Summary
- Release Year: 2001
- Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy, Tactical, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: The Creative Assembly
- Publishers: Electronic Arts
Shogun: Total War – Mongol Invasion: A Historical Strategy Epic
Released in 2001, Shogun: Total War – Mongol Invasion is an expansion pack for the critically acclaimed real-time strategy game Shogun: Total War. Set in the 13th century during the Mongol invasion of Japan, Mongol Invasion adds new content, missions, and a new playable faction: the Mongols.
Historical Background
In 1274, Kublai Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan, launched an invasion of Japan with a massive fleet of ships. The Mongol army was one of the most powerful and feared in the world, and the Japanese were vastly outnumbered. However, the Japanese were able to repel the invasion thanks to a combination of factors, including fierce resistance from the samurai and unfavorable weather conditions.
Gameplay
Shogun: Total War – Mongol Invasion allows players to experience this epic conflict from both sides. Players can choose to play as the Mongols and attempt to conquer Japan, or as the Japanese and defend their homeland.
The game features a number of new units and technologies, as well as a new campaign map that includes the entire Japanese archipelago. Players must manage their resources carefully, build and maintain armies, and engage in diplomacy in order to achieve victory.
Mongol Invasion Campaign
The Mongol Invasion campaign is a challenging and rewarding experience. Players who choose to play as the Mongols must overcome a number of obstacles, including the vast distances involved, the unfamiliar terrain, and the fierce resistance of the Japanese.
The Mongols have a number of advantages over the Japanese, including their superior cavalry and siege weapons. However, they are also vulnerable to attrition and must be careful not to overextend their supply lines.
Japanese Defense Campaign
Players who choose to play as the Japanese must use all of their skills and resources to defend their homeland from the Mongol invasion. The Japanese have a number of advantages over the Mongols, including their familiarity with the terrain and their strong defensive structures.
However, the Japanese are also outnumbered and outgunned. They must use their superior mobility and guerrilla tactics to harass the Mongols and wear them down.
New Units and Technologies
Shogun: Total War – Mongol Invasion introduces a number of new units and technologies, including:
- Mongol Keshigs: Elite light cavalry that are deadly in close combat.
- Mongol Mangudai: Horse archers that can outrange and outshoot most other units.
- Japanese Yari Ashigaru: Spear infantry that are effective against cavalry.
- Japanese Naginata Samurai: Elite infantry that are deadly in close combat.
- Trebuchets: Powerful siege weapons that can destroy enemy fortifications.
Critical Reception
Shogun: Total War – Mongol Invasion was met with critical acclaim upon its release. IGN awarded the game a score of 9.0, praising its “epic scope, challenging gameplay, and beautiful graphics.” GameSpot gave the game a score of 8.5, saying that it “is a worthy addition to the Shogun: Total War series.”
Legacy
Shogun: Total War – Mongol Invasion is considered to be one of the best real-time strategy games ever made. It is a challenging and rewarding experience that offers players a unique opportunity to experience one of the most epic conflicts in history.
Conclusion
Shogun: Total War – Mongol Invasion is a must-play for fans of real-time strategy games and history buffs alike. It is a challenging and rewarding experience that offers players a unique opportunity to experience one of the most epic conflicts in history.
Review Score
9/10
Art
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