Sengoku

 PC
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 85 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 85
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 85
  3. Negative: 20 out of 85

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  1. Schweinehund
    Sep 17, 2011
    10
    Video games with a serious approach to this particular dramatic period of the Japanese history are few and far between. In fact, the only ones worth mentioning on the PC are Sengoku, and of course Total War: Shogun. The problem with Total War though is that the cinematic real-time battles get boring after a short while and you find yourself playing on the over top map most of the time. AndVideo games with a serious approach to this particular dramatic period of the Japanese history are few and far between. In fact, the only ones worth mentioning on the PC are Sengoku, and of course Total War: Shogun. The problem with Total War though is that the cinematic real-time battles get boring after a short while and you find yourself playing on the over top map most of the time. And this is where Sengoku outshines Shogun, in the strategic department. The game puts really deep emphasis on characters, and their relations to one another, on plotting and preserving your honor. It even adds a, dare I say, roleplaying aspect to the game. Of course, warring is a necessary part of your rise to power, as well, since you need to conquer half of the provinces in order to beat the game.… Expand
  2. holterzoff
    Sep 16, 2011
    10
    Absolutely gorgeous grand strategy game, with a bit faster pace than other pardox titles and lighter on the economic site this character driven gem is absolutely addictive.
    You have to put some effort in learning the gameplay of course (e.g. reading the manual), thirty minutes of flying around the map won't do the job. Maybe the previous critic (andreks) should try tic tac toe (the war    Absolutely gorgeous grand strategy game, with a bit faster pace than other pardox titles and lighter on the economic site this character driven gem is absolutely addictive.
    You have to put some effort in learning the gameplay of course (e.g. reading the manual), thirty minutes of flying around the map won't do the job. Maybe the previous critic (andreks) should try tic tac toe (the war edition) as deep strategy is certainly not his domain..... For the serious strategy gamer sengoku is highly recommended.    … Expand
  3. revelentdark
    Sep 16, 2011
    10
    While the game does have a rather steep learning curve, once you figure it out you will be hooked. The atmosphere and music really set the right tone for this game, you may even begin to feel like a samurai after a while. Although there are still a few bugs, and this game may not be for everyone, but if you ever wanted to be a lord feudal Japan this is about as close as you can get.
  4. Kentox
    Sep 16, 2011
    10
    It is a hard nut to crack but the reward is a satisfying deep strategy. This is the game i wanted when i bought shogun 2. It is a real pleasure starting as the lowest vassal working you way up to daimyou then to clan leader then to shogun. The subtle plot game to take leadership of the clan is some ways more fun than take the shogun title.
  5. napoleonreborn
    Sep 16, 2011
    10
    This has quickly become one of my favorite games. It looks a little overwhelming at first, but it's actually quite simple compared to other paradox titles. When you click on things, a hint pops up. Read it, than click the don't show me again button for each one, and you understand. However, game play is a little dry, but Paradox is sure to fix that with patches and/or expansions. Make sureThis has quickly become one of my favorite games. It looks a little overwhelming at first, but it's actually quite simple compared to other paradox titles. When you click on things, a hint pops up. Read it, than click the don't show me again button for each one, and you understand. However, game play is a little dry, but Paradox is sure to fix that with patches and/or expansions. Make sure to download the demo first.… Expand
  6. Theaisa
    Sep 16, 2011
    10
    One of the best out-of-the-box Paradox releases. It's certainly not a game for everyone -- but no paradox game is -- but if you have a little patience and a passion for strategy games, this character-based attempt at depicting Feudal Japan in all it's glory is an excellent choice.
  7. Serdjo
    Sep 17, 2011
    10
    A bit faster than the other paradox titles but still a great game.The graphic isn't really stunning but the game is complex enough and delivers so many possibilities that the graphic really gets non relevant .
  8. jenkkijason
    Sep 17, 2011
    10
    People who don't know how to play deep, rich computer strategy games shouldn't be writing Metacritic user reviews. They shouldn't be writing them for websites either, but that's another story.

    I have played Paradox games since Europa Universalis I, this one is one of the best of the bunch. Right off of Steam I knew what to do, without checking the manual. What amazed me is the absolute    People who don't know how to play deep, rich computer strategy games shouldn't be writing Metacritic user reviews. They shouldn't be writing them for websites either, but that's another story.

    I have played Paradox games since Europa Universalis I, this one is one of the best of the bunch. Right off of Steam I knew what to do, without checking the manual. What amazed me is the absolute attention to detail and care put into the scenario: This feels like Warring States Japan. The first thing you need to get a hold of is the pacing. Let time move slowly. Pay attention to your vassals and your family. That is the true heart of the game, on top of the strategic warfare.

    Anyone who is a fan of serious historical political simulations or Far East medieval history will thrill for this game. Not for children, not for console kiddies, this is a real game. Absolutely recommended.    … Expand
  9. Knurrli
    Sep 19, 2011
    10
    This is another great Paradox game. Offcourse this is a completely different league than the casual mainstream rts titles and it perhaps requires for once a bit thinking in order to enjoy this well made strategy game. It seems however, regarding some bad reviews, that these days strategy game players expect that the game plays "by itself" and that it has no tactical challenge but onlyThis is another great Paradox game. Offcourse this is a completely different league than the casual mainstream rts titles and it perhaps requires for once a bit thinking in order to enjoy this well made strategy game. It seems however, regarding some bad reviews, that these days strategy game players expect that the game plays "by itself" and that it has no tactical challenge but only graphical eyecatchers to offer. And frankly, I could give those kind of games, in which "a lot happens", a zero score, but I guess I wont as I don't try them in the first place.… Expand
  10. Hiryuu
    Feb 28, 2012
    10
    Great example of how a mix of great strategy and simple strategy can be fun. HAve more battles than the others grand strategy titles from Paradox - but, anyway, its the Sengoku Jidai, the Warring States Period in Japan, battles MUST be a constant. Underneath, althoug, a great diplomacy system is hidden. Marriages, Plots, use of Ninjas, vassal's intrigues... Not a easy game, mostly becauseGreat example of how a mix of great strategy and simple strategy can be fun. HAve more battles than the others grand strategy titles from Paradox - but, anyway, its the Sengoku Jidai, the Warring States Period in Japan, battles MUST be a constant. Underneath, althoug, a great diplomacy system is hidden. Marriages, Plots, use of Ninjas, vassal's intrigues... Not a easy game, mostly because the Japan ambientation (almost "alien" for us westerners, what may have pushed aside a lot of players), but, with some time to learn the game mechanics, it can be great and give hours of fun.… Expand
  11. masterjohnson1
    Mar 31, 2014
    10
    This game wa released to get people ready for CK2, and it is a great game in its own rights. I enjoyed the time I spent with it and I still play it every now and then, if anybody wants to know what CK2 is like and wants to do it easy and quickly they should give this game a chance
  12. oddible
    Sep 16, 2011
    9
    Very polished initial release from Paradox and a significantly more accessible than their other grand strategy titles. It has a similar look and feel to Europa Universalis, Victoria, Hearts of Iron, Crusader Kings but the mechanisms are a bit simpler. Of course the focus of each game is quite different. Where Victoria is about industrialization and Hearts of Iron is about the tech race,Very polished initial release from Paradox and a significantly more accessible than their other grand strategy titles. It has a similar look and feel to Europa Universalis, Victoria, Hearts of Iron, Crusader Kings but the mechanisms are a bit simpler. Of course the focus of each game is quite different. Where Victoria is about industrialization and Hearts of Iron is about the tech race, resources and grand battles, Sengoku focuses on family clans and honor. The goal of the game is to unite Japan during the Warring States period, not an easy challenge. This game offers 3 playable tiers of hierarchy in the dynasty system, the ability to plot within and outside of your dynasty, to break away and form your own clan or take over your clan from within. The tech tree is very simple offering two linear trees: castles for military and villages for economy. You control 3 operatives, your Masters of Arms, Ceremony, and Guard, which have different functions from constructing upgrades to hiring ninjas to sowing dissent. Finally, a sophisticated marriage system ensures maintaining the family line, genetic traits, relationships between clans, and a full court from which to choose your operatives and daimyos. Overall, if you haven't tried a Paradox title of this nature, this may be the one to jump in on. You will still likely have a steep learning curve but the manual is very well written and the hint system is fantastic and far exceeds any Paradox game to date. With its limited objectives, constrained set up operations, and smaller map, Sengoku offers a highly accessible title. Veteran Paradox gamers will also enjoy Sengoku's simplicity and shorter time frame allowing focus on fewer moving parts while you race against Japan's other rising clans to claim the title of Shogun!… Expand
  13. JamesX
    Sep 22, 2011
    9
    A Game with a extremely sharp learning curve. The lack of tutorial and the bare minimum manual further exasperated the problem. Once you understood how the game works however, it becomes rather addictive.
  14. jeffindenver
    Sep 16, 2011
    9
    Another nice game from Paradox. Beautiful, polished, and fun. An enjoyable exercise, pick up a copy of Sun Tsu's "Art of War" and put his principles into action.
  15. VerTeeGo
    Sep 16, 2011
    9
    "A great addition to the Paradox family of games. This is similar to EU:Rome, but a whole lot better. It is the game that EUR should have been. Overall it feels more complete, with the gameplay having more depth to it.

    The range of strategy options is better and work v. well in the historical oriental setting. Whats more the level of intrigue develops from the onset far better than EUR.    "A great addition to the Paradox family of games. This is similar to EU:Rome, but a whole lot better. It is the game that EUR should have been. Overall it feels more complete, with the gameplay having more depth to it.

    The range of strategy options is better and work v. well in the historical oriental setting. Whats more the level of intrigue develops from the onset far better than EUR. The new angle of honour and Seppuku hanging over the characters head w/ every decision made makes this a slightly different challenge than previous grand strategy titles.

    Havent played enough of the game to see if any issues exist, encountered none so far. If you love grand strategy games and have a penchant for the Oriental setting like I have this is definitely one to get.

    Will keep me happy till CK2 comes out. "    … Expand
  16. Maizel
    Sep 16, 2011
    9
    Great Strategy game revolving around diplomacy and plotting,l rather than just taking your rivals' stuff by force.
  17. Stretch
    Sep 16, 2011
    9
    You need to spend a fair amount of time to learn the game. The lack of a tutorial is sad, but the manual is good. If you manage to "survive" the first couple of hours figuring things out, you're in for a treat with great strategic depth. It's one of those Paradox gems which will get even better with time thanks to its player community and lots of patches.
  18. vanin
    Sep 17, 2011
    9
    I don't know why everyone running in here to land a zero immediately begins to sputter about all reviews that has an opinion differing from their are "Paradox fanboys hired to give it a good review". Fanboys or not we seem to like the game and a review is a display of your personal opinion - nothing more nothing less. You gave the game a zero? Then it is simply not for you - you don't likeI don't know why everyone running in here to land a zero immediately begins to sputter about all reviews that has an opinion differing from their are "Paradox fanboys hired to give it a good review". Fanboys or not we seem to like the game and a review is a display of your personal opinion - nothing more nothing less. You gave the game a zero? Then it is simply not for you - you don't like it and you don't even have to state reason to validate that opinion. I give it a 9 as games can always get better, but I also happen to genuinely like this game. Which is why I give it a higher score than your zero.

    And please, involving Paradox and "company corruption" in the same sentence? Urging its fans to vote up a game they like is not nearly as bad as, say, Bioware's employees voting Dragon Age 2 up. Don' get delusional.    … Expand
  19. RogerMoore
    Sep 17, 2011
    9
    All around good and enjoyable game, the people who complain about the complexity and that it is too "hard" have no idea what they are talking about. The 'help' screens provided adequate information to learn the basics of the game and after playing for a while it is easy enough.
  20. s1234567890m
    Sep 18, 2011
    9
    A very dedicated Dev team, and possibly the best Paradoxian release, none of the problems that the Hearts of Iron release suffered, the willingness to listen to the community is amazing
  21. JohnnyAtom
    Sep 19, 2011
    9
    Fascinating strategy game set in feudal Japan with a focus on individual relationships and family politics as opposed to just resource management and large scale battles that dominate most games in the strategy genre. Another deep and thoughtful game from Paradox Interactive
  22. CivforBrains
    Sep 16, 2011
    8
    It's quite an interesting game I think. It's not in the same mold as most Paradox games as it forces you to be very aggressive and conquest minded (understandable as you need to unite Japan) but it was fairly polished and bug free upon release. Beautiful graphics and a very well done atmosphere. I'd like to see an expansion with the Imjin wars versus Korea/Ming in the future.
  23. FinnN
    Sep 17, 2011
    8
    Great gameplay using warfare and conspiracies to unite Japan under the rule of your clan backed up by great graphics and music. The mechanics are deceptively simple (for a strategy game) but when you find yourself outnumbered and outgunned on all sides you really have to work hard to convince your neighbours to stand together or fall apart. My only significant issue with the game is thatGreat gameplay using warfare and conspiracies to unite Japan under the rule of your clan backed up by great graphics and music. The mechanics are deceptively simple (for a strategy game) but when you find yourself outnumbered and outgunned on all sides you really have to work hard to convince your neighbours to stand together or fall apart. My only significant issue with the game is that it's a bit clunky finding out who is willing to join your plots - but apparently a future patch will add a search box to make this easier.… Expand
  24. Thefallenhun
    Sep 16, 2011
    7
    Well, its a competent enough strategy game, but I defy anyone to play this and not wonder, "Why am I playing this and not Shogun 2 Total War"? I'm really not a fan of this style of game to be qquite honest, and other than civ, I rarely tolerate a TBS that doesn't let me control my own troops instead of auto-determing battles based on strengths.
  25. Kiamet
    Oct 2, 2011
    7
    If you like feudal Japan, political intrigue and deep strategy, then Sengoku should not be your entry point into games featuring those things. It's a very rewarding game, but requires a lot of patience and experimentation before you can find satisfaction. Once it all clicks though, it's very addictive and allows for great storytelling - betrayal, marriages of convenience, epic battles.If you like feudal Japan, political intrigue and deep strategy, then Sengoku should not be your entry point into games featuring those things. It's a very rewarding game, but requires a lot of patience and experimentation before you can find satisfaction. Once it all clicks though, it's very addictive and allows for great storytelling - betrayal, marriages of convenience, epic battles. Most of this is inferred through the gameplay however - some imagination is required, since the user interface is all business. The overall design is like a very advanced German board game. I recommend checking out the demo first - there are also some developer videos that explain some of the mechanics.… Expand
  26. tobas1
    Sep 20, 2011
    6
    I think that I am Paradox fanboi as i own or at least played i think every their Europa-like game. Some gave me more fun then other and for example i love EU3 and after all expansions that i have it's just masterpiece for me - the same with hoi2. But with Hoi 3 they went to far for me making it just too big and complex. Here - in Sengoku - at least till patches and expansions (if thereI think that I am Paradox fanboi as i own or at least played i think every their Europa-like game. Some gave me more fun then other and for example i love EU3 and after all expansions that i have it's just masterpiece for me - the same with hoi2. But with Hoi 3 they went to far for me making it just too big and complex. Here - in Sengoku - at least till patches and expansions (if there will be any) they went in totally opposite direction dumbing in down too much. Actually i think it's first game from series where i totally don't care about diplomacy and intelligence coz there is just no point. i use only 2 diplomacy options - declare war and royal marriage to get new breeding cow to get as much hairs asap. all other options or the whole plotting system is just waste of time. and when you even manage to persuade some neutral lord to join you, you will only get into your influence 1 untrustworthy bastard that will most likely start to plot against you anyway. It's much better (and doesn't even cost much more) to just conquer him. And this is my biggest problem with Sengoku - it's to easy to declare war - it cost you only some portion of honor points- 20 for example - and in the same time for every conquered province given to your vassals you'll get 3 points back. So basically attacking clan that has at least 6 provinces (80% of them) will cost you nothing - no tatered reputation and giving casus belli against you for every other country, no war exhaustion that would destroy you from inside with permanent war and so on. you just have to conquer those weaker than you to collect enough honor to attack another one. You dont even have to care for your own provinces as you can have only 5 of them, and every other have to be given to vassals. So you just permanently taking for yourself those conquered with best infrastructure coz computer will build them up much faster than you can anyway. So for me Sengoku is 90% focused at conquering and 10% for diplomacy, plotting and governing provinces. It's still fun but EU series was for me always about diplomacy. here you can manage with diplomacy skill of neanderthal.… Expand
  27. 4-6-4-9
    Sep 16, 2011
    6
    It's a good strategy game, but I would be amazed if most people stuck around long enough to find that out. There is absolutely no tutorial, and the mouse over tips aren't always what you are looking for. If you haven't played any of paradox's previous games, and you don't like learning by trial and error, I would stay the hell away from this game. If you don't mind mind a steep learningIt's a good strategy game, but I would be amazed if most people stuck around long enough to find that out. There is absolutely no tutorial, and the mouse over tips aren't always what you are looking for. If you haven't played any of paradox's previous games, and you don't like learning by trial and error, I would stay the hell away from this game. If you don't mind mind a steep learning curve and some frustrating, what the hell do I do know moments, I would absolutely recommend he game. Because once I actually figured out what I was doing I loved it.

    One more thing, while this didn't bother me personally I'll mention it anyways because I know it will disappoint some people. If you like involved combat in your strategy games stay away, as this is more or less Risk where the larger army wins and it does the dice rolling behind the scenes.    … Expand
  28. WL11
    Oct 2, 2011
    6
    Sengoku will never be a great game, though it could be a good one with a little bit of work.

    -Bugs: There are still plenty of them, some serious. For instance, players are being randomly defeated by a clan named "No Character". I had one game where I was unable to select my home territory. Sometimes, my court menu magically clears itself of courtiers, even though the missing courtiers    Sengoku will never be a great game, though it could be a good one with a little bit of work.

    -Bugs: There are still plenty of them, some serious. For instance, players are being randomly defeated by a clan named "No Character". I had one game where I was unable to select my home territory. Sometimes, my court menu magically clears itself of courtiers, even though the missing courtiers remain attached to my clan and can still be seen in the "Characters" menu. I also had a string of games in which my 18-year-old character started with a 36-year-old son. Time travel!

    -Graphics: Ugly, poorly anti-aliased text. Everything other than the text looks good.

    -Needs a more detailed tutorial, or better tooltips. The manual explains game concepts at a broad level, but the player can't get a quantitative breakdown of where some things come from. For instance, shock strength, ranged strength, and the leader's martial ability determine an army's combat strength. But if you don't know the formula that's used, you can't make informed decisions. The Civilization series gets this right, and Sengoku should too.

    The game isn't designed for replay value, and that's fine. If the bugs are fixed, it'll be well worth one or two plays.    … Expand
  29. LordStrongpant
    Nov 19, 2011
    6
    I tried the demo and it wasn't to my taste. I was hoping for something with a bit more action, and all I got was lots of adjusting spreadsheets. But some people will like this style of "intense strategy", so try the demo you've got nothing to lose.
  30. Fenchurch1
    Aug 30, 2013
    6
    Getting used to every nook at cranny of this game is not easy and initially things can seem very daunting. You need a clear and accurate plan of what’s needed to be done which I struggled to do with a lack of help. I’m not a fan of games that baby sit you through every little thing, but some kind of tutorial would have been nice to guide through the first months rather than just tool tipsGetting used to every nook at cranny of this game is not easy and initially things can seem very daunting. You need a clear and accurate plan of what’s needed to be done which I struggled to do with a lack of help. I’m not a fan of games that baby sit you through every little thing, but some kind of tutorial would have been nice to guide through the first months rather than just tool tips which you only discover when you find a new area to the game you never knew existed. Regardless of the mountains of information and lack of direction after getting into this game I found myself enjoying it. The strategy and setting in the game is enjoyable, design and graphics attractive although simple and winning wars against rival clans satisfying.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

93
#93 Most Discussed PC Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Games.cz
    Dec 7, 2011
    60
    An unconventional trip to feudal Japan brings a lot of interesting principles that support political frolics to a great extent. However, this game is struck down by plenty of unfinished things, simplifications and limitations at the end of the day. It might still win your heart and let you enjoy it for long hours, but you have to be prepared to narrow your very own eyes.
    Read full review
  2. PC Gamer
    Nov 9, 2011
    71
    The simple building system is very slow and expensive, often taking years, and enemy ninjas can destroy guilds or religious locations with ease. [Holiday 2011, p.77]
    Read full review
  3. PC PowerPlay
    Oct 31, 2011
    50
    A poor interface and repetitive, hard-to-follow action unfortunately limit Sengoku's already niche appeal. [Dec 2011, p.64]
See all critic reviews »