It’s been a while since Innovative Assembly released a true historic Total War activity. There was Three Empires a few years ago, followed by Troy, a Story game. Both had considerable mythical elements with superpowered single-unit commanders, dream units like subdued tigers and minotaurs, and traditional modes that were an oddity at best. It wasn’t much for past followers to chew on. &nbsp,

That’s changed with Total War: Pharaoh. Set during the panic of the Bronze Age decline, Pharaoh was released to mixed reviews due to its small range, with the chart featuring simply Egypt, Canaan and pieces of Anatolia. A large completely revise has brought large improvements to the game. The image is expanded to include all of traditional Mesopotamia, Anatolia and Greece, and there are lots of fresh groups, including Babylon, Assyria, Elam, Uratu, the Sea People, Troy and more. &nbsp,

The game mechanics are also refined, with different king and state mechanics based on the area you’re playing in, improved diplomacy and trade resources that actually matter. As with other activities in the set, Pharaoh is a platform, allowing you to build your country as you see fit, whether that means pillaging and burning across the world as the wandering Sea Folks or preserving culture from decline as Babylon or the Hittites. &nbsp,

As someone with over 3, 000 hours spread across various Total War games, I feel comfortable saying Total War: Pharaoh is not just one of the best Total War games in recent years, it’s one of the best strategy games, period.

Release Date: Oct. 11, 2023

Genre: Historical real time strategy

Developer: Creative Assembly

– Ajay Kumar