SEGA and The Creative Assembly have today announced Empire: Total War, It's apparently been in secret development for over a year and is therefore due in 2008, the next instalment in the popular Total War series is set in the 18th century, the age of sail and introduces 3D naval combat.

"Empire: Total WarTM is a huge revolutionary step for the series. We’re delighted to introduce true 3D naval combat, something that adds a totally new dimension to Total WarTM games." commented Mike Simpson, Studio Director at The Creative Assembly and the father of the Total WarTM franchise. "We’re genuinely excited about what we’re achieving with the naval battles and also by the scale of the improvements being made to the core of the game – the land battles and the campaign. This will undoubtedly be the biggest and best Total WarTM game we’ve ever made."

** Update **
Here's the two Empire: Total War screenshots and a piece of concept art as promised.