Preview: Shogun II: Total War

An upcoming strategy computer game developed by The Creative Assembly and published by Sega. It is the latest installment in the Total War series and returns to the 16th century Japan setting of Shogun: Total War.

Release Date: March 15, 2011
MSRP: $49.95
Exclusively on: PC
T for Teen: Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
Genre: Strategy 
Publisher: SEGA
Developer: Creative Assembly

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Game Development:
In Shogun 2, leaders and generals will be given more personality and depth in gameplay. Generals and agents are to be portrayed as "larger-than-life" heroes with unique characteristics and powerful abilities. The player will be able to improve and unlock traits and special abilities for the characters as they gain experience. However, the player will also be inclined to engage in family politics within the clan, to keep its members loyal. 

Shogun 2 will feature multiplayer battles as well as multiplayer campaigns that may involve more than 2 players. In a multiplayer camapaign, players can be grouped into different clans, so that for each clan, one player assumes the role of clan leader and others take command of armies. The clan leader will have the ability to direct other players and assign rewards based on loyalty and performance, introducing clan politics into multiplayer. As a player's army invades an enemy territory or is attacked by enemy armies, the online matchmaker finds a suitable opponent and initiates a multiplayer battle. When a player defeats enemy armies and conquers territories, the player will gain points and other bonuses for the clan. In addition, an achievement system is designed to provide adhering players with unique abilities and cosmetic upgrades.

Shogun 2 is scheduled to be released in four different editions. The "Standard Edition" contains just the game, while the "Limited Edition" additionally includes a unique playable faction (the Hattori Clan), an additional historical battle scenario 'Nagashino', a complete set of armor for the player's online avatar and a starting bank of experience points to spend on that online character. The "Collector's Edition" will include the Limited Edition content as well as a replica bamboo box containing a Shogun 2 art book and a detailed figurine of Takeda Shingen. The "Grand Master's edition" consists of the Collector's edition, as well as a bamboo Shogun 2 themed chess set, currently exclusive to select stores in the UK and Austrailia.