Empire: Wargame of the Century (1987)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Empire: Wargame of the Century is a turn-based strategy game developed by Mark Baldwin and published by Interplay Productions in 1987. The game is set in a fictional world where the player takes control of one of six different empires and must conquer the world through military conquest and economic development.

Empire is played on a map of the world divided into hexagonal territories. Each territory can be developed to produce food, gold, or resources, which are used to build and maintain armies. Armies can be used to attack and conquer neighboring territories, or to defend against enemy attacks.

The game features a number of different unit types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Infantry are the most basic unit type, and are good for defending territories and holding ground. Cavalry are faster than infantry and can be used to raid enemy territory and harass enemy armies. Archers can attack from a distance, making them ideal for defending against cavalry and siege units. Siege units are powerful but slow-moving, and are used to attack and capture cities.

Empire also features a number of different diplomatic options. Players can form alliances with other empires, declare war on enemy empires, and negotiate peace treaties. Diplomacy can be used to gain an advantage over your opponents, and to avoid costly wars.

Empire is a challenging and rewarding strategy game that offers a lot of depth and replayability. The game’s simple but elegant design makes it easy to learn, but difficult to master. Empire is a classic turn-based strategy game that is still enjoyed by many gamers today.

Gameplay

Empire is a turn-based strategy game where the player takes control of one of six different empires and must conquer the world through military conquest and economic development. The game is played on a map of the world divided into hexagonal territories. Each territory can be developed to produce food, gold, or resources, which are used to build and maintain armies. Armies can be used to attack and conquer neighboring territories, or to defend against enemy attacks.

The game features a number of different unit types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Infantry are the most basic unit type, and are good for defending territories and holding ground. Cavalry are faster than infantry and can be used to raid enemy territory and harass enemy armies. Archers can attack from a distance, making them ideal for defending against cavalry and siege units. Siege units are powerful but slow-moving, and are used to attack and capture cities.

Empire also features a number of different diplomatic options. Players can form alliances with other empires, declare war on enemy empires, and negotiate peace treaties. Diplomacy can be used to gain an advantage over your opponents, and to avoid costly wars.

Development

Empire was developed by Mark Baldwin and published by Interplay Productions in 1987. Baldwin was inspired to create Empire after playing the classic board game Risk. He wanted to create a more complex and realistic strategy game that would allow players to experience the challenges of ruling an empire.

Baldwin spent several years developing Empire, and the game went through a number of different iterations before it was finally released. The game was originally supposed to be released in 1986, but it was delayed due to a number of factors, including the bankruptcy of Interplay Productions.

Reception

Empire was released to critical acclaim. The game was praised for its depth, complexity, and replayability. Empire was also a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.

Empire has been praised by many critics as one of the greatest strategy games ever made. The game has been cited as an influence on a number of other strategy games, including Civilization and Total War.

Legacy

Empire is a classic turn-based strategy game that is still enjoyed by many gamers today. The game’s simple but elegant design makes it easy to learn, but difficult to master. Empire is a challenging and rewarding strategy game that offers a lot of depth and replayability.

Empire has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the PC, Amiga, and Macintosh. The game has also been released on a number of different compilation discs, including Interplay’s “The Gold Collection” and “The Ultimate Strategy Collection.”

Empire is a classic turn-based strategy game that is still enjoyed by many gamers today. The game’s simple but elegant design makes it easy to learn, but difficult to master. Empire is a challenging and rewarding strategy game that offers a lot of depth and replayability.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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