Info about STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack:

Official game description:
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?  
**Star Wars Empire at War:**  
From the lives of soldiers to the deaths of planets, you are the supreme galactic commander. It is a time of galactic civil war. Take up the reins of the Rebellion or assume control for the Empire. Whichever you choose, it will be up to YOU to steer your side to ultimate victory. Command everything from individual troops to starships and even the mighty Death Star as you execute campaigns on the ground, in space and across the galaxy. Forget tedious resource gathering – just jump straight into the heart of the action. You can even change **Star Wars** history! Every decision affects your next battle and every battle helps shape the fate of the galaxy.  
*   Conquer or liberate over 80 ground and space locations including Kashyyyk, Tatooine and Dagobah – each with its own strategic advantage.  
*   Command iconic **Star Wars** characters such as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader and Boba Fett.  
*   Pit X-wings against TIE fighters or command an entire fleet of Star Destroyers in space. Then send down land forces to secure the planet below.  
**Star Wars® Empire at War™: Forces of Corruption™:**  
You’ve played the light side. You’ve played the dark side. Now play the corrupt side! As Tyber Zann you’ll stop at nothing to become the most notorious criminal leader since Jabba the Hutt. With all new tactics like piracy, kidnapping, racketeering and bribery, you can control the shadowy forces of corruption in your attempt to rule the **Star Wars** underworld. Don’t just control the galaxy…corrupt it!  
*   **All new units and planets:** Command over 28 new underworld units as well as new Rebel and Imperial forces and heroes on 13 new planets.  
*   **Expanded Multiplayer:** Experience all out, three-faction battles and now play the same side against itself with mirror play.

Release date: May 25, 2010

Categories: Real-time Strategy, Space Combat, Faction Management, Multiplayer, Mod Support, Galactic Conquest, Tactical Combat, Unit Customization

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 10; verdict: Fair; summary: Reviews explicitly mention no microtransactions.
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game runs well on Linux using Proton Experimental, with no notable issues reported.
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The game has a mix of positive and negative feedback. While it runs well with Proton Experimental and offers hours of fun, it suffers from stability issues such as frequent crashes and glitches. Additionally, the outdated mechanics and UI can be a barrier for some users. The overall experience is marred by these technical issues, requiring some tinkering to enjoy the game fully.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: The game performs well on high-end Windows systems with sufficient VRAM.
  - Sample size: 26 (1% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (positive, 5 reports): Reports smooth performance at 4K resolution with high-end hardware.
  - Caveats: 26 of 3514 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $18.00 - $20.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence shows that users consistently mention the game is worth the full price of $20. Many reviews highlight that the game, along with its modding community, provides significant value for the price. Several users explicitly state that the game is worth it at full price, and others mention that $20 is a steal for the amount of content provided. This consistent feedback suggests that the community considers the fair base-game price range to be around $20.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 50.0h
  - Story completion: 15.0h
  - Session length: 2.0h
  - Endgame: 100.0h
  - Reasoning: The evidence shows that players have spent significant amounts of time playing the game, with some reporting thousands of hours. The game is noted for its replayability and the extensive modding community, which adds to the longevity of the gameplay experience. The quotes indicate that players often spend hundreds of hours on the game, with some even reaching thousands of hours when including modded content.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game has an initial learning curve that can be overcome with tutorials and practice, after which players can enjoy the strategic depth and freedom it offers.
  - Stance: Fun after learning curve
  - Anchor: Understanding game mechanics and strategies
  - Time to anchor: 1h 0m
  - Friction: Learning curve for newcomers; Complexity in resource management and unit composition
  - Unlock drivers: Tutorials; Skirmish modes; Practice and experience
  - Conditions: Playing with friends; Using mods to enhance gameplay; Engaging in multiplayer matches
- Player Archetypes:
  - Mod-Loving Strategist (buy)
    - Motivation: Strategic depth and modding community.
    - Playstyle: Enjoys complex strategies and mod-enhanced gameplay.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: strategy gamer; Star Wars fan
    - Reference games: Total War; Age of Empires
  - Star Wars Strategy Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Love for Star Wars and strategy games.
    - Playstyle: Enjoys strategic gameplay within the Star Wars universe.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Star Wars fan; strategy gamer
    - Reference games: Star Wars: Battlefront 2
  - Beginner-Friendly Mod Enthusiast (sale)
    - Motivation: Accessibility and mod-enhanced content.
    - Playstyle: Enjoys beginner-friendly gameplay with mod enhancements.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: newcomer; mod enthusiast
    - Reference games: Age of Empires


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Mods enhance gameplay significantly (weight 0.97): The game benefits greatly from its active modding community, which introduces new dynamics, visuals, units, factions, and campaigns. Mods are seen as essential for extending the game's lifespan and keeping it fresh and enjoyable.
- Best Star Wars RTS experience (weight 0.61): The game is highly regarded as one of the best real-time strategy games set in the Star Wars universe. It captures the essence of Star Wars and is recommended for both RTS and Star Wars fans.
- Enjoyable and fun gameplay (weight 0.35): The base game offers enjoyable and fun gameplay with a decent amount of strategic depth. Players find it entertaining and recommend it for its engaging strategy elements.
- Excellent space battles (weight 0.26): The game features spectacular and impactful space battles that are highly praised. These battles are considered better than land battles and add a unique tactical element to the gameplay.
- Forces of Corruption expansion (weight 0.13): The Forces of Corruption expansion is well-received for adding new factions, gameplay mechanics, and a fine single-player campaign. It is considered a valuable addition to the base game.
- Galactic Conquest mode (weight 0.13): The Galactic Conquest mode is a popular feature that offers depth and a sense of progression and expansion. It is one of the main game modes that players enjoy.
- Good value for money (weight 0.11): The game is considered worth the price, especially when on sale. Players find it to be a good value for the amount of content and enjoyment it provides.
- Classic real-time strategy (weight 0.11): The game is praised as a classic real-time strategy game with medium complexity. It is a favorite among RTS fans and stands out in the genre.
- Ongoing developer updates (weight 0.1): The game continues to receive updates and bug fixes from the developers, which helps maintain its stability and improves the overall experience.

Common complaints:
- Ground combat lacks quality (weight 0.22): Many players find the ground combat to be mediocre, lackluster, and not as enjoyable compared to other aspects of the game. It is often described as janky and poorly developed.
- Outdated graphics and engine (weight 0.21): The graphics are considered bad and dated, with the game engine being described as obsolete. This affects the overall visual and technical experience of the game.
- Gameplay is basic and glitchy (weight 0.17): The game is often seen as simple and limited, with occasional glitches and bugs. Some players find it basic and not the best in terms of overall gameplay experience.
- Game balance and difficulty issues (weight 0.1): The game can be very difficult at times, with questionable balance and clunky mechanics. Some players find certain moments particularly challenging.
- Base game is boring (weight 0.08): The base game is described as quite boring and just okay, with some players not being huge fans of it. It is seen as aged and problematic.
- Mods and crashes issues (weight 0.08): Players experience occasional crashes, especially with mods. There are many bugs associated with mods that can lead to instability.
- Frustrating and confusing gameplay (weight 0.07): Some players find the missions and gameplay frustrating, with the game being confusing and hard to understand initially.
- AI issues and cheating (weight 0.07): The AI can be buggy and overpowered, with instances of cheating at higher difficulty levels to build up a big army.
- Pathing system problems (weight 0.06): The pathing system is often criticized as annoying and janky, being considered one of the worst aspects of the game.
- Online play desync issues (weight 0.04): There are desync issues and server problems reported in online play, affecting the multiplayer experience.

Gameplay feedback:
- Extensive Modding Support (weight 0.37): The game is highly mod-friendly, with a massive modding community that offers a variety of mods, enhancing and extending gameplay significantly.
- Space and Ground Combat (weight 0.19): The game includes epic space battles with various ship types and ground combat, offering unique and fun tactical experiences.
- Star Wars RTS Game (weight 0.16): The game is a real-time strategy (RTS) set in the Star Wars universe, featuring both space and land battles.
- Commanding Armies and Fleets (weight 0.15): Players can command massive fleets and armies, including iconic Star Wars units like TIE fighters and Star Destroyers.
- Galactic Conquest Mode (weight 0.14): Features a Galactic Conquest mode with turn-based strategy and real-time combat, along with other modes like Instant Action and Skirmish Battles.
- Tactical Grand Strategy (weight 0.11): Offers tactical and grand strategy gameplay, combining strategic and tactical elements for a comprehensive experience.
- Unique Factions and Units (weight 0.09): Features different factions with unique playstyles, strategies, units, and tech trees, adding variety to the gameplay.
- Conquering Planets (weight 0.08): The game involves conquering planets and planetary systems, allowing players to subjugate the galaxy.
- Multiplayer and PvP (weight 0.07): Supports online multiplayer and PvP campaigns, offering both single-player and multiplayer experiences.
- Building and Fleet Management (weight 0.07): Includes RTS elements like building and fleet management, similar to other popular RTS games.
- Popular Mods (weight 0.07): Popular mods like Fall of the Republic, Republic at War, Thrawn's Revenge, Awakening of the Rebellion, and Awakening of the Clone Wars offer new experiences and content.
- Forces of Corruption Expansion (weight 0.06): The Forces of Corruption expansion adds a third faction with new mechanics, enhancing the base game.
- Minimal Grind (weight 0.04): The game has an average or minimal grind level, making it accessible without excessive repetitive tasks.

Performance notes:
- Mixed graphics feedback (weight 0.1): Players have varying opinions on the graphics, ranging from criticisms of dated visuals and an obsolete engine to appreciation for recent updates and decent quality.
- Occasional crashes reported (weight 0.09): Some players experience game crashes, which can occur occasionally or during specific scenarios like long battles.
- Low system requirements (weight 0.08): The game can run on low-end systems like 'potato PCs' and basic modern laptops, but higher graphics settings require better hardware.
- Performance varies (weight 0.07): Performance can range from lag-free to experiencing lag, depending on the system and specific conditions like using certain mods.
- Lacks multicore support (weight 0.06): The game is not optimized for multicore processors and needs multithreaded support for better performance.
- Updated to 64-bit (weight 0.06): The game has been recently updated to support 64-bit systems, which can improve performance and stability.
- Generally well optimized (weight 0.05): The game is considered well-optimized by many players, with specific mentions of optimization patches improving performance.
- Special patches needed (weight 0.04): Certain versions or scenarios, like Forces of Corruption (FoC), need special patches to run properly.
- Needs strong computer for large battles (weight 0.04): Large battles require a strong computer to maintain good performance.
- High FPS in 4K (weight 0.02): The game can push PCs to 40 FPS in 4K resolution, indicating it can be demanding on higher settings.
- Obsolete game engine (weight 0.02): The game engine is considered very obsolete, which can affect performance and compatibility.
- Compatible with Windows 11 (weight 0.02): The game runs without issues on Windows 11, indicating good compatibility with modern operating systems.
- Needs polish for modern PCs (weight 0.02): The game needs some polish to run better on modern PCs, indicating that it could benefit from updates or optimizations.
- Ongoing performance updates (weight 0.02): There are ongoing updates to keep the game's performance playable, indicating continuous support and improvements.
- Desire for better optimization (weight 0.02): Players express a desire for better optimization, indicating that there is room for performance improvements.
- Camera glitches (weight 0.02): There are reports of camera glitches affecting the gameplay experience.
- Texture loading issues (weight 0.02): There are texture loading issues reported on cheaper or less powerful PCs.
- Hard-coded Intel processor check (weight 0.02): The game has a hard-coded check for Intel processors, which can cause compatibility issues.
- Space battles loading issues (weight 0.02): Some players report that space battles cannot load, affecting gameplay.
- Not suitable for low-power PCs (weight 0.02): The game is not well-suited for low-power PCs, which may struggle to run it effectively.
- Mods require powerful PCs (weight 0.02): Larger mods may require a powerful PC to run smoothly, indicating that modding can increase system requirements.
- Game can be janky (weight 0.02): Some players report that the game can be janky, indicating occasional performance or stability issues.
- Crashes with larger mods (weight 0.02): The game can crash when using larger mods, which can be a limitation for players who enjoy modding.
- Compatibility issues with current hardware (weight 0.02): The game does not work well with current hardware, indicating potential compatibility issues.
- Server issues and crashes (weight 0.02): There are reports of server issues and crashes, affecting multiplayer or online gameplay.
- Low power consumption (weight 0.02): The game uses less electricity, which can be a benefit for players concerned about power usage.
- Input not supported (weight 0.02): There are reports of certain inputs not being supported, which can affect gameplay.
- Linux compatibility (weight 0.02): The game has been reported to run on Linux Mint 22.3, indicating some level of Linux compatibility.
- Proton experimental support (weight 0.02): The game can run on Proton (Experimental), which is useful for Linux users.
- AI response times (weight 0.02): There are mentions of AI response times affecting gameplay, though details are limited.
- Microsoft C++ 2005 fixes issues (weight 0.02): Installing Microsoft C++ 2005 can fix running issues, indicating a specific solution for some compatibility problems.
- FPS boost by disabling hardware mouse (weight 0.02): Disabling the hardware mouse can provide an FPS boost, indicating a specific performance improvement tip.
- Compatibility mode for WinXP SP3 (weight 0.02): Using compatibility mode for Windows XP SP3 can help with running the game, indicating a solution for some compatibility issues.
- Auto-save feature disabled (weight 0.02): The auto-save feature is disabled, which can affect gameplay and player experience.

Recommendations:
- Enhanced experience with mods (weight 0.22): Many players suggest using mods to enhance the gameplay experience. Specific mods like 'Fall of the Republic' and 'Thrawn's Revenge' are frequently mentioned.
- Recommended for Star Wars and RTS fans (weight 0.17): The game is highly recommended for fans of Star Wars and real-time strategy games. It is considered a must-have for its engaging gameplay and challenging experience.
- Desire for a remake (weight 0.12): There is a significant desire among players for a remastered or new version of the game with better graphics. Some suggest a remake for future years like 2025-2026.
- Highly recommended purchase (weight 0.11): The game is strongly recommended for purchase, especially for those interested in Star Wars and strategy games. It is seen as worth the price and a valuable addition to any game collection.
- Other mods and games (weight 0.07): Various other mods and games are mentioned, such as 'Awakening of the Rebellion,' 'Republic at War,' 'Covenant At War (Halo Mod),' and 'Knights of the Old Republic,' indicating a rich modding community and related games.
- Play base game first (weight 0.07): Players recommend starting with the base game to understand the mechanics before diving into mods. This approach helps in getting a basic idea of how the game works.
- Start with easy difficulty (weight 0.04): New players are advised to start with easy or medium difficulty, especially when playing as the Empire, to get accustomed to the game mechanics.
- Future game suggestions (weight 0.04): Players express a desire for future games similar to this one, including suggestions for a future Battlefront 3.
- Watch control tutorials (weight 0.02): Watching videos on controls is recommended to better understand the game mechanics and improve the gaming experience.
- Mix with other games (weight 0.02): Some players suggest mixing the gameplay experience with other games like Battlefront two for a varied experience.
- Specific gameplay tips (weight 0.02): Tips such as fighting in space for an hour and skipping the ground battle are suggested for a better gaming experience.
- Technical fixes (weight 0.02): Downloading specific software like Microsoft C++ 2005 is recommended for fixing technical issues and improving gameplay.

Other player notes:
- Alcohol suggestion in game (weight 0.02): Some players suggested consuming alcohol to enhance the gaming experience, indicating a potential issue with the game's entertainment value or engagement level.

Emotions:
- Nostalgia (weight 0.22): Players express nostalgia due to childhood memories associated with the game, its connection to the Star Wars universe, and the enduring quality of the game over nearly two decades. The game's longevity, combined with its status as a classic from the golden age of Star Wars games, evokes a strong sense of nostalgia.
- Excitement (weight 0.22): The combination of Star Wars and RTS gameplay generates excitement among players. The power fantasy of controlling massive armies and fleets, along with the variety and depth of mods, especially those enhancing space battles and strategic gameplay, contribute to this excitement.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.09): Players enjoy the challenging and engaging gameplay, the fun strategy elements, and the overall entertainment value of the game. The high-quality mods and active modding community further enhance the enjoyment, providing long-term engagement and varied gameplay experiences.
- Frustration (weight 0.08): Frustration arises from technical issues such as game crashes, bugs, and compatibility problems with modern systems. Additionally, gameplay mechanics like overpowered AI, imbalanced factions in mods, and difficult missions contribute to player frustration.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.08): Players feel satisfied with the game's performance, including its smooth operation on modern systems and the absence of microtransactions. The enjoyable gameplay, both with and without mods, and the strategic depth provided by mods contribute to a high level of satisfaction.
- Appreciation (weight 0.07): Appreciation is expressed for the high quality and variety of mods, the active modding community, and the developers' continued support and optimization. The game's focus on Star Wars strategy and its visual clarity also contribute to this appreciation.
- Joy (weight 0.06): The joy comes from the memorable and enjoyable RTS gameplay, the fun of playing with friends, and the high replay value offered by the game and its mods. The game's features and the availability of mods on platforms like Steam enhance this joy.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.05): Enthusiasm is driven by the game being considered the best strategy game with mods, the strong recommendation and praise from the community, and the variety of units and modifications available. The unique gameplay and active modding community keep players engaged and enthusiastic.
- Admiration (weight 0.04): Players admire the game for its true space combat, timeless masterpiece status, and the developers' ongoing support and updates. The game's ability to capture the scale and atmosphere of Star Wars, along with its lasting quality, earns admiration.
- Disappointment (weight 0.03): Disappointment stems from the inferior quality of land battles compared to space battles, graphical limitations, and issues with mods not working properly. The lack of follow-up or rework, and the absence of a sequel dedicated to the Clone Wars also contribute to this feeling.
- Love (weight 0.02): Players love the game for being the best Star Wars RTS and for its strategic gameplay. The deep affection for the game and the Star Wars universe in general drives this emotion.
- Gratitude (weight 0.02): Gratitude is felt towards the modding teams and developers for their efforts and contributions. The positive impact of the modding community and the developers' support is highly valued.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is expressed for a continuation or real remake of the game, with desires for modern graphic upgrades and more planets. Players hope for future improvements and expansions.
- Pride (weight 0.01): Pride is felt in the game and its modding community, with players taking pride in overcoming challenges and establishing new systems within the game.
- Loyalty (weight 0.01): Loyalty is shown by players who have been playing the game since its early days and continue to enjoy it, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the game and its mods.
- Happiness (weight 0.01): Happiness comes from the overall enjoyment and satisfaction derived from the gameplay and its features. The fun and engaging aspects of the game contribute to this positive emotion.
- Disapproval (weight 0): Disapproval is expressed towards the copying of skins from Fortnite, which is seen as a negative aspect by some players.
- Respect (weight 0): Respect is given to the game's timeless design, which has maintained its appeal and quality over the years.
- Concern (weight 0): Concern is felt about the game's future and the need for upgrades to keep it relevant and enjoyable for new and existing players.
- Approval (weight 0): Approval is given through recommendations for strategists and mentions of mods, indicating a positive endorsement of the game and its features.}