GT: Does the strategic component of the game differ from that of Shogun: Total War? How is it different?

MS: The basic concept is the same but we’ve added an incredible amount of depth and variety to the game (both in the Empire Building and the Epic Battles). The tech tree is more than 4 times as big as Shogun – and produces over 100 different unit types and over 100 different buildings. We’ve also added spectacular castle assaults (where castle walls can be smashed into rubble by an array of siege weaponry) and expanded on the trade and diplomacy, added naval battles, role-playing elements (each general has their own stats and ‘vices and virtues’) and loads more. It’s a completely different game – yet despite this extra depth, we’ve actually included many new features (especially the ‘auto-management’ option) to make the game easier to pick up and play.

GT: Will there be a diplomatic component to the strategic game? If so, what will it allow you to do?

MS: One of the most notable changes to the diplomacy is the introduction of princesses. As well as giving birth to heirs, Kings will also spawn princesses that can be used as very useful diplomatic envoys. They can negotiate cease-fires, treaties and alliances – as well as marrying into other factions (which will give you a claim to some of their land should the faction be eliminated). The pope is also very important as far as diplomacy. One of the unplayable factions, the pope has two primary motivations: the expansion of Catholicism and the maintenance of a balance of power between the catholic factions. Players who choose a catholic faction risk ex-communication (and the wrath of the entire catholic world) if they get upset the pope. Stay on his good side, however, and he will do what he can to assist you.

GT: How many factions or nations will appear in the game?

MS: There are about 22 factions in the game – and 12 of them are playable.

GT: Will there be units unique to each nation?

MS: Yes. For example, the English have Longbowmen and Billmen, the Germans have Teutonic Knights etc.

GT: What kind of leaders or generals will appear in the game and how will they affect battles?

MS: With the new RPG elements that we’ve added to the game, there are all manner of leaders and generals that will appear in the game. As well as the five main stats (Loyalty, Piety, Dread, Command and Acumen) all generals will gain vices and virtues (there are over 300 of them) as they progress throughout the campaign. These stats and vices and virtues reflect the way the general behaves - both in the battles and in the campaign. So, for example, a general that runs from the field of battle will become known as a ‘coward’ – and his armies will suffer morale penalties in future battles. Generals who lead from the front and get stuck into melee will rapidly become known as ‘mighty warriors’ and gain a morale and loyalty bonus – as well as a bonus to his personal fighting prowess. With so much variation, players can effectively role-play each of their generals in whatever way they like. One general may instill the population with dread by mercilessly slaughtering prisoners during battles and become known as a ‘butcher’. This will keep the local population under control through fear. Another general may be incredibly pious and sanction the construction of churches, cathedrals and the like to keep the population happy. It’s all down to the player to decide what personalities he wants to develop for each of his generals.

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