Total War: SHOGUN 2
" Deep strategy game blending real-time and turn-based play with steep learning curve for newcomers "
Total War: SHOGUN 2 Review
Total War: SHOGUN 2 remains a standout title in the Total War series, praised for its elegant blend of turn-based strategy and real-time tactical battles set during Japan's Sengoku period. Players appreciate the game's balanced gameplay pace, diverse and clan-unique units, and compelling campaign mechanics like the challenging Realm Divide event that prevents snowballing and keeps late-game engaging. The AI is regarded as intelligent and aggressive, providing meaningful strategic depth. The game's atmosphere is immersive
Some players note minor issues such as occasional bugs, a sometimes unreliable AI diplomacy system, and a steep learning curve for newcomers. Multiplayer activity has declined, and mod support has faced challenges due to launcher updates. Overall, SHOGUN 2 is celebrated as a timeless, masterfully crafted strategy game that remains relevant and engaging even years after release.
Highlights
Players consistently praise SHOGUN 2's strategic depth and tactical combat, highlighting the meaningful unit diversity and clan uniqueness. The game's AI and Realm Divide mechanic are noted for adding challenge and preventing easy victories. The immersive historical atmosphere with authentic visuals, traditional soundtrack, and voice acting enhances player engagement. The Fall of the Samurai expansion is especially lauded for enriching gameplay with gunpowder units. Many reviews emphasize the game's balanced pacing and satisfying siege battles as key strengths. The modding community and workshop content also receive positive mentions for extending the game's longevity.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include diplomacy mechanics being underwhelming or unreliable, with AI often reacting harshly or unpredictably. Naval combat is considered less polished and occasionally clunky compared to land battles. Some players find the learning curve steep, especially due to the Realm Divide event's sudden difficulty spike. Technical issues such as bugs, crashes during tutorials, and launcher-related mod incompatibility have frustrated users. Multiplayer has seen a decline in active players, limiting the experience. A few reviews mention repetitive castle designs and archer mechanics as minor drawbacks.
Pros
- • Deep strategic gameplay with meaningful unit variety and clan uniqueness.
- • Immersive historical atmosphere with authentic art, music, and voice acting.
- • Challenging and intelligent AI enhances campaign and battles.
- • Realm Divide mechanic adds late-game tension and prevents snowballing.
- • Engaging and tactical siege battles praised by many players.
- • Fall of the Samurai DLC enriches gameplay with gunpowder units.
- • Balanced pacing keeps gameplay neither too fast nor too slow.
Cons
- • Diplomacy system often feels unreliable and frustrating.
- • Naval battles are less refined and sometimes clunky.
- • Steep learning curve for newcomers, especially with Realm Divide.
- • Launcher updates have broken mod compatibility for many users.
- • Multiplayer has a small, declining player base.
- • Occasional bugs and crashes reported, especially in tutorials.
- • Repetitive castle designs and archer delay mechanics.
Rating Criteria
Total War: SHOGUN 2 is the perfect mix of real-time and turn-based strategy gaming for newcomers and veterans alike.
