STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack
" Classic Star Wars strategy with rich modding and diverse combat but outdated graphics "
STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack Review
STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack is a classic real-time strategy game that remains beloved nearly 20 years after its release. The core gameplay combines ground and space combat, allowing players to command iconic Star Wars fleets and armies across various eras. While the base game offers solid mechanics and a nostalgic Star Wars experience, its enduring appeal largely stems from an active and passionate modding community. Mods continuously expand the game’s content, introducing new factions, maps, and storylines from different Star Wars timelines such as the Clone Wars, Old Republic, and post-Endor periods.
Players appreciate the game’s strategic depth, especially in fleet composition and galactic conquest, though some note a learning curve with UI and unit control. The game runs well on modern systems despite dated graphics. Overall, it is highly recommended for Star Wars fans and RTS enthusiasts, with many praising the community-driven updates that keep the game fresh and engaging.
Highlights
Players praise the game’s unique blend of ground and space combat, which offers varied tactical gameplay. The extensive modding community is a standout feature, providing continuous free content updates that significantly enhance replayability. The game’s soundtrack, featuring iconic Star Wars music, adds to the immersive experience. Fans enjoy commanding famous Star Wars ships and factions, reliving different eras through mods. The game’s strategic depth and faction management mechanics receive positive remarks, alongside its accessibility on a wide range of hardware due to modest system requirements.
Criticisms
Some players find the base game’s AI on higher difficulties to rely on spawning large fleets, which can feel unbalanced. The graphics are considered outdated by modern standards, reflecting its 2000s origin. Unit pathfinding and UI can be clunky, especially during chaotic battles, making unit control occasionally frustrating. A few users mention that gameplay can become repetitive once dominant strategies, like spamming powerful ships, are discovered. There is also a desire among the community for an official remaster or sequel to modernize the experience.
Pros
- • Extensive and active modding community continuously adds fresh content.
- • Unique combination of ground and space combat offers diverse gameplay.
- • Strong nostalgic value for Star Wars and RTS fans alike.
- • Runs smoothly on a wide range of hardware due to modest requirements.
- • Great soundtrack featuring iconic Star Wars music enhances immersion.
- • Multiple factions and eras provide varied strategic experiences.
- • Mod support revitalizes the game, making it feel new repeatedly.
Cons
- • Outdated graphics show the game’s age and may deter some players.
- • AI can be unbalanced by spawning large fleets on highest difficulty.
- • Unit pathfinding and UI controls can be frustrating in battles.
- • Gameplay may become repetitive due to dominant strategies emerging.
- • Lack of official remaster or sequel disappoints some fans.
- • Base game is good but heavily reliant on mods for extended play.
- • Some minor bugs and kinks depending on system configurations.
Rating Criteria
Command or corrupt an entire galaxy in the definitive Star Wars strategy collection. It is a time of galactic civil war. Will you take up the reins of the Rebellion, assume control of the Empire, or rule the Star Wars Underworld?