Overview

Developer: Creative Assembly
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Evolva official page: http://www.totalwar.com

Hail to the Shogun Baby!

Shogun: Total War has to be one of the first big-ticket historical wargames to come at us in a long time. It's been close to half a decade since the classic SSI Panzer General games broke through into the mainstream. Heck, it's been several years since a popular real-time tactical game gained strong popularity (Myth.)

Hojo = Strong

Your throne room

So what is this real world setting? Shogun is set in medieval Japan at a time when there is no central power, only local lords called daimyos. Given Japan's history, each of these daimyos knew that it was victory or death in the end. There could be only one ruler in Japan and he would eventually have to eliminate all opposition. With the rebellions and unscrupulous men who had wracked Japan over the centuries leading up to the game's start point (1530), these daimyos realized that even having the potential power to instigate opposition would land them deaths. So they fought each other mercilessly, using any and all tactics available to eliminate their foes. Some might have fought for survival, others for power - but in the end there was only one way to achieve this - by eliminating all opposition and becoming undisputed Shogun. Those interested in a much better version of this history might like to check out the official site - totalwar.com.

What kind of men do you want to train?

Rake in the loot

It is into this vicious arena that you the player are thrust. Whether you want to be a daimyo, in charge of his clan and the lands you hold, or just a general who leads men in battle, that's your choice. Shogun offers gameplay options for both styles, so fear not.

What Can You Say About It?

In the full campaign, Shogun attempts to re-create the atmosphere, technology, setting and nearly everything else about 16th century Japan. There are 8 major factions though only 7 are playable - the Rebels and Ronin aren't united so it doesn't make sense for a player to control them as a group.

You will find yourself dealing with religious unrest, treacherous allies, spies and assassins, taxation issues, loyalty problems, an unpredictable economy, natural disasters and succession issues.