Creative Assembly has made a notable return to its historical roots with the release of Total War: Pharaoh, marking a significant shift from its recent titles that leaned heavily into mythological themes. Previous entries like Three Kingdoms and Troy introduced fantastical elements, featuring superhuman generals and mythical creatures, which often overshadowed the historical context that many fans cherished.
Expanding Horizons
Pharaoh, set against the backdrop of the tumultuous Bronze Age collapse, initially faced mixed reviews due to its limited scope. The game’s map was confined to Egypt, Canaan, and parts of Anatolia, which left some history enthusiasts wanting more. However, a substantial free update has dramatically transformed the experience, expanding the map to encompass all of classical Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and Greece. This expansion introduces a plethora of new factions, including Babylon, Assyria, Elam, Urartu, the Sea Peoples, and Troy, enriching the gameplay landscape.
Refined Gameplay Mechanics
The gameplay mechanics have also seen significant refinement. Players can now engage with distinct kingship and government systems tailored to the specific regions they are navigating. Enhanced diplomacy and trade resources have been integrated, adding layers of strategy that truly matter in the quest for dominance. As with its predecessors, Total War: Pharaoh offers a sandbox experience, empowering players to shape their kingdoms according to their strategic preferences. Whether one chooses to ravage the lands as the nomadic Sea Peoples or strive to uphold civilization as Babylon or the Hittites, the choices are vast and impactful.
With over 3,000 hours invested in various Total War titles, it is evident that Total War: Pharaoh stands out not only as one of the finest entries in the series in recent years but also as a remarkable contender in the broader strategy game genre.
Release Date: Oct. 11, 2023
Genre: Historical real-time strategy
Developer: Creative Assembly – Ajay Kumar
