There is a war again

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory already spoke the wise Chinese warlord Sun Tzu, which the present game quotes only too happy. Even the latest title of Shogun 2 Total War series heeded this advice and sets the mix between tactical real time battles and turn-based strategy to like no other PC game in the market. Shogun Total War in 2000 was the first title of this series. Here the player was on a strategic map of the feudal Japan of the 16th century to take control over one of the great samurai clans that time to lead the Daimyo (clan leader) in the battle for the title of Shogun, the supreme commander of Japan, , To achieve this goal, the own territory had expanded continuously, agriculture expanded, built castles, forged alliances and of course armies are dug, which were reflected on a 3D real-time battlefield with the troops enemy clans. This gameplay have remained true in essence to this day the makers of Total War series. Shogun 2 returns to excursions to ancient Rome, in the European Middle Ages, in the Seven Years' War and the Napoleonic era to last its historical roots. During the series, the series was always extended to ideas and new units, the research of new weapons and abilities in politics and business and recently especially in combat on the high seas in massive naval battles. Shogun 2 retains these enhancements, this slims but sometimes focuses on the basics of the game: units dig and fight battles to expand its power.

Finally it is here

If you start a game you can choose between nine different clans. The Limited Edition offers this on a separate communities. The strategy map was graphically pimped more than its predecessor and can be rotated in the view. In general overview on the map is better than in previous versions, especially the players nice tool are given in the hand to switches by clicking on individual units, buildings or events. The Fog of War is initially also represented by a drawn map, yielding only in the course of the game, the topography of the country opens up a nice idea because it lets has the charm to make explorations with his fleets along coastlines to explore this and new clans to discover.

Furthermore, there is in addition to the playable clans a large number of small samurai families who are swallowed up by their larger neighbors quickly after a few laps. But it also happens that prevail smaller clans and clan-known as the Takeda or the Oda at the very beginning to disappear from the game. So you fear something about their fate. Fortunately new clans in the game but also repeatedly established, such as when break uprisings in their origin provinces.

Seafaring has in Shogun 2 is no longer the decisive importance. If you play but a Inselvölkchen as Chosokabe, a fleet offers to bring troops quickly to more remote locations on the map. Anyway worth financially, the construction of commercial vessels that occupy at the board edge in a race against enemy ships trading posts to import rare goods such as silk from China and earn a nice pile of money.

The game runs smoothly based on a long or short campaign. Each train is a season where the weather changes on the map after each train. The aim is, within a specified time to conquer a certain number provinces and eventually Kyoto, the seat of the emperor and the Ashikaga, the currently ruling shogun clan.

The only complaint is that the AI ​​on the map acts often predictable and important cities and fortresses can be unoccupied. However, the AI ​​sees as your chance to conquer unguarded cities quickly and destroy the surrounding villages. In each province depending on the size of the castle several villages can be expanded and specialized to excavate about better or new units or to generate income.

All in all, sees the card out nicely and is well arranged. One can find everything you need at once and does not feel overwhelmed.

Great real time battles

Core of the Total War games are of course the real-time battles. Again, graphics and presentation of the units have been improved. It's just fun during the fight up close to zoom and the duels attend that run somewhat theatrically really worth seeing and Japanese-style. In addition to the duels that have ranged in Shogun 2 a wide meaning that less sporadically emerging arquebuses of European dealers, who in the course of the game trying to spread, but rather the archers with arms trade and Christianity in Japan. Not only does the shooter floor are wonderful to look at, when they spun and firing their bows, they are also extremely effective. Unsecured items in an open field are a godsend and a few volleys can quickly wipe out a whole regiment totally Samurai.

In the battles comes also the topography of great importance. Units can hide in forests, in order to surprise the enemy and suffer in their coverage also significantly less damage from arrows. To let assail his fighter around climb, is not a good idea. The clear at the latest when the stamina bar in the red zone and en masse take the units at a time to escape and be mowed down by the enemy's cavalry.

Otherwise, the number of units in Shogun 2 is clear. There are considerably fewer troops than types in the previous versions. Spearman form with the ground protecting the core of the armies. While the cavalry has clout, their attacks can but end up with a disaster quickly in the army mostly consisting of spearmen. Of course, the troops also purchase again experience and can improve skills (accuracy, stamina, more effective weapons, better armor) have, however, the stone-paper-scissors principle intervenes still.

Moreover, the generals are very important, which is not only beautiful motivation speeches every battle at the beginning, but bless their troops in battle with special skills, such as motivating individual fallen into distress regiments and certainly can influence the course of battle.

The battles are pure action when, for example, hundreds of arrows whizzing through the air and strike in densely packed masses of enemies with arrows stuck even in men, horses or mounts.

Siege battles are again an integral part of the game. However, siege weapons here are not as crucial as the troops can climb the walls. However, for it to be overcome by the attacker, depending on the size of the castle, several fortress rings Finesse is here so asked. Just to let his troops run up in bulk, usually ends in hail of arrows the defenders. It is better there, his troops to divide everywhere to bind the opponent a little to break through at one point.

A quick glance at the lake

Naval battles come slightly shorter than about at Empire or Napoleon Total War and are unspectacular. Seafaring was in feudal Japan now times not the central theme. Thus, the ships are smaller and do not fire with guns, but at most with fire arrows. Enter maneuvers are important in order to conquer the enemy ships and to use for their own purposes. However, it also makes this fun to watch the goings on lake.

Research and skills

A technical advance was just like the seafaring in Japan not as spectacular. Rather, it was about concepts such as honor and bushido, the way of the warrior. Then also, the available research tree or the two trees research is aimed. Roughly speaking one can on military (Buhsido) or economic (Zen) research areas and thus unlock new abilities, as more arrows for archers in battle or on the other side better Farms for more income.

New to the game here is the little RPG aspect. In the game there are as mentioned generals who command as personalities the troops in the battle and the strategic area tasks take about a governor or minister of army and supply. Similarly, there are again Ninjas which Assassination on the map other characters or shade or perform other acts of sabotage. The Metsuke has the task of a spy, monks keep the population in the true faith, or goad them to the enemy territory to a rebellion if necessary. Now, all these characters their own special skill tree, which they can ascend to successful use. So you can zoom breed specialists for every type object itself.

Especially you have to give to his family clan Eight. If the Daimyo murdered and no male successor is born, dies from the communities and the game is lost immediately.

The identification with the existing personalities is thus increased, especially since every general on the battlefield has a different armor and thereby apart from the other troops. Also sometimes dive in the game heroes who mastered a martial art in particular. This aspect is a nice extra income, if this is not also play determinative. If a General, spies and ninjas can soon be recruited new, anyway.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics are beautiful to look at the strategic map as well as in the game. Fighting during the night is possible and the weather plays a role in the fight: whether snow, rain, fog, thunderstorms with lightning.

The sound is kept spartan and functional. However, the sounds and rhythms are classically Japanese, performed by professional drummers, underlining the feeling of diving while playing in the world of ancient Japan. The sounds of battle noises sometimes had while still small dropouts.

Innovations in Multiplayer

The multiplayer offers online battles, more recently, the possibility of a multiplayer Kampange. Here you can for two counter or argue with each other for the title of Shogun. Then the Total War trailer had to wait until now.

Another new feature is the Avatar campaign. Here one must create your own avatar General and this move on the strategic map where you turn discharges battles against other players, thereby gaining experience and thus new skills and equipment.

Conclusion

For those who like the title of the Total War series, Shogun 2 is a must buy. The gameplay is engaging and motivated again and again. But newcomers the game can be recommended. It does not overwhelm the player, offering tailored and intuitive controls.