Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition Image
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76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: In Kou Shibusawa’s historical simulation, NOBUNAGA’S AMBITION: Awakening Complete Edition, players must learn the finer points of both military might and political cunning.
    A culmination of the series' 40-year history, players attempt to accomplish Nobunaga Oda's unachieved ambition to
    In Kou Shibusawa’s historical simulation, NOBUNAGA’S AMBITION: Awakening Complete Edition, players must learn the finer points of both military might and political cunning.
    A culmination of the series' 40-year history, players attempt to accomplish Nobunaga Oda's unachieved ambition to unify Japan through a series of escalating war strategies and diplomacy. Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 system, including Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, the game not only features DLC from the original title, but also includes six new scenarios along with climactic Decisive Battles.
    Launch joint offenses with allies, break through the frontlines enroute to enemy castles, and appoint officers to influence both political and economic strategies as players experience the life of a daimyo -- a powerful Japanese leader -- in the troubled times of the Warring States Period, 16th century Japan.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. 90
    Is this an essential update? Not really. I would argue that the Switch 1 version of Civilization VII isn’t worth playing, and so if you are going to play the thing, you should upgrade. Nobunaga’s Ambition is already an excellent game, but you’re not getting much extra if you already have it and all the DLC on Switch. There’s also no upgrade option like there is with Civ VII, so you’d need to shell out for a full-priced game if you wanted those mouse controls. But then, on the other hand, I’ll still be playing Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening a year (and longer) from now.
  2. Jun 19, 2025
    85
    Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening - Complete Edition is a great strategy addition to the new Nintendo Switch 2, making excellent use of its new features. Although it lacks key elements found in Romance of the Three Kingdoms (also by Tecmo) and has a steep learning curve, there's no denying it's a rich, enjoyable, and challenging game to dive into. A must-buy for hardcore strategy game players.
  3. Jul 29, 2025
    80
    Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening was released three years ago and was a hit for fans. The release of the Switch 2 has shown that older experiences are better on it. However, a new price tag and the inability to upgrade the Switch 1 version of the game will turn returning fans away.
  4. 75
    Nobunaga’s Ambition is the black diamond ski slope of strategy games which makes it a hard pass for those interested in the genre but still running the bunny slopes. Those who like the genre and are willing to invest the time will find a robust and fulfilling game, one that I’m eager to get back to even as I write this.
  5. Jul 14, 2025
    75
    Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition is still a game that will push strategy fans to (and beyond) their limits. You’ll spend more time learning than playing. But the Joy-Con mouse functionality in this Switch 2-only release removes a major obstacle to the long-serving rewards awaiting those able to stick with it.
  6. Jul 15, 2025
    70
    While surely a joy for series fans, as a newcomer, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening can, at times, be unwieldy and lack direction, with core tenets that should work to balance out the game, like diplomacy left flying half-mast. That being said, it’s a rewarding game to master, offering ample replayability and a healthy dose of Japanese history.
  7. Jun 30, 2025
    65
    I’m trying to examine Awakening through a more objective lens. I know that a real Nobunaga head would see this game very differently. But it’s just so punishingly dull. The density of material, the pacing, the interface, all of this smashed against my limited attention span with incredible force. If you’re a fan of the series, Nobunaga’s Ambition Awakening Complete Edition will be a worthy addition to your Nintendo Switch 2 collection. Otherwise, I can’t recommend this game.

See all 12 Critic Reviews