed throughout the game.”
“I appreciate the character development of the generals and some ancillary characters, which adds depth to the overall experience.”
“I don't mind some character development for the generals and some ancillaries, but it feels over the top.”
“The character development is lacking depth and fails to engage me with the story.”
“I expected more from the character arcs; they feel flat and uninspired.”