The year is 270 AD. A string of inept emperors and usurpers vying for power has led the Roman Empire into near-total economic collapse. This is its gravest crisis yet.
Eager to capitalise on Rome’s instability, barbarian tribes gather like a storm on the borders, to plunder the riches of civilisation. To the east, the Sassanids set out on a grand conquest that culminates with an assault against Roman lands. They are held back only by a staunch defence led by Palmyra.
Queen Zenobia holds fast – but for how long?.
Total War Rome II Empire Divided Empire is a good DLC who brings some fresh elements to an old-looking game. It's focusing on one of the most interesting periods of the Roman Empire (the reign of Aurelian). We can regret the lack of new content in politics after the free update. Total War fans are still unlikely to be disappointed. But to many other players, this DLC will feel dispensable.
Empire Divided is a fun change of pace from the standard Rome II fare. It has decent replay value and a ton of flavor for history buffs or just people interested in history that encourages the player to do some research to understand this interesting historical period.
Total War: ROME II – Empire Divided is a mixed bag. There are some new, intriguing mechanics, some ideas borrowed from previous installments, but at the same time the gameplay still suffers from the same problems of the original ROME II, and there are some notable absences such as the Hordes. At the end of the day, it's a missed opportunity.
There are noteworthy notes and a historical refinement which are very detailed and pleasing, but beyond that there is nothing that prompts us to advise without reservation the content in question.
If you’re really desperate for historical Total War content, then Empire Divided is fairly typical, but it’s certainly nothing new. And if you want a Total War game that better reflects crisis in terms of game design and narrative, then I’d say, just buy Total War: Attila.
This expansion is an opportunity to delve into a somewhat refreshed Total War: Rome 2 that I’m sure some will relish. But no matter how many overhauls take place, it’s a game that can’t entirely rid itself of that 2013 launch baggage.
The Empire Divided campaign partially succeeds in being a fun new addition to the Total War universe, but it quickly becomes clear that the old shortcomings of the Rome 2 engine and a lack of great new mechanics, music and voice-overs make for an experience that feels older than it should.
November 29, 2017
Total War: Rome II warms up with the launch trailer for its new expansion, Empire Divided. Watch video
