A demo for Empire Total War was released to the public on February 20, 2009. The demo includes two different battles: one between the Americans and British, and one between the French and British. The battle with the Americans is on land and is called the "Battle of Brandywine Creek", and the French battle is a naval one called the "Battle of Lagos."Kotaku,com: Empire Total War Demo Exclusively on Steam (February 20, 2009)

The "Battle of Brandywine Creek" pitted General George Washington against Major-General Sir William Howe. The British's intention was to head east and capture Philadelphia. Washington planned to use the creek to his advantage, believing that most of the creek couldn't be crossed. Since most of the creek was impassable, he stationed his troops at Chad's Ford and waited for the enemy. Unfortunately, it was possible to cross the creek at other points.

During the Seven Years War between the British and the French, the French routinely attacked from the sea with their ships. The British had blockaded supply ports for the French, and they had to wait until the British ships had to leave to re-supply before the French could try and get into Brest to resupply. As the French made their way to Brest, they were spotted by enemy lookout ships near Gibraltar. The battle ensued off of the coast of Portugal after the British chased them down.SteamPowered.com: Empire: Total War Demo on Steam (February 20, 2009)