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Star Wars: Empire at War - Forces of Corruption vs Dark Reign: The Future of War - Rise of the Shadowhand

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Star Wars: Empire at War - Forces of Corruption
Star Wars: Empire at War - Forces of CorruptionExpand the galaxy with a dark new faction in this classic Star Wars RTS.
Dark Reign: The Future of War - Rise of the Shadowhand
Dark Reign: The Future of War - Rise of the ShadowhandExpand the battlefield with new factions and deeper strategy in the classic RTS sequel
Overview
Description

Star Wars: Empire at War - Forces of Corruption is an expansion to the acclaimed real‑time strategy game, adding the nefarious Sith and the criminal underworld to the conflict. Players can command iconic fleets, ground forces, and powerful hero units across iconic Star Wars planets while managing resources and strategic objectives. The expansion introduces new campaign missions, a robust multiplayer mode, and extensive mod support, allowing fans to craft their own battles in the Star Wars universe. With both single‑player and multiplayer options, it offers deep strategic gameplay for both newcomers and veteran RTS players.

Rise of the Shadowhand builds on the acclaimed Dark Reign engine, adding fresh units, maps, and a compelling single‑player campaign that pushes the limits of real‑time strategy. The expansion introduces the Shadowhand faction, offering unique abilities and a darker narrative that intertwines with the original storyline. Multiplayer modes return with enhanced balance and new competitive scenarios, delivering endless replay value for both veterans and newcomers. With its polished AI and robust mod support, the game remains a benchmark for strategic depth on PC.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Paid (One-time)
Category
Real-Time Strategy
Real-Time Strategy
Best for
Strategy gamers
RTS enthusiasts and strategy veterans
Specifications
General
msrp
$39.99
$29.9925%
release date
2006-10-24
1998-03-31
Specifications
developer
Petroglyph Games
Activision
publisher
LucasArts
Activision
age rating
ESRB T, PEGI 12
ESRB E
multiplayer
Single player, Multiplayer
Single player, Multiplayer
critic score
70/100
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Rich addition of new factions and units.
  • Deep strategic gameplay with simultaneous space and ground combat.
  • Strong modding community and tools.
  • Balanced multiplayer experience.
  • Rich new faction adds strategic depth
  • Expanded single‑player campaign
  • Improved AI provides tougher challenges
  • Robust modding support
Cons
  • Graphics are dated by modern standards.
  • Steep learning curve for new RTS players.
  • Limited AI difficulty options.
  • Graphics are dated by modern standards
  • Multiplayer matchmaking can be limited
  • Steep learning curve for newcomers
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Both games offer classic RTS experiences with new factions, but Dark Reign is cheaper and more beginner‑friendly, while Empire at War delivers deeper dual‑layer combat and richer content.

Key differences

  • Empire at War adds simultaneous space and ground battles; Dark Reign focuses on ground only.
  • Price: Empire at War $39.99 vs Dark Reign $29.99.
  • Empire at War includes iconic hero units (Vader, Boba Fett); Dark Reign does not.
  • Dark Reign provides a comprehensive tutorial and upgraded AI; Empire at War has limited AI difficulty options.
  • Modding: both support it, but Empire at War’s community is noted as strong and robust.
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

Empire at War features dual‑layer space/ground combat and hero units, offering more strategic depth.

Star Wars: Empire at War - Forces of Corruption

Platform availability

Platform details not specified for either product.

Tie

Price & value

Dark Reign costs $29.99, $10 less than Empire at War's $39.99.

Dark Reign: The Future of War - Rise of the Shadowhand

Multiplayer / co‑op

Empire at War supports up to 8 players with balanced multiplayer and strong mod community; Dark Reign's matchmaking is limited.

Star Wars: Empire at War - Forces of Corruption

Content & replayability

Empire at War adds two new factions, extra planetary maps, and hero units, surpassing Dark Reign's 10 missions and 5 maps.

Star Wars: Empire at War - Forces of Corruption

Difficulty & accessibility

Dark Reign includes a comprehensive tutorial and upgraded AI, easing new players; Empire at War has a steep learning curve.

Dark Reign: The Future of War - Rise of the Shadowhand

Graphics & performance

Both games are described as having dated graphics.

Tie

Choose Star Wars: Empire at War - Forces of Corruption if…

Veteran RTS fans who want deep space/ground strategy and extensive mod content.

Choose Dark Reign: The Future of War - Rise of the Shadowhand if…

Budget‑conscious or newer players needing tutorials and easier AI.

Common questions

Which game is cheaper?

Dark Reign costs $29.99, while Empire at War costs $39.99.

Do either games have beginner tutorials?

Dark Reign includes a comprehensive tutorial system; Empire at War does not mention one.

Which offers more varied combat?

Empire at War provides simultaneous space fleet and ground battles, unlike Dark Reign.