Total War: Pharaoh

The main pros of the game

• Historical Setting: Many players appreciate the unique Bronze Age setting, which is less commonly explored in strategy games.
• Visuals and Art Style: The graphics and environmental design receive praise for their beauty and detail.
• Complex Resource Management: The game introduces a more intricate resource management system, requiring players to balance food, bronze, and other resources, which some found engaging.
• Diplomacy Mechanics: Players enjoyed the new diplomacy features that allow for more strategic trade and alliances.
• Battle Mechanics: Some users found battles enjoyable, particularly the tactical elements introduced by weather and terrain.
• Content Value: Players noted that buying the game often includes the Dynasties expansion, providing additional content for the price.

The main cons of the game

• Combat Issues: Many reviews criticize the combat mechanics as unbalanced and unsatisfying, with battles feeling less engaging than in previous Total War titles.
• AI Problems: Users reported poor AI behavior, including illogical movements and difficulty in managing enemy armies.
• Performance Issues: The game suffers from performance problems, including crashes and slowdowns, particularly in longer sessions.
• User Interface: The UI is described as bulky and unintuitive, making navigation and gameplay more complicated than necessary.
• Lack of Innovation: Some players feel the game does not bring enough new ideas to the Total War series, leading to a sense of repetition and lack of depth.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Unit Variety: Several reviews mention a lack of diversity in units, with many factions feeling similar and lacking unique characteristics.
• Naval Combat: The absence of naval battles is noted as a disappointment, as it removes a layer of strategy that players have come to expect.
• Engaging Storyline: There are comments about the lack of a compelling narrative or overarching goals, making the campaign feel aimless.
• Simplified Gameplay: Some players expressed that the game feels overly simplified compared to earlier entries, with less strategic depth in military and campaign management.
• Court and Political Mechanics: The court system and political elements are seen as convoluted and not adding meaningful depth to the gameplay.

Summary

• In summary, while Total War: PHARAOH has its strengths in historical context, visuals, and some gameplay mechanics, it faces significant criticism regarding combat, AI, performance, and a perceived lack of innovation. Users suggest that while the game may be worth trying at a discount, it falls short of the high expectations set by previous Total War titles.

Summary generated on: April 6, 2026