Total War Pharaoh: The First Hands-On Preview

Born To Be Kings

Total War: Pharaoh doesn’t feature a single “Egypt” faction. Instead, the game is structured around historically or semi-historically based figures vying for power. Players will command Egyptian, Hittite, and Canaanite leaders, aiming to unite their respective cultures. Ramesses III is a key Egyptian figure, while the Hittites have their Great King. Canaanite leaders navigate the complex geopolitical landscape. This approach mirrors the structure of Total War: Three Kingdoms and Total War: Troy, fostering a sense of ambition and struggle for dominance.

Beyond these three major groups, there’s a rich tapestry of regional diversity. Egypt itself is divided into Lower Egypt, Upper Egypt, Nubia and Kush, and the Western Desert, each region possessing unique units. Hittites recruit from Phrygian and other Anatolian groups. Canaanites feature settled city-state dwellers and pastoral hillfolk, adding nuance to the gameplay.

Wrath of the Gods

The Bronze Age Collapse provides a dynamic backdrop to the campaign. The game incorporates a weather system that fluctuates between harsh desert conditions and torrential downpours. This dynamically alters the battlefield, transforming terrain into mud that hinders chariots and heavy infantry, or drying into a baking expanse that proves more challenging for lightly-armored troops. This mechanic allows the environment to influence the course of battles, requiring players to adapt their strategies.

Cultures demonstrate varying resilience to environmental extremes. The nimble, lightly armored Egyptians thrive in the desert, while the more heavily armored Hittites prove better suited to the cold and rain. Understanding these cultural strengths and weaknesses is key to success on the battlefield.

Terror From the Deep

The Sea Peoples emerge as a formidable, non-playable challenge. These enigmatic raiders, a multi-ethnic coalition, represent a significant late-game threat. Their units draw inspiration from various ancient Mediterranean cultures, including the Mycenaeans from Total War: Troy. Their design suggests a ruthless and proficient seafaring force.

While not immediately playable, the developers hint at future Faction Packs, suggesting that future releases could include playable Sea Peoples factions. This builds anticipation for potential additions and further development of this unique enemy force.

War Never Changes

The siege mechanics offer a more sophisticated approach. Siege AI now appears more realistic, with defenders potentially retreating strategically if their commander falls. The game introduces greater customization for difficulty levels, accommodating diverse player preferences. There is also a new feature that allows for the gradual wearing down of enemy armor during melee combat.

A key addition for infantry is new “stances,” allowing for simplified commands. Players can now order their troops to advance until engaging the enemy, reducing the need for micromanagement. Chariots remain the fastest and most impactful units, highlighting the persistent importance of mobile forces in ancient warfare.

Sea of Sand

Overall, Total War: Pharaoh presents a compelling vision of the Bronze Age Collapse. The game doesn’t represent a radical departure from previous Total War titles. Instead, it refines existing mechanics with a focus on the particularities of this era. The dynamic weather and the Sea Peoples present exciting challenges. The campaign map, encompassing the Nile Valley, Canaan, and Anatolia, promises a rich and engaging historical setting.

The developers have an opportunity to further enrich the experience. More information about campaign features would be helpful. Players eagerly await the game’s release in October, hoping for further insights and improvements.