Shogun: Total War

Creative Assembly · Jun 13, 2000

Teen

About

Japan, 1542, a country in turmoil. The last shogunate has collapsed, leaving a nation divided into numerous factions, each led by a daimyo, a feudal warlord. Each daimyo is out to scheme, murder, and wage war to become supreme ruler. The emperor is powerless, a puppet of whichever faction controls Kyoto. Into this melting pot come the first European explorers; bringing guns, religion, and disease. Out of this chaos will emerge only one daimyo, he who will master all the varied skills that make up the art of war; Politics, economics, subterfuge, strategic warfare, and battlefield tactics.

Trailers & screenshots

Scores by platform

PC

Critic 8.5 (5 critics) · Gamer 8.4

Critic reviews

Game Zone
jkdmedia · Jun 25, 2000
9.0
The scope of this program is fantastic. The period detailed is rich, not only in the mode of battle, but in the surrounding aspects - from the intrigue of geisha assassins, to the introduction of Jesuit priests who try to convert you from Buddhist teachings to Christianity. In the realm of RTS games, Electronic Arts has produced, well, the Shogun - at least for now.
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IGN
IGN Staff · Jun 22, 2000
8.5
Shogun is a remarkable game and definitely worth getting. So many historical wargames are inaccessible to the casual gamer. They're usually so complex that only hardcore grognards have the patience and understanding to get anything out of them. Shogun is the exception. It proves that a wargame can adhere to standards of realism and fun. It's a great change of pace from the genre's usual offering of Civil War or Second World War games.
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GameSpot
Elliott Chin · Jun 19, 2000
8.8
Shogun does have a smattering of problems, but it easily makes up for its shortcomings with its great design and engrossing gameplay. Since many recent strategy games have emphasized instantly gratifying tactical battles, it's refreshing to play a game that also rewards more long-term planning and tactical thinking. No matter which type of strategy game you prefer, you owe it to yourself to try Shogun.
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Euro Gamer
Rob Fahey · Jun 27, 2000
9.0
Everything about the game smacks of good research and authenticity, down to the ability to select a Japanese voiceover with English subtitles rather than having English voices all the way through. Fans of samurai movies, fans of medieval warfare, or simply anyone wishing to play the single most accurate simulation of war ever created, will have no excuse for not owning a copy of Shogun : Total War.
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Gameplanet.com.au
Dan Cheer · Sep 07, 2012
7.0
Interface is a little clunky, having come from iOS. Placing units usually requires more space than is easily available. The game can be extremely unforgiving at times, particularly on higher difficulty settings. A Shogun game by The Creative Assembly for less than ten bucks? Yes please! Oh, it's a hex-based combat game? Alright, but you're paying for dinner.