PC Gamer staff writer Tom Senior and freelance writer Phill Cameron come to Rob’s podcasting island, bringing with them rifles and steam-powered ironclads. Things swiftly turn violent as they discuss Shogun 2: Fall of the Samurai, and some of the Total War series’ longstanding contradictions. How does balance function in Fall of the Samurai, and how does the campaign structure let down the setting? Why does the AI behave as if it’s not sure if it’s in a game, or a history sim? How does Fall of the Samurai change the role of gunpowder weapons?
Rob’s Fall of the Samurai Review
Phill’s review
Tom’s review
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On the future of the Total War series, I would point out they have not cracked China at all yet. If they can make the various arcane (to a Western Audience) periods in Japanese history work in the market, they would do great with China.
I would say that China is not anywhere near as well known as Japan is to western audiences.
The more successful permeation of Japanese culture and design/products is quite evident. I have only to say the words Ninja and Samurai and an entire room would understand.
The next TW will probably be either a Rome 2 or something like an American Civil War game. FotS seems to be a logical stepping-stone to a more fully-fledged 1860’s game with Gatling-guns, railways and Ironclads.