Star Wars: Empire at War Review

[@olegchernyak1741]

The devs just updated the game to support 64 bit systems. What an amazing attitude to the game and to the community.

[@MatthewChenault]

It’s interesting note that “Tyber Zann” sounds awfully similar to “Timothy Zahn,” the novelist well-known for the Thrawn Trilogy (a character who’s added in the expansion pack).

[@SR-mn3wm]

More like Trilogy, Dilogy, Dilogy, Trilogy, Trilogy) Classic, Dilogy of Hand, Disney trilogy, Dominance, Outbound flight

[@aterranrepublicgrunt9169]

This is an absolute classic of a game. I have just as many memories of watching my dad play this and trying it myself as the OG Battlefronts and I hold it in just as high regard.

[@Cameron-D]

I remember playing this on the first computer my family ever owned, I played a lot of this game, as well as Medieval 2 and Rome Total War and Company of Heroes, on the lowest settings of course as it could barely run any of them. Golden age of rts

[@trompell0]

Yes to all three. Man we were spoilt

[@MatthewChenault]

I can safely say that Awakening of the Rebellion is definitely a fantastic mod, which heavily overhauled ground combat to make it more intriguing.

[@201_Gaming]

I think the mod makes EAW the best space strategy game to this day, can’t wait for the new update in a week or so.

[@angry_eck]

but space combat is so dumb

[@GlimmyGOD]

​@@angry_eckWow, usually people like the space combat better lol

[@dutchdragongaming8676]

The devs of the AOTR mod are now also making a Clone Wars-era mod called Awakening of the Clone Wars.

[@maxo.9928]

Same with Empire At War Remake 4.0 IMO Having whole battalions of mixed units being deployed has been some of the most refreshing gameplay for me personally. It does a much better job of depicting the scale of battles in the SW universe.

[@IIIIIIllIlllllIlI]

I honestly hope your account blows up even more, the depth and honesty about the games you review keeps me entertained constantly, i’ll rewatch your videos atleast once a week.

[@JQuattro]

When you said it was made by guys from Westwood I instantly purchased this game. Those guys deserve so much for recognition for C&C. One of the greatest game series ever.

[@ZKP314]

“The Consortium think the other factions are losers.” Gameplay wise, that is 100% true, with only the Empire getting a bigger power spike…because Vader gets an Executor.

[@zevulum]

another thing people might think is interesting - the original devs still support this game in a limited capacity. they released an update last week improving memory functions and changing up some other stuff, so it still runs smooth in 2023.

[@robozombie9026]

I love setting up 3v3 hard AIs on any of the mods and watch on the spectator cam if I just just want to relax and watch a bad ass space battle

[@terranceroff8113]

"Go pro tied to a squirrel" love that phrase. The update that was released just a week or so ago (Yes an official update!) upgrades the game to 64 bit which solves a great many issues and hangs with the original game running on win 7,8, 10, and 11 systems..

[@MalevolentCherry]

The interdictor has gotta be my favorite ship in galactic conquest, the empire is not very fast and rebels tend to like running but the interdictor can ensure their absolute destruction(aka no transports getting away and later send a large force to a planet)

[@troo_6656]

My first rts game. I absolutely adore it. Spent like 30 hours in the base game and at least 150 hours on the mods (probably more though because my steam account had a bug where it wouldn't track the hours played offline so it might be actually around 300 hours). I am still hoping petroglyph one day would be allowed to make a sequel because as far as I know they would very much like to do so at some point.

[@yume5338]

Last year Petroglyph responded in an email asking about Empire at War saying that they've been "outright pestering" multiple publishers to get the green light to remake EaW or a sequel as they have "regular discussions" about Star Wars. With the recent updates to the game I'd say they still feel the same way now.

[@gargillaape5292]

lmao i had the disk version when i was 8 years old, my steam account is now nearing 350 hours played thanks to the many mods

[@Man2quilla]

The voice of the tutorial narrator is etched into my mind. "To [do a thing] select the [do thing] key" is a pattern I emulate often

[@wadewilson7527]

Man, I love your videos! Always in depth and not too long. Great job!

[@kisham]

I love this game. Been playing it since it went out, never got tired of it. You could conquer the entire galaxy using only Obi wan and a few infiltrators by sending them on raids, then sending your fleet to destroy the enemy ships, because they had no space station no more since you won the land battle, giving you control over the plantet. What a great game, I love it.

[@charleshax]

The game does also get occasional updates on Steam, and recently got one upgrading it to 64 bit

[@Hunt270]

Great video! This game confused me so much as a kid who just wanted more Battlefront. Definitely going to load this up this week.

[@starflame34]

One thing that doesn't get talked about enough is the music done by Frank Klepacki, who created a bunch of original themes for the game that fit right at home with the rest of the Star Wars themes.

[@ReverendShmun]

An excellent review. I've been playing the game since shortly after launch, and I can't tell you how delightful it is to see it continuing to receive attention. God bless.

[@mcspazatron240]

I played this back when it came out and the other day I was feeling nostalgic and wanted to play, I was so surprised it's remained popular this whole time

[@Perceval777]

12:14 "... and how ugly the local inhabitants are." LOL Absolutely awesome game, I've been playing it since it came out!

[@chld9078]

Your reviews are really nice, I hope to see more of them! Keep up the good work. 🙂

[@iMakz07]

Great review. I haven't seen this game before but it looks cool.

[@bigcrazewolf]

I have a faded PC CD-ROM Game box on my shelf of this game.

[@somthingbrutal]

the four big mods for this game are amazing. and never ever ever auto resolve battles, you will regret it ;)

[@Mosesree]

Great review :) One point I'd like to make: you mention that it's a poor strategy to use only capital ships, and also mention consortium ships are generally stronger. Id recommend keeping your imperial capital ships back and using their endless squadrons of ties and bombers (ties to lock down enemy fighters while bombers target enemy capital hardpoints (prioritize hangars, then shields). If you can manage the engines too it becomes a waiting game, where your endless squadrons eventually deplete the relatively precious waves of x- and y- wings, and finally reduce every piece of rebel hardware to mulch. Same rules apply to consortium. The alternative for rebels is striking relentlessly with fighters all at once, and rushing down the enemy capital hangars to remove their strongest feature. Even on the hardest difficulties this strategy works, ditto for the RAW mod (havent tried it with the thrawn/AOTR mods)

[@TheSwiftFX]

I'm so glad the algorithm showed me your Daggerfall video. Your content is absolutely top quality and I've been binge watching all your vids.

[@daradacro23]

Lol I still remember being a dumb like 13-15 year old and somehow managing to find mods and instantly downloading a super star destroyer for piet. It amazes me how long this game has lived and I still prefer it over stellaris when I’m in the mood to kill time. I just wish kotor aged just as well cause that shit minimizes whenever the cutscenes start

[@Marinealver]

I want a Warhammer 40,000 version of this game. Empire => Imperium of Man Rebels => Eldar Consortium => Chaos

[@leviwalker7385]

Rebels=orks

[@leviwalker7385]

Or rebels=chaos Consortium=drukhari

[@leviwalker7385]

Consortium could also be tau... fuck it might as well double the map and cram in all the factions for some real empire at war

[@xdeser2949]

3:32: "improves"....yes it is original but Tyber Zann's story is completely batshit lol, which is partly why I love it. imagine going into a well established series and suddenly creating a mega powerful third faction that can stand toe to toe with everyone else and conquer the galaxy

[@mr.orange7112]

after 2.000+ hours of playtime iam still not bored

[@ArnoBMH]

Style 2500 players 20 years after , it s insane

[@darthscotty5698]

*My thoughts watching this despite having played for over a decade* Ah yes interesting very interesting…

[@darmowy1239]

In rebel campaing you have mission to capture x wings and that is ameanzing

[@captain_frost20]

its also worth mentioning the devs will randomly throw updates at the game as well.

[@smokinjoe4709]

This game just recently got a major update after 17 years...

[@nateswan9527]

I remember not liking the ground combat too much and that's what holds me back

[@UrielAngeli147]

Stargate: Empire at War is probably the only Stargate mod that's still being developed today. And those Ancient Drone Weapons are just... beautiful.

[@trompell0]

I loved this game and battle for middle earth and they both need sequels. I like the Company of Heroes style rts with tactics and asmetry and squad based fighting. Put star wars in that gritty style you have a banger. Except they don't care about making good games anymore so we won't get it

[@Cruzer11]

alright im sold

[@mrbigglezworth42]

I like the game, but if there's one thing after all this time I still don't like about FoC is that the pirate faction is almost obnoxiously more powerful then the Empire or Rebels. It's kind of crazy that while the Empire has to research tech and the Rebs have to steal it, the Consortium...just has to plop down a palace. It's no wonder that a lot of mods either swap them out or outright remove them.

[@danw9464]

A "like" for the Thief reference! 😆

[@csibesz07]

Can't wait for it to be released.

[@Lintrospection]

Love your videos bro. Please consider reviewing more immersive sims.

[@Lin3r]

u defently deserve more attention my guy

[@JDumbz]

I just got into this game a few days ago. My god, I am ashamed I slept on this game. It's by far one of my favorite RTS games now especially with the mods for it.

[@dandbfilms8022]

I still have the box from when I first got this game and played it on my moms laptop

[@dmann5938]

One thing to note. The game goes on discount often and the main time it gets discounted is on May the 4th

[@WesleySmith4004]

This game at its base has 1000’s of hours for potential replay. I found this game in my early youth by mistake and probably have many days worth of playing between the disk and Steam version.

[@ernestw2474]

Here is my critique of this game (Lot of things to say. And also, I will update comments): This game is so much and I enjoy it since I was a kid, and it is the first RTS game I have ever experience. Played on both original and Forces of Corruption, I like the latter more just because they have additional new units and heroes, like, Death Star II, Executor, dark troopers, Luke Skywalker, Yoda, B-Wings, and awesome TIE Phantoms and Defenders. Also, you can position the structures and units strategically in Galactic Conquest, like if there's hostile civilian's dwelling nearby, I would position T-2B or TIE Maulers or dark trooper phase II to mow them down, making the fight difficult for my opponent. Zann Consortium is awesome because they are stronger against both Rebels and Empire and you can have slave units like Wookies to overpower rebels troopers and stormtroopers, bribing unit is fun as well so you can get AT-AT on your side. Rebel Alliance don't have much impression but they have good space units like the MC30 frigate, that can destroy capital ships with many torpedoes and you have Garm Bel Iblis, counterpart to Colonel Veers, to mow down enemies on the ground with Gargantuan. Empire has a lot of good units for both ground and space. Out of three factions, my favorite faction is the Empire and I always play as them in Galactic Conquest and Skirmishes. Fun experience is I go on to the Mon Calamari and have three phase III dark troopers to camp inside the shield generator, while massacring enemy forces as well as Mon Calamari militia. Speaking of militia, I like the idea of locals helping their respective factions on the planet and this is how the Empire should treat its loyal citizens with caring not like in canon where they killed their own people especially those who loyal. If I have Death Star, I would never use it against the planet that is filled with loyal locals. I always play against AI and never play online with others which I'd like to try if I have a chance. While I had a great time on it, here are my criticism of this game; Zann Consortium is an overpowered faction when playing against them as Rebel or Empire. Their capital ships have a lot of armor and stronger shields, giving them enough time to damage your ships. The Canderous tank is ridiculous as it is capable to destroy everything, against armored vehicles aircraft, and infantry, has absurd hit box that can run over the infantry even they are at least two feet away from the tank on sides and front. Since it is counterpart to rebel's T-4B and Empire's AT-AT, it should have no shield and have very slow speed. MAL companies are the Zann's artillery unit, they can fire missiles that can go straight through shields and they can absurdly fire at close range, have shields while Rebel and Imperial counterparts can't, so it's kind of unfair. Additionally, its special ability, the carbonite missile which slows enemy unit, fires too fast, instead it should be cool down for every one minute. But from my experience, besides AT-AT and T-4B, plex troopers and dark trooper phase III are good counter because they have missiles that did more damage than T-4Bs which is long range but weak. Imperial juggernaut point defense is good against the Canderous' mass driver and MAL's missiles, missile jammer from mobile defense unit (exclusively to the Empire) can jam missiles, but they still take a little damage from them sometimes which is the problem; it should be none. For rebels, in skirmishes, I used rebel torpedo artillery to camp certain point and have Chewbacca hijack MAL, camp it with them inside MDU's shield generator (must be upgraded from Command Center), use it against the charging Canderous tanks, including with carbonite missile. The grenadiers are absurd as well, not only they spam grenade launchers at infantries, they did absurd amount of damage to hero units like Darth Vader. The same faction is also overpowered in Galactic Conquest, corrupting planets, bypassing space defense, and their one Consortium palace got absurd amount of money, equating to five mining facilities. It's clear that the developers wanted to balance that by making everything so expensive, but they failed to play test even further and they still got a lot of money rather than increasing the price. Instead of Consortium Palace to serve as war finance, they should have mining facilities as well while the palace itself serve as the counterpart for the academy. Defilers are nuisance in Galactic Conquest, through corruption and sabotage. If I were to play online Galactic Conquest, if I'm the Empire, I would ask rebel player to defeat Zann Consortium first before fighting each other. I wish the developers give us the options to remove Zann Consortium if they realized how overpowered this faction is, but I'm sure there's a mod for this. In my Empire strategy from probably tech level 2 or 3, on Equal Footing, the way to defeat the Zann Consortium is to attack them quickly. As soon as you start the conquest, you immediately attack them on any Zann's planet with low station while leaving Rebels alone, at the same time you are to save Rebels from Zann's forces. First, gather any ships that you started with along with Captain Piett who comes with free star destroyers and Boba Fett who flies Slave I, and most importantly, get two or three Broadside cruisers with you so they can damage more on the fighters and space station. Have Palpatine and Colonel Veer's AT-AT to participate with Imperial ground forces to take over. The big suggestion is to take over Nal Hutta where they produce a lot of money or any planet that boost their money, so you can boost yours. For the Empire, dark trooper phase I is very unique unit, strong against regular infantry and vornskrs (dogs) and I sometimes use them as bodyguards for Palpatine, Vader, and Mara Jade, but the problem is on hard difficulty which it probably increases the health, it takes two or three slashes to kill them and receives unreasonable damage from grenadiers and vornskrs. What should've done is to have phase I to instantly kill while taking less damage. Death Star II is overpowered that it can destroy frigates and capital ships, but it is fair to use in fighting against overpowered Zann Consortium fleet. If I were to go online, I would just limit my usage of the superweapon when against the Rebels. I'm disappointed that Nogrhi assassins are not included in the skirmishes because rebels have sniper which instantly kill stormtroopers. Why not both sides have snipers? Interdictor cruiser's laser accuracy is poor, it always miss and can't shoot straight. Tractor beams are sometimes useless because the enemy can still get away when they're supposed to be immobilized. For the Rebels, I find it strange to have rebel soldiers earn armor upgrade that increases their health while stormtroopers' health are weak despite them literally wearing armor, instead they get speed upgrade that they can move fast. The upgrades should be switched up so stormtroopers earn armor while rebels earn speed, but that still didn't make the game balance. I think that's because from my experience, I always play on hard difficulty and with rebel have their respective upgrade, earns a lot of health, they can defeat stormtroopers. What would've work better is both rebels and stormtroopers have the parallel of health and damage, making the battle between them equal. When playing as Empire, the corvettes and gunships are annoying thanks to their size, speed and their boost special ability because the Star Destroyers, Victory class, and Acclamator's laser accuracy is so bad that it can miss and making the battle slow and boring. Rebel's MC-30 frigate fires too many torpedoes that it can't cool for at least ten seconds, but, I speak for Empire, Interdictor's jamming field would render it useless and shield any target. In general, the AI isn't too well done, in Galactic Conquest. Even on hard difficulty, the game is too easy. It acts too defensive and passive whenever I tried to invade the planet. While they sometimes do offense, they didn't do much. It's also annoying to always put infantry into the bunker and camp, it never tells them to get out. As Empire, after the Consortium defeated in the Galactic Conquest, the Rebels are completely inactive and acts too defensive, they always build ion cannons, shield generators, and turbo laser tower, not doing strategic to build mining facility and garrison structures to produce their army. Rebels are annoying in this because they always build B-Wings, corvettes, gunships, and marauders, not building much on varieties like X-Wings, Y-Wing, frigates, and capital ships, making the battle so redundant. I'm also disappointed that the AI didn't build Darth Vader and his Executor when I let them build up their forces after Zann's defeat. Another criticism is we always rely on the vehicles on the ground battle, it would be nice to have infantry with different armaments like heavy gunners, engineers. If rebels have rocket launchers, why not Imperial have one too? While I understand maximum population is meant to make the computers run smoothly, I feel this makes the battle less dramatic.

[@ProbablyNotAChicken]

I remember playing this game's demo (remember demos?) on a crappy mid 2000's laptop when i was 7 or so. First computer game i played that wasn't a flash game.... at 5FPS! :)

[@sedsitametadinterreteliber2937]

I need a new Empire at War game that resolves the story at the end of the Tyber Zann campaign

[@wingshad0w00982]

Man, imagine a Star Wars based 4x game

[@xtexasxfightx]

The base game and its expansion are great. The mods and the remake mod make the game incredible.

[@mine-e-ack4474]

1:47 literally me

[@At0ThEb]

This gave me mayor flashbacks

[@JMrealgamer]

I played this game late. But when I did a few years ago (2019) I couldn’t believe it existed. The crap we get now could not compare to it.

[@kingscrump]

This was the pinnacle of star wars

[@royceaquino9608]

One of the best RTS games. Plus the Mods! Buy it, love it...

[@lemonynora]

This game is a 10/10

[@kaynawests262]

For those looking for a good mod that keeps a similar gameplay like Vanilla try out Empire at War Remake mod, jusy save a alot

[@basicyapper697]

And add the fact that the game quite frequently goes on sale for less than $10usa

[@ProbablyNotAChicken]

This game not having a sequel is a crime.

[@bman3794]

I had this game, forces of corruption and thrawns revenge on my old laptop I miss being able to play this game. I don’t know how to download the latest versions of this game since I’m not the most technologically adept person 😢😢😢😢😢

[@DrJerryGaming]

The best and simplest way to get Empire at War these days is to buy it on Steam. Here's a link: store.steampowered.com/app/32470/STAR_WARS_Empire_at_War__Gold_Pack/ It comes already packaged with Forces of Corruption, and you can find mods like Thrawn's Revenge in the Steam Workshop (there's a link to the workshop page right beneath the 'Play' button in your Steam library once the game is installed).

[@mr_h831]

I will never forgive most of these mods for not keeping the forces of corruption theme, it was an original piece of music made for the expansion pack and it plays at the start of the game, right on the menu screen. I've been playing this game since I was like 6 or 7 so about 15 years now, (That makes me simultaneously sound old and young, wtf xD) so for me its just a nostalgia factor. That, and i actually like the bit of music, even if its iust repetitive. If you ever need some tips with the UI let me know, i know some people may not be accustomed to the more 4x style features of the galactic conquest UI. For instance, you mention changing game speed in the menu, but there's literally a button for it in the middle left of the screen just below r2d2's head. Its the pause play button and the fast forward button. :D There's also a bunch of other various buttons in that general vicinity that display important things about planets and units on the galactic map. (TURN ON ALL THE THINGS! XD) Anyway, have a great day.

[@Deathstrider]

I can say with complete confidence that Empire At War is the best Star Wars game out there. Check out Thrawn's Revenge and Fall of the republic best mods in the game imo.

[@kiktik2413]

I play empire at war with no mods and I love it!!!!

[@peterpants2423]

Fun game but still love rebellion more

[@roguerifter9724]

I think this is the best Star Wars RTS on the tactical level but I prefer Rebellion on the strategic level.

[@justadog8248]

Im 10000 hours in. Its so awesome.

[@ihn-90]

Reviewing a 2006 rts game in 2024

[@portman8909]

Needs a sequel for modern PC's.

[@ihn-90]

@@portman8909 Straight facts

[@portman8909]

@@ihn-90 Huge battles, realistic graphics, sounds and no more slideshows. Tech tree in conquest mode to upgrade / customise your ships. Options for customising your defence blockades in space and on the planets.

[@scorpion7532]

My only probleme is the mods having little to no improvments to the multiplayer galactique conquest side of the game.( from what i know it is mostly due to bugs and stability but still) Limiting that endless fun possibilitys you can find with friends fighting for the galaxie.

[@dominikrad]

Choke points.... Yyyykkkkhhhmmmyyy :D

[@The_Raven_]

I miss Star wars force commander

[@zacknorton5886]

AOTR is definitely the best imo. It’s by far the most challenging mod, but it makes the gameplay even more rewarding. Great mix of gameplay and graphics overhaul. Plus the dev team is fantastic!

[@mackenziecarver6807]

Back when Star Wars used to be good

[@AnonymousAnonposter]

I remember years ago me and others just wanted this game because of the mods, be the Star Trek, Stargate or 40k ones. Nobody cared about the Star War aspect, we just wanted space battles.

[@Kafulu363]

Bro the mods for this makes me insta cream. I have over 1k hours, download the mods though

[@williamalvarez9563]

At the moment of this post the game is on special at steam $6.99 is there is a good time to get it is now.

[@micketm3]

Nahhh... get it on May the 4th :)) The on sale price is fairly good but still, could be lower :)

[@matthewferguson6697]

Lol choke points, nice

[@kingdomsandcastles3770]

KZbinr play tutorial me "hiccup i naver play the campaign" bro never in my live have i played tutorials only in game that forces me to in other to play lol. And i am about to get this game today and get fucke.d by easy ai lol wish me luck.

[@obscuramask7435]

Cool ships?! These graphics were outdated when it came out

[@alexanderwilkins1505]

Will I be able to run the mods well with this computer. An ASUS ROG Strix G13 15.6, 300 Hz?