Grand Masters Edition and diverse points of contention

The 'Bambusreplika packaging' is a simple printed with bamboo pattern cardboard packaging. Looks OK, but if you want to make this not clearly visible on the shelf, it is rather superfluous.
The art book contains a lot of nice artwork and graphics, but after a brief Browse also more likely to disappear on the shelf.
The Daimyo character is working properly and painted. My now adorns the desk and has already provoked a few requests from acquaintances.
The game of chess is also well-made, hand-painted figures. But I myself use continue my normal game of chess, because my game opponents would certainly react more irritated when I would threaten my 'Geisha' their 'Daimyo' ...
The Hattori Clan, which you can select the same from the beginning in the Grandmaster Edition can be unlocked in the normal edition by playing through the campaign, that is not really an exclusive content.

You pay so for a decent game of chess, where substantial and a nice Artbooklet 60 surcharge regular edition.
Personally, I have a certain affinity Japan (learn writing and language as a hobby) and collect Collectors Editions, but I still thought long about the acquisition.
For me, the purchase was worthwhile, though just barely. However, the average buyer should think about whether he really likes the extras and willing to pay the price for it. In addition, is expected to further decline in prices of the Grand Masters Edition.

I do not want to rattle off facts that have already been mentioned in detail elsewhere.
Below I would like to go but from some points that are regularly mentioned in 'Shogun 2' Reviews:

--- First point: "The AI ​​in 'Shogun 2' is bad and makes too many mistakes." ---

An AI can (!) In my opinion not play perfectly (neither tactically nor strategically) otherwise you would not have or hardly win a battle, because the computer opponent can command all units much faster than the player's enjoyment of the game by a lot could create mouse. Maybe you should choose a higher difficulty level than 'Easy' Just looking, if you find the AI ​​too weak !?

For strategic AI:
Diplomacy has me, as well as the strategic AI until now very pleasantly surprised. Example complacent ?:
A friendly communities attacked me, shortly after the conclusion of a lucrative joint trade agreement, even though I was strong militarily superior. Actually stupid.
On closer inspection, it is but logical: I was at the beginning of a war with a second clan, who was my military equals. The armies that I against my former allies could send were needed far more urgently on the other front. Also blocked my, now occupied by him, his province further expansion - he had so sooner or later attack. The timing of his attack was perfectly chosen.
Since all ended with a peace offering for its part, seasoned with a high 'Wiedergutmachungs' payment and an offer of marriage. I was not able to successfully attack him at that time because he had almost his entire army used to defend my former province. So I assumed. A little later, the relations were better than ever, I had, thanks to the marriage a new heir to the throne and he had achieved his goal 100%.
Elsewhere I have defeated opponents pressed large sums what this me but long resented and finally in a surprise attack allied against me.
So clever can be KI. Admittedly, it does also like mistakes, but they should also, finally, I want to have fun at the game.

--- Second: "The calculation of the output of a battle ('Auto Resolve') is too random." ---

War involves (as stated in the war so is) random parameters. 'Shit happens', so to speak (as it crashes sometimes a Libyan air defenses totally superior US aircraft due to 'technical failure' from ...).
Battles even unsubscribe in the game will bring an advantage. The player is better command than the AI. I myself think rather that one is favored as a player in 'Auto Resolve', especially if one uses strong (high-level) generals.

--- Third: "The game is not so cynical and humorous as 'Napoleon' or 'Empire'." ---

Cynical humor does not fit absolutely to Shogun scenario, nor malice or sarcasm. These kinds incorporate the atmosphere of the Games would have severely damaged. Honor and saving face certain life of the Samurai and the Japanese of today. Japanese have very little understanding / use of sarcasm, etc., which is due to the structure of the Japanese language and the traditions.

--- Fourth, "Generals should have strong skills active." ---

What skills active generals, should have in addition to the impact area where his warriors fight better, me remains a mystery. The game is based on real or logical operations. A fireball, particularly strong hail of arrows, 'invulnerability' or similar come up to me little sense.
In my experience, generals can be absolutely slaughter and war decisively in the game. A high-class General can transform a hopeless defense in a victory, let his armies marching over longer distances, reduce maintenance costs, and much more; If you turn off the opposing general, the opponent has a bad hand for the rest of the battle / war, what different tactical options allowed.
To me it is almost too much of a good thing with the importance of the generals. For even more impact would destroy the balance of the game MMN.

--- Fifth: "There are far too few unit types, abilities and diplomatic options 'Empires' was there better.." ---

Shogun 2 was highly purified in respect of its predecessors. 'Explorable' The number of units was reduced, simplified diplomacy ... etc. The aforementioned minority of units capabilities so is entirely intentional.
In my opinion it has become much more catchy and simply better than, say, 'Empires' / 'Napoleon', where it was overloaded simply. Partly arises almost back 'Rome' feeling a.
Direct confrontation of units and soldiers was quite common in the then Japan. The fight hand-to-man was wanted; great tactical feats were rare, the combat effectiveness of soldiers and their morale significantly. 'Sneaky' tactics or example muskets were perceived as dishonorable and not a few daimyo why they rejected outright (if they are not guaranteed a final victory, after which you could turn off all 'eyewitnesses').

--- Sixth point: "Shogun 2 is a technical nightmare / does not work." ---

Technically Shogun 2 'considerably further apart than' Napoleon ', of the initial (very annoying) problems with Steam. Selbige are bypassed by the way (see eg. Steam forums). I myself had to the initial steam problem no technical difficulties, which, unfortunately, very much looked different in 'Napoleon' (and looks). The posts in various forums suggest that 'Shogun' fortunately one of the errors freer play of CA. I as a fan of TW series since 'Shogun (1)' would call it (after 10h season) as the far error freest part of the series.
In the technical / graphical options the way you can choose between the DirectX paths. I use DX9, which significantly faster / liquid runs than the other options and looks hardly worse. Admittedly, the theme 'DX11' CA is not exactly treated intelligently and thus upset players with corresponding types in the computer technology.

One can hardly argue about the content or the theme of the game, because it is simply a matter of taste. I like the scenario of 'Shogun' very much. Especially the wonderful atmosphere that is achieved with Japanese music and graphic changes between the different seasons is outstanding.
Another big plus is the very evocative Japanese Speech at Unit comments, General speeches, among other things Do not be afraid, texts and important information are German / English ... I would have liked a pure Japanese version, but that would have the development time and cost certainly clear in the level driven.

For me to 'Rome' the next best installment of the series. From me there is a strong buy recommendation.