SCI FI PI

Now scheduled for release for March 2009, the world's most eagerly anticipated Real Time Strategy game is almost upon us.

Whilst the shift from a February release date may be unbearable for Total War fans eager to finally mess up the world in Napoleonic times, it's not all bad news.

"The extra development time will allow us to finalise and polish Empire, making it the most accomplished and epic of the Total War series." said Kieran Brigden, Studio Communications Manager at The Creative Assembly. "There is a great deal of anticipation around Empire Total War and we want to ensure that it is the benchmark for strategy games upon its release."





"Significantly the additional time will also allow us to implement the underlying technology for a much desired feature (thanks to your feedback!); a multiplayer campaign mode. An opportunity to participate in the 1 versus 1 multiplayer campaign mode beta will be made available to all Empire Total War buyers post release."

If you were blown away by Rome Total War or Medievals I and II (or even, for those who were there at the beginning, Shogun) you will not believe your eyes at the level of detail and historic accuracy used in the very latest version of this large scale battle game.





The fifth installment in the series has you duking it out in the 1700s and the 1800s - on land, and on sea, implementing large scale tactics and real time strategies. You can play one of fifty factions, worldwide, including Great Britain, France, Poland-Lithuania, Prussia, The Ottoman Empire and more excellent than all the rest put together, Sweden.






Looks like there may be a few 'days in lieu' taken off this March. Here are the operating specs you'll need to run this baby:

* Operating System: Windows XP 32(service pack 2), Windows Vista 32 OS.
* Processor: 2.4 GHz Single Core Intel or AMD equivalent processor.
* System Memory: 1GB RAM (XP) 2GB RAM (Vista).
* Graphics Card: 256MB DirectX 9.0c compatible video card (shader 2.0 or higher).
* Sound Card: Directx9.0c compatible sound card.
* Windows compatible mouse & keyboard.
* 15 GB free uncompressed hard drive space.





Here's what the good people at Creative Assembly have to say about it:


Empire: Total War introduces a host of revolutionary new features, including true 3D naval combat. For the first time in the Total War series, you can command single ships or vast fleets upon seascapes rich with extraordinary water and weather effects that play a huge role in your eventual glorious success or ignominious defeat. After pummelling your enemy with cannon fire, close in to grapple their ship and prepare to board, taking control of your men as they fight hand-to-hand on the decks of these wooden behemoths.

In addition, Empire: Total War will see further enhancements to the Total War series’ signature 3D battles and turn-based campaign map. Real-time battles will pose new challenges with the addition of cannon and musket, challenging players to master new formations and tactics as a result of the increasing role of gunpowder within warfare. And the Campaign Map -- for many, the heart of Total War -- introduces a variety of new and upgraded elements, including new systems for Trade, Diplomacy and Espionage with agents; a refined and streamlined UI; improved Advisors; and a vastly extended scope, taking in the riches of India, the turbulence of Europe and, for the first time, the untapped potential of the United States of America.





Bring it on!