Sengoku

Very -very- close in spirit to EU:Rome, the game even re-uses all of the sfx from that title: "city_ambience_persian" or "stompy_Roman_soldier" and the like awaits the excited purchaser. Indicating a rushed couldn't-care-less quality that predicted its own abandonware fate, this is Paradox's pre-DLC era here, so this is all you're likely to get if you're into specific eras of Japanese history (fortunately?). Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and as others note, it was a for sure a beta experiment for the Crusader Kings II title which at the time of this review still waddles it's fat bloated rear-end like an unsated zombie creature that can't be put down by a mere 30-foot pike; a black halo of voracious DLC blowflies for company. Er... On the other hand, Sengoku's map is very attractive (and rotatable!). the sprites quite good and has the aesthetic you're probably looking for (the island of Ainu is missing though, among other daft omissions), The retail package even has a ...wait for it... a printed B&W manual and cardboard sleeve (ahh the good old days when Paradox cared to care). Not bad, not good, it "is what it is" to use the cool kids' parlance.

I enjoy the "Paradox" strategy titles very much. I'm really not very good at most of them, but Sengoku is much easier to learn than most of the other ones. It really gives you the feel of feudal Japan and the artwork is beautiful.

Sengoku is a wonderful, if pared back, experience. There is really not much to this game aside from waiting for timed processes to unfold before pausing and taking your next action - but those actions and their itinerant processes are entirely engrossing. It helps to be interested in the context, but yeah this game is just a very relaxing, minimalistic way to dive into a medieval Japanese dynasty. A word on music: This game's soundtrack is fantastic and it was certainly one of the best parts of the experience, for me. I give my review four stars despite this being such a thin offering because the gameplay and music you do get out of it, for a low price, is very satisfying - particularly if you go in wanting to explore Sengokku jidai.

This is one of the Paradox classics. It was made back in the good old days when their first priority was to create immersive and compelling games. It has all the elements of Crusader Kings but without any of the unnecessary bloat. If you think that CK (2) is too much for you then Sengoku should be perfect for your taste. Only thing that's bit bothering me is that once you manage to get into war then the only way out seems to be by eliminating your enemy. Other than that all the intrigue and diplomacy is there.