Nobunaga's Ambition: Rise To Power (PS2) is a historical journey worth taking as long as you're not afraid of challenge.
but, I saw that Koei has come out with yet another historical game and in the vein in which I can appreciate: domination and strategy. Well, after much internal debate and procrastination I thought how could I lose I mean it is Japanese history, it's Nobunaga, and from what I saw on the box it did look promising.
After a helpful tutorial I was on my way to Japan domination. The difficulty will vary between HARD (in control at the start of the game with one fief) and EASY (in control of a couple of fiefs) believe me when I tell you this game is alot deeper than it appears. So far I'm holding my own but, I have on occasion (and this is rare for me) got my butt handed to me.
The thing I love about this game the most is that it is RICH in Japanese history. The presentation is also, I think, BEAUTIFUL The soundtrack in this game is a great accompaniment to this game as it befits the place and time.. After the UGLY Samurai Warriors Empires this really put on the polish and shine more than making up for the ugly graphics in SW Empires. Word to the wise: KEEP THIS GOING BECAUSE IT WAS GREAT. The last great game I played like this was Dynasty Warriors 5: Empires. As a matter of fact it's my favorite.
So, as you build farms for food, garrisons for troops, and market for currency you are also able to build (over time) temples, bazzaars, and other type of districts. You are able to inspect your time to keep order, donate food to your citizens to boost loyalty. But, the coolest feature is the TACTICS. You are able to send ninjas to spy on other fiefs, spread rumors to opposing officer, sabotage another fief's production and more.
I also like how the seasons change from Winter to Summer. Names change, officers die, and depending on how you maintain your fief, a large payday looms every New Year.
The battles are a bit confusing at first but, after a few practices in the tutorial and you get the gist. Its very satisfying to know that you can march in with THOUSANDS of troops and overcome an army with maybe 2,000 troops at the most. You can destroy their farms, garrisons, teahouses, etc.... while marching to the main goal and that is the opposing castle. You take that over you take the territroy. Afterwards, you decide the fate of the fools who dared oppose you. RECRUIT, RELEASE, OR EXECUTE. Some will join and other would rather die.
I have yet to finish this game but, it's worth the $40.00 so far. I am still trying new things to better my chances of taking over the whole land and I believe it will take a bit. But, I do believe it is a journey worth taking as the story is beautifully told. If you don't feel like playing there is always the auto-play feature for battles and you can delegate other fiefs to the computer. It is for the history/strategy buff ohly though as you will NOT breeze through this game in one sitting. So, take a trip through history and take control over Japan.