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Total War™: EMPIRE vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Total War™: EMPIRE's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Total War™: EMPIRE
This App
Rise of Kingdoms
Nemesis
DomiNations
Contender
The Battle of Polytopia+
Peer
Core Identity
DeveloperFeral Interactive LtdLilith GamesSecretNewCo, Inc.Midjiwan AB
CategoryGamesGamesGamesGames
PlatformiOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOS
Store Metrics
Rating4.8 / 54.5 / 54.5 / 54.6 / 5
Ratings Count2,830184,87538,415559
PriceUSD19.99FreeFreeFree
Release DateNov 21, 2024Sep 20, 2018Apr 1, 2015Mar 7, 2024
Last UpdatedOct 20, 2025Apr 10, 2026May 4, 2026Apr 9, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentpositivepositivenegative-
Score75/10064/10035/100-
Praises
  • Deep strategic gameplay mechanics provide high replayability for mobile strategy enthusiasts
  • Successful transition of complex PC strategy titles to mobile touch interfaces
  • Social & Strategic Depth
  • Longevity and Content
  • Core strategy gameplay loop provides long-term entertainment value for dedicated players
-
Complaints
  • Performance degradation and device overheating during extended mobile play sessions
  • Inconsistent save file reliability leading to potential progress loss
  • Pay-to-Win Imbalance
  • Misleading Advertising
  • Post-update stability issues cause frequent game freezes and crashes during active sessions
-
Requests
  • Implementation of granular graphics settings to optimize performance on mobile
-
  • Base layout copy and paste feature to improve user experience during design
-
Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Touchscreen interface adaptation establishes category authority
  • 44-faction expansion drives high-intent conversion
  • Proprietary Infinite Zoom map technology
  • Real-time, non-instanced RTS combat mechanics
  • Deep historical IP and RPG commander talent trees
  • University and Council systems increase switching costs
  • 50-on-50 alliance warfare drives group-based retention
-
Weaknesses
  • Premium $19.99 price point exceeds category median
  • Thermal management issues limit session length
  • Save-file corruption risks progress
  • Aggressive P2W monetization causing F2P churn
  • Misalignment between marketing ads and actual gameplay
  • High-friction onboarding with a 'very long' tutorial
  • Post-update stability failures erode daily active habit
  • Aggressive monetization creates pay-to-win progression walls
-
Pricingpaidfreemiumfreemiumfreemium
MomentumSteadyActiveIntenseIntense
Update Cadence5 versions4 versions, 2 majors/6mo, ~11d avg5 versions, 5 majors/6mo, ~3d avg5 versions

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Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Total War™: EMPIRE, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

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