Total War Shogun 2 Remastered Review

Total War Shogun 2 Remastered is a turn-based strategy game set in feudal Japan, developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega. The game is a remastered version of the 2011 original, with improved graphics, sound design, and gameplay mechanics.

Technical Analysis

The game’s graphics and visual fidelity have been significantly improved, with detailed textures, animations, and lighting effects. Standout visual moments include the sunrise over the mountains of Yoshida, the bloody battles of Sekigahara, and the serene gardens of the Imperial Palace. The game runs at a smooth 60 frames per second on high-end PCs, with a resolution of up to 4K. On consoles, the game runs at 30 frames per second on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with a resolution of up to 1080p.

The sound design and music are also noteworthy, with a haunting soundtrack that incorporates traditional Japanese instruments. Specific tracks, such as “The Way of the Samurai” and “The Battle of Sekigahara”, are particularly memorable. The sound effects, including the clashing of steel and the thunder of cannons, are also well-done.

As for load times and technical issues, the game loads quickly, with an average load time of 10-15 seconds on PC and 20-30 seconds on consoles. However, some players have reported occasional frame rate drops and crashes, particularly during large battles.

Gameplay Mechanics

The core gameplay loop of Total War Shogun 2 Remastered involves turn-based strategy and real-time battles. Players control a faction, such as the Tokugawa or the Mori, and must navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries between different clans. The game’s control scheme is intuitive, with a mouse-and-keyboard setup on PC and a controller setup on consoles. The game’s responsiveness is also good, with a button mapping system that allows players to customize their controls.

The game’s unique features and innovations include the “Hero” system, which allows players to create and customize their own heroes, and the “Navy” system, which allows players to build and command their own fleets. The game’s combat system is also noteworthy, with a combo system that allows players to execute complex maneuvers and a “Morale” system that affects the performance of troops in battle.

The game’s progression systems include a leveling system that allows players to upgrade their units and buildings, and a skill tree system that allows players to customize their heroes and faction leaders. Players can also research technologies to improve their economy, military, and diplomacy.

Narrative Elements

The main storyline of Total War Shogun 2 Remastered follows the Sengoku period of Japanese history, a time of great turmoil and upheaval. Players must navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries between different clans, and make difficult choices that will affect the fate of their faction. The game’s character development is also noteworthy, with complex and nuanced characters like Tokugawa Ieyasu and Ishida Mitsunari.

The game’s key plot points and major revelations include the Battle of Sekigahara, which determines the fate of Japan, and the conquest of the Mori clan, which has significant repercussions for the player’s faction. Specific story moments worth highlighting include the assassination of Oda Nobunaga, which sets off a chain reaction of events, and the final battle against the Tokugawa clan, which is a thrilling and challenging conclusion to the game.

The game’s quality of dialogue and voice acting is also good, with believable and well-acted characters. Standout performances include the voice acting for Tokugawa Ieyasu, which brings gravity and depth to the character, and the voice acting for Ishida Mitsunari, which conveys the character’s cunning and ambition.

Content Breakdown

The approximate length to complete the main story is around 20-30 hours, depending on the player’s skill level and playstyle. The game also includes a number of side missions and campaigns, including the “Rise of the Samurai” campaign and the “Fall of the Samurai” campaign, which add an additional 10-20 hours of gameplay.

The game’s replayability factors include a New Game+ mode, which allows players to start a new game with upgraded units and buildings, and a random events system, which adds variety and unpredictability to the gameplay. The game also includes a multiplayer mode, which allows players to compete against each other in online battles.

As for DLC or post-launch content plans, Creative Assembly has confirmed that there will be new campaigns and factions added to the game in the future, including the “Blood Pack” DLC, which adds new units and battles to the game.

Critical Analysis

Standout moments in Total War Shogun 2 Remastered include the Battle of Sekigahara, which is a thrilling and challenging battle that determines the fate of Japan, and the conquest of the Mori clan, which has significant repercussions for the player’s faction. The game’s comparison to similar games is also favorable, with a more complex and nuanced gameplay system than games like Europa Universalis IV and Hearts of Iron IV.

The game’s value proposition is also good, with a large amount of content and a high replayability factor. The game’s target audience assessment is that it is suitable for fans of strategy games and Japanese history, particularly those who enjoy complex gameplay systems and nuanced storytelling.

In conclusion, Total War Shogun 2 Remastered is a highly recommended game for fans of strategy games and Japanese history. With its complex gameplay system, nuanced storytelling, and high replayability factor, it is a game that will keep players engaged for hours on end. However, players should be aware of the technical issues and steep learning curve that may deter some players.