The German website Figuren Miniatures reviewed the third edition of Empire, and noted that this edition introduced many new concepts "to give the wargamer a tool with which to create and accurately simulate historical conflict. In this, Getz and Bowden succeeded on a grand scale." The reviewer was especially impressed by the leader and troop ratings sections, which "are well worth the money of an entire rule set, because they can be used to rate and compare Napoleonic troops regardless of which rules are actually used. Many rules writers overlook the issue of national characteristics [...] So, if in doubt about the training and morale status of a particular Napoleonic troop type, regiment, or elite company [...] Empire is the quickest, most valuable and reliable source." The reviewer warned that the 176-page rulebook would require "a serious investment of time and thought" but concluded that "Empire is the right choice for students of military history interested in a realistic simulation of Napoleonic warfare at the grand-tactical and tactical level."
