DS Gets Strategic With Shogun Warrior
Namco’s real-time strategy game is shaping up to mix action with tactics; not to forget the sneaky ninja assassins either
Strategy games have never really worked well on consoles - compared to the control offered by a mouse, it’s always been too fiddly to manoeuvre your forces via buttons and joysticks. But, thanks to DS’s touchscreen, Namco is hoping its Real Time Conflict: Shogun Warrior will give handheld console owners some strategic joy.
Based around the touchscreen and stylus interface, the 2D game controls are designed to enable you to select your units, organise formations and direct them into battle with ease. But it’s not just about fighting, with other options including using diplomacy to win over enemies as well as hiring ninjas to assassinate your rivals before the battles take place. The action itself is fought out in 3D on the top DS screen.
Taking the role of one of two brothers, the game’s plot revolves around the bloody combat for control of feudal Japan, so you’ll have to conqueror or control all territories in order to finally claim the title of Shogun. And once Japan is yours, you’ll unlock the secret to the legend of the lost army of rebel monks, which sounds like a whole bunch more fighting. As well as the main story battles, the game also features mini-games such as castle sieges and sea battles to keep your skills sharp.
Multiplayer is another element Namco is keen to big up; there will be an eight player wi-fi mode for huge head-to-head battles.
Due out in the US in October, the European release date for Real Time Conflict: Shogun Warrior is yet to be confirmed.
