The first thing that catches our attention, is the care that has been paid to the game's graphics. The player is submerged in a Japanese atmosphere, something which is remarkably worked out more than in previous games. It takes some time getting used to, the units' names are often very Japanese and formations on the battlefield get the well sounding but initially meaningless names "Way of the Tiger" or "Bark of the Pine Tree".

However, Shogun 2 is clearly more than a graphical update. The game brings together a great deal of features from earlier games in the series, making a new and interesting whole. One of the most important features is a tech tree, called the "Arts". It allows you to focus specifically on offensive, defensive or more economic aspects. Also returning are the battles at night and the possibility to choose the heir and adopt generals. The little details are not forgotten either, for instance the general's speech right before battle, which is fully in Japanese (with subtitles), instead of in English with an accent.

On top of that you get more control over certain parts of the game. To name a few examples: it's possible to buy new abilities for characters (generals as well as agents) with experience points, advisors can be appointed now (instead of randomly assigned) and generals can be named "commissioner", which adds to their status. This fits in the move Shogun 2 seems to take towards more strategic options. This way you can specialize in a certain aspect and develop your own playing style or try out (many) different strategies. A disadvantage of this move towards more strategy is that it can make the game more complex, but in so far as is clear from this preview version, that doesn't seems to be big problem.

Because all factions are Japanese, the available units are mainly the same. The clans differ in their specialization, economic as well as military. The Chokosabe clan for example, is known for its excellent archers. Those units consequently get a bonus in comparison with their "normal" opponents. Of course exploiting your own clan's advantages and finding a way around those of your enemies is the key to success.

It's clear that there's much to discover and to learn in this Total War game. To help you with that, there are more tutorials available and also an extensive encyclopaedia. Next to the familiar campaign tutorial, it's now also possible to learn more about advanced techniques on the battlefield or at sea. The excellent encyclopaedia is also a great aid, giving more advanced players as well as beginners the opportunity to master the game completely.