Because of the nature of 16th century Japanese warfare, Samurai is also the easiest game in the series to play. There is a revamped command system that simulates the clan-oriented levels of leadership, plus simplified shock and fire mechanics. Also included are individual samurai used to challenge opponents and collect the important severed heads. Ignore the challenge and lose face, or even be forced to commit Seppuku on the spot.

Battles include the most unusual Okehazama, complete with burning castles, thunderstorms, and a historically victorious army outnumbered six-to-one; Anegawa; Kawanakajima; Mikita-ga-Hara; Nagashino (with the famous Takeda cavalry corps charging Oda's volley-firing musketeers); and the most famous battle to take place in Japan, Sekigahara. All of the great leaders are there: Obu Nobunaga, Takeda Shingen, Uesugi Kenshin, and, of course, Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The Battles

Okehazama, 1560 One of Oda Nobunga's finest victories, won by a small force against one much larger, at odds about six-to-one!

Kawanakajima, 1561 Uesugi Kenshin was determined to destroy Shingen once and for all. His objective was Shingen's Kaizu Castle.

The Anegawa, 1570 Nobunga takes the offensive against his treacherous brother-in-law, Nagamasa. His objective is Nagamasa's castle of Odani.

Mikata-ga-Hara, 1572 It pits Takeda Shingen against the young Tokugawa Ieyasu in a furious battle.

Nagashino, 1575 The culmination of Oda Nobunaga's brilliant military career and a milestone in Japanese history.

Sekigahara, 1600 The most decisive battle in the history of Japan. The rivals for power were I. Mitsunari and T. Ieyasu - one would be Shogun.