In many ways, Shogun 2 is my perfect Total War game. The strengths and weaknesses of this game have already been criticized, discussed, analyzed, and praised in many reviews. I agree with much of this, be it the motivating “Realm Divide” campaign, the still gorgerous graphics, or the AI, which is good by Total War standards.
However, none of these are the reasons why I love this game and wish for nothing more than for it to be released on GOG soon. Shogun 2 is dripping with atmosphere and feels like a unified whole with all its little loving details. The simple but elegant UI, the little videos when a new troop type is recruited, the wonderful ambient music, even the loading screens... this is the feudal Japan I've always wanted to see in a game.
But what makes Shogun 2 so special to me is perhaps something that many other players would criticize: the matched combat between individual units. When the battle breaks out, tactical skill is required, and my units need to be maneuvered efficiently, I love to zoom in close and watch the individual soldiers fight it out, every single time. It's not efficient, and it might even cause me to lose a battle.
But in those moments, I become a child again, just like many years ago when I first discovered and played this wonderful game.
Please make it happen GOG.