Empire Earth III vs Sid Meier's Civilization III
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

Empire Earth III is a real-time strategy video game developed by Mad Doc Software and published by Sierra Entertainment. Released on November 6, 2007, the game is the final installment in the Empire Earth series and spans world history across five distinct epochs. Players can choose from three unique factions—Western, Middle Eastern, and Far Eastern—each featuring specialized buildings, units, and technologies. The game offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, challenging users to conquer rivals and expand their dominance across the globe.
Sid Meier's Civilization III lets you guide a civilization from the ancient era to the modern age, making strategic decisions about technology, culture, and warfare. The turn‑based gameplay encourages deep planning and offers endless replayability as you explore different leaders and victory conditions.
- Features three distinct playable factions with unique units and technologies
- Spans five historical epochs of human civilization
- Includes both single-player and multiplayer gameplay modes
- Offers a global conquest campaign structure on a world map
- Deep strategic depth across eras
- High replay value with many leaders
- Robust modding community
- Clear, turn‑based pacing
- Received generally unfavorable reviews from critics upon release
- Contains fewer epochs than previous titles in the franchise
- Simplifies some mechanics compared to earlier entries in the series
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- AI can be predictable on higher difficulties
- Limited multiplayer options (single‑player only)
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataEmpire Earth III offers real‑time, multi‑faction combat across five epochs but is poorly reviewed, while Civilization III provides deep turn‑based 4X strategy with strong critical acclaim and mod support.
Key differences
- •Gameplay style: real‑time (Empire Earth III) vs. turn‑based (Civilization III).
- •Critical reception: 40/100 score for Empire Earth III vs. 86/100 for Civilization III.
- •Number of playable factions/civilizations: 3 factions in Empire Earth III vs. 20 civilizations in Civilization III.
- •Multiplayer support: both have single‑player; Empire Earth III includes multiplayer, Civilization III is single‑player only.
- •Modding and scenario creation: extensive in Civilization III; not mentioned for Empire Earth III.
Gameplay & fun factor
Civilization III’s turn‑based depth and 20 unique civs give richer strategic experiences than Empire Earth III’s limited 3 factions.
Platform availability
Both are paid, one‑time purchases; no platform specifics provided.
Price & value
Civilization III lists a $49.99 MSRP and higher critic score, indicating better value than Empire Earth III’s unspecified price and low score.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Empire Earth III supports multiplayer matches; Civilization III is single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Civilization III offers 20 civs, 200+ technologies, modding and scenario editors versus Empire Earth III’s 3 factions and 5 epochs.
Difficulty & accessibility
Civilization III’s turn‑based pacing and ESRB E rating make it more accessible than Empire Earth III’s RTS complexity and ESRB T rating.
Graphics & performance
Not specified for either; cannot determine a clear winner.
Choose Empire Earth III if…
Players who prioritize real‑time combat and want multiplayer RTS battles.
Choose Sid Meier's Civilization III if…
Players seeking deep, critically acclaimed turn‑based strategy with extensive content and mod support.
Common questions
Which game has better critical reception?
Civilization III scored 86/100; Empire Earth III scored 40/100.
Do both games support multiplayer?
Empire Earth III includes multiplayer; Civilization III is single‑player only.
How many playable factions or civilizations does each offer?
Empire Earth III has 3 factions; Civilization III offers 20 unique civilizations.





