Empire Earth vs Empire Earth: The Art of Conquest
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Empire Earth lets players guide humanity from the prehistoric age to the future, offering a massive timeline of 15 distinct epochs. Its deep tech trees and varied units let you wage wars across centuries, from stone‑age spears to laser‑armed drones. The game features both a robust single‑player campaign and extensive multiplayer modes, supporting up to eight players in massive battles that test strategic planning and resource management.
Empire Earth: The Art of Conquest is the official expansion pack to the classic real-time strategy game, developed by Mad Doc Software and published by Sierra Entertainment. Building upon the foundation of the original game, this expansion introduces thrilling new strategic dimensions including unique civilization powers, distinct hero units, and two new playable civilizations: Japan and Korea. Players can immerse themselves in three distinct narrative-driven campaigns that span vastly different eras, taking them from the legendary battles of Ancient Rome through the global conflicts of World War II all the way to futuristic warfare on 24th Century Mars. With new units and expanded tactical options, it delivers a comprehensive challenge for strategy enthusiasts.
- Extensive timeline covering prehistoric to futuristic eras
- Deep and varied tech trees for strategic diversity
- Robust multiplayer supporting up to eight players
- Active modding community with tools provided
- Adds compelling new civilizations like Japan and Korea
- Engaging campaigns spanning diverse historical and futuristic settings
- Introduces game-changing civilization powers and hero units
- Expands the strategic depth of the original Empire Earth
- Steep learning curve for new RTS players
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- AI can be inconsistent in higher difficulty levels
- Graphics have aged significantly since its 2002 release
- Can be difficult to run on modern operating systems without community patches
- Balancing issues present in certain multiplayer match-ups
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Alternatives to Empire Earth
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Lead historic civilizations to victory in timeless real‑time strategy battles.
Expand your empire with historic Roman campaigns and deep strategy
Alternatives to Empire Earth: The Art of Conquest
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Lead new civilizations through history in this strategic expansion pack.
Lead civilizations through 15 epochs of human history in this epic real-time strategy game.
Command global factions through five historical epochs in real-time strategy combat.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataEmpire Earth (A) offers the full original experience with 15 epochs and extensive mod support at a higher price, while Empire Earth: The Art of Conquest (B) adds two new civilizations and campaigns for less money but with dated graphics and potential compatibility issues.
Key differences
- •B adds Japan and Korea civilizations plus hero units and civilization powers; A does not.
- •A includes 15 epochs spanning prehistoric to futuristic; B focuses on selected campaigns (Ancient Rome, WWII, 24th‑century Mars).
- •A provides a map editor and mod tools for community content; B does not mention mod support.
- •Price: A costs $49.99, B costs $19.99, making B significantly cheaper.
- •Multiplayer capacity: both support up to eight players, but A’s AI is noted as inconsistent at higher difficulties, while B has noted balancing issues.
Gameplay & fun factor
A’s 15 epochs and deep tech trees give broader strategic variety than B’s limited new civilizations.
Platform availability
Both are PC titles with no specified differences in platform support.
Price & value
B costs $19.99 versus A’s $49.99, offering added civilizations for a lower price.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both support single‑player and multiplayer up to eight players; no clear advantage.
Content & replayability
A’s 15 epochs, map editor, and active mod community provide more long‑term replay value.
Difficulty & accessibility
A has a steep learning curve and inconsistent AI; B’s added powers may simplify tactics, though balancing issues exist.
Graphics & performance
Both are dated, but A’s graphics are noted as dated while B explicitly struggles on modern OS without patches.
Choose Empire Earth if…
For players wanting the complete original experience, deep tech trees, and modding potential.
Choose Empire Earth: The Art of Conquest if…
For budget‑conscious players who want extra civilizations and campaigns despite older graphics.
Common questions
Is the cheaper expansion a standalone game or do I need the original?
Not specified; the facts list it as a separate product but do not state if it requires the original.
Which version has more content to keep me playing long term?
A offers 15 epochs, a map editor, and an active mod community, providing more replayability.
Will either game run on modern Windows without extra patches?
B may be difficult to run on modern OS without community patches; A’s compatibility is not specified.