So, SEGA's lifted the press embargo on Total War: Shogun 2, which means we'll start to see reviews pop up all over the net shortly. Rather than having a thread for each of them I thought I'd make this one where everyone can post reviews they find and I'll try and keep track of them in the OP.
I'll kick of with one old review and a new one:
EDIT: found two more already!
Game Informer —
For the full gist including some amazing new screenshots check the link above.
Pre-set formations lack clear descriptions and there is one which seems unbeatable by the AI, and, while simpler than in Empire, naval battles are still chaotic. Appararently it's quite difficult to raise those armies without becoming firm friends with the clans you've traded with in order to obtain the funds you need, which means you don't really need that army anymore. While on paper these two issues should culminate to ruin the game, they don't. Shogun 2 is presented with such style and grace that it's still engaging and fun.
Hussarknight
I'll kick of with one old review and a new one:
EDIT: found two more already!
Game Informer — 95%
Less truly is more when it comes to Total War. Shogun 2, with a smaller scale and tighter focus, boasts the best gameplay and design of any entry in the franchise. I can't imagine a realistic way that The Creative Assembly could have made a better case to win back fans put off by Empire.
SpazioGames (Italian) — 9.3/10
Best Total War Ever. That should say enough about how great a game this is. It's incredibly deep, complex and magnificent to look at. Still, take into consideration that it's not exactly the most accessible strategy game around, and that you need a ballsy computer to enjoy the game to its fullest. A great return for one of the greatest strategy series ever made. Bravo The Creative Assembly.
PC Gamer — 92%
Throughout, this is a game with a sense of design that makes it a pleasure to play. Every unit-card, every interface panel and every menu option is painted in the style of medieval Japan. Shogun 2 demonstrates an admirable re-setting of Total War's sights. Its a tighter, more focuses experience than the continental sprawl of Empire and Napoleon, sacrifices none of their intricacy, and brings improved AI to the battlefield. In the final count, it's constantly thrilling, grand in scope, surprisingly atmospheric, and bloody hard to put down.
Voodoo Extreme — 4.5/5
For the full gist including some amazing new screenshots check the link above.If I sound overly positive while trying to summarize my Shogun 2 experience I can assure you it's with good reason. I tried my best to find flaws in Shogun 2, or any of the problems that bugged me to death in Empire and Napoleon. The only flaw I ran into involved the minor multiplayer campaign hiccups, but I was reminded by the fact that I was playing a pre-release build. Aside from that, I just can't help but feel so impressed that Creative Assembly listened to the fans, and brought back the features that made earlier Total War games feel so magical.
With Shogun 2 the staff at Creative Assembly raised the bar not only for themselves, but also for the competition. No strategy loving gamer should be without a copy of Shogun 2 in my eyes. So hurry up and order your copy so I can put your head on a stick come next week!
Eurogamer — 9/10
The Creative Assembly designers are masters at transporting strategicians to a different place and time, and here they are at their beguiling best.
Those expecting revelatory improvements in areas like AI may be mildly disappointed by Shogun 2. Those after a sumptious, weekend-whittling strategy epic heaving with flavour and challenge can reach for their uchi-bukuro with confidence. This is a corker.
Total Video Games &mdash 9/10
Shogun 2 is a homecoming for The Creative Assembly; an opportunity to show how far the series has come in the ten years since its inception and, as far as we're concerned, it's a homecoming of ticker-tape parade proportions. This latest Total War marks a peak in the series not so much for its landmark features but for the amount of love and sheer dedication that's been applied to the setting. Truly, it's a beautiful recreation of Feudal Japan with gameplay to fit that billing.
Meristation (Spanish) — 9/10
Shogun 2 is like a melting pot for all the ideas, gameplay and concepts we've seen in the previous games of the Total War series. Its pillars are quite similar to Empire's, but this game has improvements in many areas, and the setting is so charming, that it feels like something unique.
Bit-tech — 8/10
Pre-set formations lack clear descriptions and there is one which seems unbeatable by the AI, and, while simpler than in Empire, naval battles are still chaotic. Appararently it's quite difficult to raise those armies without becoming firm friends with the clans you've traded with in order to obtain the funds you need, which means you don't really need that army anymore. While on paper these two issues should culminate to ruin the game, they don't. Shogun 2 is presented with such style and grace that it's still engaging and fun.Hussarknight
[This message has been edited by Hussarknight (edited 03-12-2011 @ 08:06 AM).]