Total War: PHARAOH – A Journey Through Ancient Egypt Gone Awry
Step into the grandeur of ancient Egypt with Total War's latest installment, but prepare for a mix of exhilarating battles and frustrating glitches that might leave you scratching your head.
last updated Jul 29, 2024
Total War: PHARAOH dazzles with its visuals and ingenious resource management systems but stumbles with performance issues and convoluted gameplay mechanics.
Gameplay: The Rise and Fall of Pharaoh
Total War: PHARAOH attempts to weave an intricate tapestry of strategy and historical warfare but ends up ensnaring players in an uneven blend of innovation and perplexity. The game introduces a fresh resource management system that demands more attention than its predecessors, compelling players to carefully barter and strategize for their empire's sustenance. However, the distinct charm of the Total War series often gets muddled amidst complicated menus and systems that beginners might find overwhelming. Though some tactical elements create moments of victory against seemingly insurmountable odds, issues like poorly responding units in battle can leave players questioning their decision-making. Overall, the mechanics deliver a fair amount of engagement but are marred by frustrating AI behavior and a learning curve that feels steep for newcomers.
Audio: The Soundtrack That Gets Lost
The auditory experience in Total War: PHARAOH offers players immersive battle sounds, with warriors shouting commands and the atmosphere of the battlefield echoing ancient echoes. Unfortunately, this auditory backdrop can take a hit when the music itself feels underwhelming or even monotonous at times. For those seeking a melodic accompaniment to their strategic conquests, the soundtrack occasionally falls short, leading some to turn down the volume entirely. The sound effects during battles are a highlight; they encapsulate the chaos and thrill of conflict effectively, but they don't fully compensate for the lack of a memorable musical score. It’s a shame that what could have been an epic auditory journey sometimes becomes just background noise rather than the rousing anthem of conquest.
Graphics: Beauty in Bumps
Visually, PHARAOH undoubtedly showcases stunning graphics that reflect the grandeur of ancient Egypt with colorful landscapes and intricate unit designs. From the vibrant campaign map to the detailed battle arenas, players are treated to a visual feast that invites exploration. However, beauty comes at a cost; despite the impressive art direction, performance issues like lag and frame drops can spoil the enjoyment. Reports of significant bugs have emerged, leading to unexpected crashes and slowdowns even on high-end systems, making one wonder if optimization took a backseat during development. When the game runs smoothly, players can truly appreciate the visual fidelity, but sadly, dedicated gamers need to navigate through a glitch-ridden landscape at times.
The Road Ahead: Potential and Pitfalls
While PHARAOH's transition to the Bronze Age setting introduces plenty of potential for storytelling and gameplay innovation, the execution leaves a basket of broken eggs. Players passionate about the historical aspects may appreciate the game's ambition but are often confronted with the limitations of AI and mechanics that feel half-baked. The upcoming updates promise to add more depth and polish—perhaps they will be enough to shore up the flaws seen at launch. There’s a clear commitment from Creative Assembly to listen to feedback and refine the experience, but the results are still a wait-and-see affair. After all, great strategy games aren't just played; they're protests in a war of resource management, with players desperately shouting for an optimized experience.
STEAM RATING
Developer
CREATIVE ASSEMBLY
Publisher
SEGA
Release Date
October 11, 2023
Total War: PHARAOH – A Beautiful Mess Awaiting Redemption
In THUMBS-UP-THUMBS-DOWN fashion, Total War: PHARAOH dazzles with its visuals and ingenious resource management systems, but it stumbles with performance issues and convoluted gameplay mechanics that often elude its target audience. Those who can navigate the chaos may find rewarding challenges, while others might be better off waiting for the first few patches to ensure a smoother battle experience.
