My descent down the rabbit hole of Total War began with this game. It feels authentic for the time and while it isn't Medieval, the War for Japan really is something to be delighted about. Maybe it's also personal preference, but your battles feel earned compared to later ones especially on higher difficulties. The longer you continue to fight, the harder it gets with Religion, raiding, and just total standstills at time.

Agents are necessary to maintain control of the Campaign Map. Shinobi to Assassinate and Sabotage, Metsuke to stop enemy agents, Priests to maintain public order, without them, you're screwed. And you have to start early to have an advantage over everyone else.

My biggest complaint is the Fame system. The more battles you win and more factions you destroy, the more fame you get. Eventually, you'll trigger an end game where EVERYONE wants your blood. Any carefully crafted Alliances are shattered and any trade agreements are worthless. Meaning you have to rely on brute force and strategy.

Though becoming Shogun is made all the more worth it after endless turns of battle.

My descent down the rabbit hole of Total War began with this game. It feels authentic for the time and while it isn't Medieval, the War for Japan really is something to be delighted about. Maybe it's also personal preference, but your battles feel earned compared to later ones especially on higher difficulties. The longer you continue to fight, the harder it gets with Religion, raiding, and just total standstills at time. Agents are necessary to maintain control of the Campaign Map. Shinobi to Assassinate and Sabotage, Metsuke to stop enemy agents, Priests to maintain public order, without them, you're screwed. And you have to start early to have an advantage over everyone else. My biggest complaint is the Fame system. The more battles you win and more factions you destroy, the more fame you get. Eventually, you'll trigger an end game where EVERYONE wants your blood. Any carefully crafted Alliances are shattered and any trade agreements are worthless. Meaning you have to rely on brute force and strategy. Though becoming Shogun is made all the more worth it after endless turns of battle.