As with previousTotal Wartitles, the game exists on two layers.
Nestled underneath comes a sophisticated real-time battle system.
The battles themselves are engrossing, offering plenty of chances for micromanagement and clever tactics.
Spears beat chariots, chariots outmaneuver shield infantry, and shield infantry outperforms spears.
However, flanking and maneuvering are just as important as unit pop in.
Gaining a court position for the first time proved to be very entertaining.
It made me feel like a sneaky political puppet master, worthy of the cutthroat courts of ancient Egypt.
Total War: Pharaohadds a few new features to theTotal Warmelting pot, too.
Unfortunately, the battle layer is held back by a lack of diversity among the units on offer.
The monotony made me pine for the fantastical and varied units on offer inTotal War: Warhammer 3.
On paper, it looks satisfying.
Every turn you get the chance to do something at court.
you’re free to even flat-out assassinate your enemies if you put in the legwork.
However, the court system struggles due to its lack of personality.
The gregarious Ramesses wont visibly act differently in court to gruff and ornery Seti.
Whats more, court rivals will plot with or against you with little regard for your diplomatic standing.
I easily struck twice as many trade deals as I fought battles during my time withPharaoh.
Once again the game led me away from its stronger elements at its own expense.
History buffs will find themselves well served here.
Much like historical Egypt, the game world is affected by seasonal events and raids from external powers.
Droughts and floods have considerable effects on your factions production beyond simply modifying the terrain in battle.
Your empire will rise and fall alongside the Nile itself.
As you play through the campaign, the world around you changes and you must either adapt or perish.
This is not a move that will sit well with everyone.
The game also offers UI scaling, for those looking for larger print.
Beyond this, players are free to heavily customize their key bindings and camera configs.
Looking for more immersive titles?
Check out our lists of thebest PC gamesand thebest single-player games.
