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This thread has been linked to the game 'Total War: Shogun 2'.
For Total War aficionados;
The first thing you’ll notice is that this is most definitely a Total War game. The controls will be familiar, the objectives clear and the gameplay slick. Detailed, beautiful, huge and consistently entertaining, this is a perfect addition to the series.
For Non- Total War gamers;
The first thing you’ll notice is that this is unlike anything you’ll have played before. It’s not an RTS, it’s not a map-based campaign game, but it is a little of both, and yet it suffers none of the confines of either. The Total War series is without doubt one of the finest PC gaming series going, and Shogun 2 is its crowning glory.
S2 in a nutshell;
Japan is at war with itself. The ruling Shogunate have lost the respect of the people as they fail to unite the daimyos under their rule, each region striving to better their neighbours and clinging on to their independence. A land of diverse cultures and religion, Japan is only now beginning to find its feet in the world arena, and that has added fuel to an already raging fire. Christianity has gained a foothold in a few regions, causing unrest amongst the populace, sparking revolution and upset.
You take on the role of Daimyo for one of the clans of Medieval Japan, your sole aim to unite the land under your banner. To do so will require military might and civil development, and you have total control over how to achieve this; follow the old ways or adopt new religions, master the arts of war or politics, build alliances or force nations to become protectorates, develop assassins or publicly execute your enemies, dominate the seas or crush resistance on land…
In all, there are almost no limits on how to play the game. Few games manage to make you feel like you are the master of your own destiny, but Shogun 2 does it with ease. Every play- through will be different, every battle a joy, every challenge new.
Mechanics;
The game is split into two main parts, map- based management and real time battles. Each is equally important and equally entertaining. The map section allows control of your cities and settlements, forts, character movements and actions and army movement. Armies and characters are displayed as “chess pieces” on the map, select one with a left click, right click on the destination. Here is where you select to invade an enemy territory, assassinate an enemy, perform an execution, place a spy, sabotage an enemy building, manage your taxes, construction and recruitment, enter diplomatic relations and set up trade routes. It sounds like a lot, but the controls are intuitive, and the system flexible; many of these things can be “auto- managed” if you so choose, and what’s more, you can change this from in game, so if you start by managing it all, and it becomes too much for you, change it with a single click. Enter into a battle, and you’re taken to the other portion of the game, real time fights in full 3D glory!
Total War is renowned for its battle system; it has been used to create re-enactments of real conflict for historical TV shows. The accuracy and level of detail is astonishing, with each troop type perfectly configured with a full array of stats from armour values to morale to abilities and special functions. Units can be grouped, battle lines formed and army formations ripped directly from “the Art of War” are available for your use if you wish. Correct deployment and use of formations can make the difference between winning and losing, regardless of army size, both on land and at sea. You can zoom in and out to view your entire army or a single unit, move one unit, a group or your entire force with a single click, wheel, turn and form walls of spears to receive cavalry charges all with a handful of keys and your mouse. Your screen displays your units as cards at the bottom, and these are used to select and manage the troops. Select a card or cards, and right click on a destination in the 3D battlefield to move or on an enemy unit to initiate an attack.
Graphics and Sound;
A point to note; The guys at Sega have done a fantastic job. The graphics system is immensely scalable, so if your machine is a little older, you will still be able to play. Upper end specs are incredibly high, but the overall effect no matter what you play it on is nothing short of breathtaking. There is something quite special about zooming in close and watching a unit of 120 warriors each doing their own thing as they storm into the enemy. Likewise, boarding actions with your ships are spectacular. The glint of armour, the clash of steel, I know of no other game series that gives the same impression of conflict as Total War. The battlefields are gorgeous, complete with carefully modelled and textured terrain, long grass, seasonal trees, volumetric lighting and fog and battlefield smoke. In short, detail to the extreme.
The sound is full surround, and if your system is up to it, you’ll hear troops roaring behind you or the crackling fires of a burning city gate. Positioning is excellent and the sound effects accurate. It all adds to the effect, immersing you completely in the world you are forging.
There are also numerous cut sequences that show (if you want them to) when you perform an assassination or sabotage mission, and like everything else in this game, they are beautifully executed and wonderfully detailed.
A word on AI;
This is much improved over previous Total War games. I have watched with a touch of dismay as an enemy force RUNS to gain higher ground or position their most vulnerable troops in woodland to stave off a cavalry charge. Without a doubt, the AI reacts with a degree of perceived intelligence when it comes to a crucial point in a battle. Additionally, it’s nigh on impossible to fool with diplomacy or a feigned attack. They WILL flank charge, huddle in their castles and wait for you, sit out a siege until reinforcements arrive and generally cause as much mayhem as inhumanly possible. Be warned!
The best bits;
It’s actually quite hard to pick the best from all of this, but here goes…
This game is HUGE! A single turn can take over an hour, a single battle can be up to an hour, and you need to capture 60 regions to complete the long campaign. You won’t finish this in an afternoon.
Every faction is different. Different strengths, troop types and objectives mean that every one presents a different set of challenges and gameplay. Play it a hundred times, and it’s still as fresh, so for longevity, it’s unbeatable.
Graphically and soundwise, this is exceptional. Eye-poppingly beautiful, historically accurate and stunning just to watch, you can lose yourself in this easily.
Online and drop- in battles, meaning you can fight a scenario against a human opponent to test your mettle, or leave an open invite for someone to take control of the enemy during your single player campaign. There are even online campaigns to join.
Excellent help system, comprising a full encyclopaedia containing details of your gaming pieces as well as historical facts about the real article. Be warned, kiddies, you will be in serious danger of learning something!
The Bad bits;
Really, this only applies to gamers who have never played a Total War game before. The learning curve for newcomers can be a little steep, with many a failure leading you to eventual victory. The sheer weight of detail is a little daunting, and will possibly put some gamers off, as it does lean the game toward being slightly more “serious” than most.
This has the knock- on effect of causing many of the online gamers to be a little anally retentive in terms of “historical accuracy”, and you will find playing online a challenge. Get past that though, and everyone can find something to love about this game.
Overall score;
For me, it’s a 10/10. For a new gamer, possibly nearer a 7. Basically, if you like RTS, you’ll love this. If you like strategy games, you’ll love this. If you’re into your history, you’ll love this.
If you like all three, you’ll probably divorce your wife, spend all your money tuning up your PC to play it at full res and discover that by the time you’ve conquered Japan for the 27th time you’ve lost your job. Addictive it is, short it ain’t. This review barely skims all of the features of the game, but hopefully it gives you a taste of the world that is Shogun 2.
The first thing you’ll notice is that this is most definitely a Total War game. The controls will be familiar, the objectives clear and the gameplay slick. Detailed, beautiful, huge and consistently entertaining, this is a perfect addition to the series.
For Non- Total War gamers;
The first thing you’ll notice is that this is unlike anything you’ll have played before. It’s not an RTS, it’s not a map-based campaign game, but it is a little of both, and yet it suffers none of the confines of either. The Total War series is without doubt one of the finest PC gaming series going, and Shogun 2 is its crowning glory.
S2 in a nutshell;
Japan is at war with itself. The ruling Shogunate have lost the respect of the people as they fail to unite the daimyos under their rule, each region striving to better their neighbours and clinging on to their independence. A land of diverse cultures and religion, Japan is only now beginning to find its feet in the world arena, and that has added fuel to an already raging fire. Christianity has gained a foothold in a few regions, causing unrest amongst the populace, sparking revolution and upset.
You take on the role of Daimyo for one of the clans of Medieval Japan, your sole aim to unite the land under your banner. To do so will require military might and civil development, and you have total control over how to achieve this; follow the old ways or adopt new religions, master the arts of war or politics, build alliances or force nations to become protectorates, develop assassins or publicly execute your enemies, dominate the seas or crush resistance on land…
In all, there are almost no limits on how to play the game. Few games manage to make you feel like you are the master of your own destiny, but Shogun 2 does it with ease. Every play- through will be different, every battle a joy, every challenge new.
Mechanics;
The game is split into two main parts, map- based management and real time battles. Each is equally important and equally entertaining. The map section allows control of your cities and settlements, forts, character movements and actions and army movement. Armies and characters are displayed as “chess pieces” on the map, select one with a left click, right click on the destination. Here is where you select to invade an enemy territory, assassinate an enemy, perform an execution, place a spy, sabotage an enemy building, manage your taxes, construction and recruitment, enter diplomatic relations and set up trade routes. It sounds like a lot, but the controls are intuitive, and the system flexible; many of these things can be “auto- managed” if you so choose, and what’s more, you can change this from in game, so if you start by managing it all, and it becomes too much for you, change it with a single click. Enter into a battle, and you’re taken to the other portion of the game, real time fights in full 3D glory!
Total War is renowned for its battle system; it has been used to create re-enactments of real conflict for historical TV shows. The accuracy and level of detail is astonishing, with each troop type perfectly configured with a full array of stats from armour values to morale to abilities and special functions. Units can be grouped, battle lines formed and army formations ripped directly from “the Art of War” are available for your use if you wish. Correct deployment and use of formations can make the difference between winning and losing, regardless of army size, both on land and at sea. You can zoom in and out to view your entire army or a single unit, move one unit, a group or your entire force with a single click, wheel, turn and form walls of spears to receive cavalry charges all with a handful of keys and your mouse. Your screen displays your units as cards at the bottom, and these are used to select and manage the troops. Select a card or cards, and right click on a destination in the 3D battlefield to move or on an enemy unit to initiate an attack.
Graphics and Sound;
A point to note; The guys at Sega have done a fantastic job. The graphics system is immensely scalable, so if your machine is a little older, you will still be able to play. Upper end specs are incredibly high, but the overall effect no matter what you play it on is nothing short of breathtaking. There is something quite special about zooming in close and watching a unit of 120 warriors each doing their own thing as they storm into the enemy. Likewise, boarding actions with your ships are spectacular. The glint of armour, the clash of steel, I know of no other game series that gives the same impression of conflict as Total War. The battlefields are gorgeous, complete with carefully modelled and textured terrain, long grass, seasonal trees, volumetric lighting and fog and battlefield smoke. In short, detail to the extreme.
The sound is full surround, and if your system is up to it, you’ll hear troops roaring behind you or the crackling fires of a burning city gate. Positioning is excellent and the sound effects accurate. It all adds to the effect, immersing you completely in the world you are forging.
There are also numerous cut sequences that show (if you want them to) when you perform an assassination or sabotage mission, and like everything else in this game, they are beautifully executed and wonderfully detailed.
A word on AI;
This is much improved over previous Total War games. I have watched with a touch of dismay as an enemy force RUNS to gain higher ground or position their most vulnerable troops in woodland to stave off a cavalry charge. Without a doubt, the AI reacts with a degree of perceived intelligence when it comes to a crucial point in a battle. Additionally, it’s nigh on impossible to fool with diplomacy or a feigned attack. They WILL flank charge, huddle in their castles and wait for you, sit out a siege until reinforcements arrive and generally cause as much mayhem as inhumanly possible. Be warned!
The best bits;
It’s actually quite hard to pick the best from all of this, but here goes…
This game is HUGE! A single turn can take over an hour, a single battle can be up to an hour, and you need to capture 60 regions to complete the long campaign. You won’t finish this in an afternoon.
Every faction is different. Different strengths, troop types and objectives mean that every one presents a different set of challenges and gameplay. Play it a hundred times, and it’s still as fresh, so for longevity, it’s unbeatable.
Graphically and soundwise, this is exceptional. Eye-poppingly beautiful, historically accurate and stunning just to watch, you can lose yourself in this easily.
Online and drop- in battles, meaning you can fight a scenario against a human opponent to test your mettle, or leave an open invite for someone to take control of the enemy during your single player campaign. There are even online campaigns to join.
Excellent help system, comprising a full encyclopaedia containing details of your gaming pieces as well as historical facts about the real article. Be warned, kiddies, you will be in serious danger of learning something!
The Bad bits;
Really, this only applies to gamers who have never played a Total War game before. The learning curve for newcomers can be a little steep, with many a failure leading you to eventual victory. The sheer weight of detail is a little daunting, and will possibly put some gamers off, as it does lean the game toward being slightly more “serious” than most.
This has the knock- on effect of causing many of the online gamers to be a little anally retentive in terms of “historical accuracy”, and you will find playing online a challenge. Get past that though, and everyone can find something to love about this game.
Overall score;
For me, it’s a 10/10. For a new gamer, possibly nearer a 7. Basically, if you like RTS, you’ll love this. If you like strategy games, you’ll love this. If you’re into your history, you’ll love this.
If you like all three, you’ll probably divorce your wife, spend all your money tuning up your PC to play it at full res and discover that by the time you’ve conquered Japan for the 27th time you’ve lost your job. Addictive it is, short it ain’t. This review barely skims all of the features of the game, but hopefully it gives you a taste of the world that is Shogun 2.
Dragonlance wrote:
This is the way that reviews should be written.
Thanks! Thought I'd get one in here at least, even if the game's been out a while.
Nice to see a few have read it at least! :-)
This is the way that reviews should be written.
Thanks! Thought I'd get one in here at least, even if the game's been out a while.
Nice to see a few have read it at least! :-)
This is the way that reviews should be written.
I LOVE Total War games. Really enjoyable and totally addictive.
Nice to see a Staffie submitting some stuff :-D
Nice to see a Staffie submitting some stuff :-D
Excellent stuff.
For Total War aficionados;
The first thing you’ll notice is that this is most definitely a Total War game. The controls will be familiar, the objectives clear and the gameplay slick. Detailed, beautiful, huge and consistently entertaining, this is a perfect addition to the series.
For Non- Total War gamers;
The first thing you’ll notice is that this is unlike anything you’ll have played before. It’s not an RTS, it’s not a map-based campaign game, but it is a little of both, and yet it suffers none of the confines of either. The Total War series is without doubt one of the finest PC gaming series going, and Shogun 2 is its crowning glory.
S2 in a nutshell;
Japan is at war with itself. The ruling Shogunate have lost the respect of the people as they fail to unite the daimyos under their rule, each region striving to better their neighbours and clinging on to their independence. A land of diverse cultures and religion, Japan is only now beginning to find its feet in the world arena, and that has added fuel to an already raging fire. Christianity has gained a foothold in a few regions, causing unrest amongst the populace, sparking revolution and upset.
You take on the role of Daimyo for one of the clans of Medieval Japan, your sole aim to unite the land under your banner. To do so will require military might and civil development, and you have total control over how to achieve this; follow the old ways or adopt new religions, master the arts of war or politics, build alliances or force nations to become protectorates, develop assassins or publicly execute your enemies, dominate the seas or crush resistance on land…
In all, there are almost no limits on how to play the game. Few games manage to make you feel like you are the master of your own destiny, but Shogun 2 does it with ease. Every play- through will be different, every battle a joy, every challenge new.
Mechanics;
The game is split into two main parts, map- based management and real time battles. Each is equally important and equally entertaining. The map section allows control of your cities and settlements, forts, character movements and actions and army movement. Armies and characters are displayed as “chess pieces” on the map, select one with a left click, right click on the destination. Here is where you select to invade an enemy territory, assassinate an enemy, perform an execution, place a spy, sabotage an enemy building, manage your taxes, construction and recruitment, enter diplomatic relations and set up trade routes. It sounds like a lot, but the controls are intuitive, and the system flexible; many of these things can be “auto- managed” if you so choose, and what’s more, you can change this from in game, so if you start by managing it all, and it becomes too much for you, change it with a single click. Enter into a battle, and you’re taken to the other portion of the game, real time fights in full 3D glory!
Total War is renowned for its battle system; it has been used to create re-enactments of real conflict for historical TV shows. The accuracy and level of detail is astonishing, with each troop type perfectly configured with a full array of stats from armour values to morale to abilities and special functions. Units can be grouped, battle lines formed and army formations ripped directly from “the Art of War” are available for your use if you wish. Correct deployment and use of formations can make the difference between winning and losing, regardless of army size, both on land and at sea. You can zoom in and out to view your entire army or a single unit, move one unit, a group or your entire force with a single click, wheel, turn and form walls of spears to receive cavalry charges all with a handful of keys and your mouse. Your screen displays your units as cards at the bottom, and these are used to select and manage the troops. Select a card or cards, and right click on a destination in the 3D battlefield to move or on an enemy unit to initiate an attack.
Graphics and Sound;
A point to note; The guys at Sega have done a fantastic job. The graphics system is immensely scalable, so if your machine is a little older, you will still be able to play. Upper end specs are incredibly high, but the overall effect no matter what you play it on is nothing short of breathtaking. There is something quite special about zooming in close and watching a unit of 120 warriors each doing their own thing as they storm into the enemy. Likewise, boarding actions with your ships are spectacular. The glint of armour, the clash of steel, I know of no other game series that gives the same impression of conflict as Total War. The battlefields are gorgeous, complete with carefully modelled and textured terrain, long grass, seasonal trees, volumetric lighting and fog and battlefield smoke. In short, detail to the extreme.
The sound is full surround, and if your system is up to it, you’ll hear troops roaring behind you or the crackling fires of a burning city gate. Positioning is excellent and the sound effects accurate. It all adds to the effect, immersing you completely in the world you are forging.
There are also numerous cut sequences that show (if you want them to) when you perform an assassination or sabotage mission, and like everything else in this game, they are beautifully executed and wonderfully detailed.
A word on AI;
This is much improved over previous Total War games. I have watched with a touch of dismay as an enemy force RUNS to gain higher ground or position their most vulnerable troops in woodland to stave off a cavalry charge. Without a doubt, the AI reacts with a degree of perceived intelligence when it comes to a crucial point in a battle. Additionally, it’s nigh on impossible to fool with diplomacy or a feigned attack. They WILL flank charge, huddle in their castles and wait for you, sit out a siege until reinforcements arrive and generally cause as much mayhem as inhumanly possible. Be warned!
The best bits;
It’s actually quite hard to pick the best from all of this, but here goes…
This game is HUGE! A single turn can take over an hour, a single battle can be up to an hour, and you need to capture 60 regions to complete the long campaign. You won’t finish this in an afternoon.
Every faction is different. Different strengths, troop types and objectives mean that every one presents a different set of challenges and gameplay. Play it a hundred times, and it’s still as fresh, so for longevity, it’s unbeatable.
Graphically and soundwise, this is exceptional. Eye-poppingly beautiful, historically accurate and stunning just to watch, you can lose yourself in this easily.
Online and drop- in battles, meaning you can fight a scenario against a human opponent to test your mettle, or leave an open invite for someone to take control of the enemy during your single player campaign. There are even online campaigns to join.
Excellent help system, comprising a full encyclopaedia containing details of your gaming pieces as well as historical facts about the real article. Be warned, kiddies, you will be in serious danger of learning something!
The Bad bits;
Really, this only applies to gamers who have never played a Total War game before. The learning curve for newcomers can be a little steep, with many a failure leading you to eventual victory. The sheer weight of detail is a little daunting, and will possibly put some gamers off, as it does lean the game toward being slightly more “serious” than most.
This has the knock- on effect of causing many of the online gamers to be a little anally retentive in terms of “historical accuracy”, and you will find playing online a challenge. Get past that though, and everyone can find something to love about this game.
Overall score;
For me, it’s a 10/10. For a new gamer, possibly nearer a 7. Basically, if you like RTS, you’ll love this. If you like strategy games, you’ll love this. If you’re into your history, you’ll love this.
If you like all three, you’ll probably divorce your wife, spend all your money tuning up your PC to play it at full res and discover that by the time you’ve conquered Japan for the 27th time you’ve lost your job. Addictive it is, short it ain’t. This review barely skims all of the features of the game, but hopefully it gives you a taste of the world that is Shogun 2.
The first thing you’ll notice is that this is most definitely a Total War game. The controls will be familiar, the objectives clear and the gameplay slick. Detailed, beautiful, huge and consistently entertaining, this is a perfect addition to the series.
For Non- Total War gamers;
The first thing you’ll notice is that this is unlike anything you’ll have played before. It’s not an RTS, it’s not a map-based campaign game, but it is a little of both, and yet it suffers none of the confines of either. The Total War series is without doubt one of the finest PC gaming series going, and Shogun 2 is its crowning glory.
S2 in a nutshell;
Japan is at war with itself. The ruling Shogunate have lost the respect of the people as they fail to unite the daimyos under their rule, each region striving to better their neighbours and clinging on to their independence. A land of diverse cultures and religion, Japan is only now beginning to find its feet in the world arena, and that has added fuel to an already raging fire. Christianity has gained a foothold in a few regions, causing unrest amongst the populace, sparking revolution and upset.
You take on the role of Daimyo for one of the clans of Medieval Japan, your sole aim to unite the land under your banner. To do so will require military might and civil development, and you have total control over how to achieve this; follow the old ways or adopt new religions, master the arts of war or politics, build alliances or force nations to become protectorates, develop assassins or publicly execute your enemies, dominate the seas or crush resistance on land…
In all, there are almost no limits on how to play the game. Few games manage to make you feel like you are the master of your own destiny, but Shogun 2 does it with ease. Every play- through will be different, every battle a joy, every challenge new.
Mechanics;
The game is split into two main parts, map- based management and real time battles. Each is equally important and equally entertaining. The map section allows control of your cities and settlements, forts, character movements and actions and army movement. Armies and characters are displayed as “chess pieces” on the map, select one with a left click, right click on the destination. Here is where you select to invade an enemy territory, assassinate an enemy, perform an execution, place a spy, sabotage an enemy building, manage your taxes, construction and recruitment, enter diplomatic relations and set up trade routes. It sounds like a lot, but the controls are intuitive, and the system flexible; many of these things can be “auto- managed” if you so choose, and what’s more, you can change this from in game, so if you start by managing it all, and it becomes too much for you, change it with a single click. Enter into a battle, and you’re taken to the other portion of the game, real time fights in full 3D glory!
Total War is renowned for its battle system; it has been used to create re-enactments of real conflict for historical TV shows. The accuracy and level of detail is astonishing, with each troop type perfectly configured with a full array of stats from armour values to morale to abilities and special functions. Units can be grouped, battle lines formed and army formations ripped directly from “the Art of War” are available for your use if you wish. Correct deployment and use of formations can make the difference between winning and losing, regardless of army size, both on land and at sea. You can zoom in and out to view your entire army or a single unit, move one unit, a group or your entire force with a single click, wheel, turn and form walls of spears to receive cavalry charges all with a handful of keys and your mouse. Your screen displays your units as cards at the bottom, and these are used to select and manage the troops. Select a card or cards, and right click on a destination in the 3D battlefield to move or on an enemy unit to initiate an attack.
Graphics and Sound;
A point to note; The guys at Sega have done a fantastic job. The graphics system is immensely scalable, so if your machine is a little older, you will still be able to play. Upper end specs are incredibly high, but the overall effect no matter what you play it on is nothing short of breathtaking. There is something quite special about zooming in close and watching a unit of 120 warriors each doing their own thing as they storm into the enemy. Likewise, boarding actions with your ships are spectacular. The glint of armour, the clash of steel, I know of no other game series that gives the same impression of conflict as Total War. The battlefields are gorgeous, complete with carefully modelled and textured terrain, long grass, seasonal trees, volumetric lighting and fog and battlefield smoke. In short, detail to the extreme.
The sound is full surround, and if your system is up to it, you’ll hear troops roaring behind you or the crackling fires of a burning city gate. Positioning is excellent and the sound effects accurate. It all adds to the effect, immersing you completely in the world you are forging.
There are also numerous cut sequences that show (if you want them to) when you perform an assassination or sabotage mission, and like everything else in this game, they are beautifully executed and wonderfully detailed.
A word on AI;
This is much improved over previous Total War games. I have watched with a touch of dismay as an enemy force RUNS to gain higher ground or position their most vulnerable troops in woodland to stave off a cavalry charge. Without a doubt, the AI reacts with a degree of perceived intelligence when it comes to a crucial point in a battle. Additionally, it’s nigh on impossible to fool with diplomacy or a feigned attack. They WILL flank charge, huddle in their castles and wait for you, sit out a siege until reinforcements arrive and generally cause as much mayhem as inhumanly possible. Be warned!
The best bits;
It’s actually quite hard to pick the best from all of this, but here goes…
This game is HUGE! A single turn can take over an hour, a single battle can be up to an hour, and you need to capture 60 regions to complete the long campaign. You won’t finish this in an afternoon.
Every faction is different. Different strengths, troop types and objectives mean that every one presents a different set of challenges and gameplay. Play it a hundred times, and it’s still as fresh, so for longevity, it’s unbeatable.
Graphically and soundwise, this is exceptional. Eye-poppingly beautiful, historically accurate and stunning just to watch, you can lose yourself in this easily.
Online and drop- in battles, meaning you can fight a scenario against a human opponent to test your mettle, or leave an open invite for someone to take control of the enemy during your single player campaign. There are even online campaigns to join.
Excellent help system, comprising a full encyclopaedia containing details of your gaming pieces as well as historical facts about the real article. Be warned, kiddies, you will be in serious danger of learning something!
The Bad bits;
Really, this only applies to gamers who have never played a Total War game before. The learning curve for newcomers can be a little steep, with many a failure leading you to eventual victory. The sheer weight of detail is a little daunting, and will possibly put some gamers off, as it does lean the game toward being slightly more “serious” than most.
This has the knock- on effect of causing many of the online gamers to be a little anally retentive in terms of “historical accuracy”, and you will find playing online a challenge. Get past that though, and everyone can find something to love about this game.
Overall score;
For me, it’s a 10/10. For a new gamer, possibly nearer a 7. Basically, if you like RTS, you’ll love this. If you like strategy games, you’ll love this. If you’re into your history, you’ll love this.
If you like all three, you’ll probably divorce your wife, spend all your money tuning up your PC to play it at full res and discover that by the time you’ve conquered Japan for the 27th time you’ve lost your job. Addictive it is, short it ain’t. This review barely skims all of the features of the game, but hopefully it gives you a taste of the world that is Shogun 2.