Shogun: Total War - PC

Shogun Total War for the PC is a comprehensive 16th century Japanese war simulator. The game is set during the 'Sengoku Jidai' period, which translates as 'The Age of the Country at War'. Choose from seven different clans and try to bring peace to the land by any means necessary. The going will be far from smooth, as you must try to balance your resources and destroy the other armies.

There are two main parts to Shogun: turn-based strategy and real-time epic battles. The turn-based strategy section involves constructing buildings, dojos and defences. You also need to train your men in the art of combat and manage your health and wealth. Alliances can be formed with the Daimyo's (leaders of the opposition) until the time comes to strike them down. It pays to be cunning but beware, the Daimyo's are looking out for themselves.

The real time battles are one of the most impressive features of Shogun. It is possible to control hundreds of men in battle at the same time. Different units can be assigned to work as one, useful for an all out attack. Alternatively, it is effective too, to split your troops depending on their abilities and strike from several locations. Archers are good for long-range attacks but useless in close combat, so make your decisions wisely as it could cost your men their lives. Luckily there is a good tutorial section for teaching the fundamentals of war.

Shogun is a game of tactics and strategy, and sometimes you need to lose the odd battle to win the war. With up to eight people able to play simultaneously across a network or the Internet, war has never been so much fun.
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