The cannon may be the final argument of kings. But the Total War series is undoubtedly the king of the real time strategy genre - and Napoleon: Total War could very well be Creative Assembly’s crowning jewel.

More totally brilliant Total War as the strategy stalwart delivers arguably its strongest showing. [May 2010, p.76]

Napoleon is a game of land battles, continental conquests and European power struggles. This was an incredibly rich backdrop that inspired numerous writers and composers, one of whom is Beethoven and is featured in game’s phenomenal soundtrack. That I happen to sink a minimum of three or four hours every time I click on the icon is another reason why it’s an enjoyable game.

It’s the best game covering the Napoleonic Wars, but not necessarily the best game of the Total War series. But the multi-player mode finally makes an old dream come true. But it’s still a shame that Empire: Total War did not get any of the improvements.

The improvements implemented in Napoleon: Total War, both technically and in terms of gameplay, put the series once again in front of all competition.

Napoleon ultimately feels like the more successful younger brother to Empire. It fundamentally shares its DNA, for better and worse, but has learned from its mistakes, and has stayed trim and buff.

While the strategic level is an admirable attempt at something halfway between the elegance of Civilization and the historical specificity of Europa Universalis, it doesn't have the benefit of letting a human player take over. Here, once again, the game falls apart when it breaks out of the strict scripting of the story-based missions.