Nobunaga's Ambition: Rise to Power

by Koei

Product Features

• Massive 3D maps with stunning detail of Feudal Japan
• 3D real time battle system
• Packed with seven dramatic scenarios with over 300 starting points
• Nuture a village into a flourishing empire
• A robust character edit function features a wide variety of character choices

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00104KJ5G
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches ; 4 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: February 6, 2008
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,330 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Set during the 16th century, Nobunaga's Ambition: Rise to Power sends players back in time to Feudal Japan. During this period, the visionary Nobunaga Oda assembled the most advanced military force in Japan and instituted new policies that stimulated the growth of the nation's economy. Players will assume the role of Nobunaga, or of a rival warlord in their quest to unite Japan under one rule.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fun and engaging, February 15, 2008

By 

A. Sandoc "sussarakhen" (San Pablo, California United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

= Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Nobunaga's Ambition: Rise to Power (Video Game)

I have been a fan of KOEI's Nobunaga's Ambition series. The series is like most of KOEI's games which means its either a hack'n'slash game like Dynasty Warriors or turn-based strategy like its very popular and long-running Romance of the Three Kingdoms series. Nobunaga's Ambition is more the latter. I can say that Nobunaga's Ambition was the one of the first turn-based strategy games to become popular. While Romance of the Three Kingdoms have had more entries in the series it will always be Nobunaga's Ambition which I prefer for being as detailed, engaging in its gameplay without ever becoming too complex and too micromanaging about every little detail.

Nobunaga's Ambition: Rise to Power is a port to the North American market of the same titled game which was originally released in Japan several years earlier. This long gap between Japan and North American release will show how dated the graphics and user interface in comparison to the more recent Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI. While some gamers will turn their nose up at the graphics in this game I will say that graphics have never been a strong point of the Nobunaga games. There's enough of an updated look in Rise to Power to make it look like a PS2 game instead of a PS1 title. The gameplay is where Rise to Power really shines in terms of fun.

For players who do not have the patience to deal with managing the fiefs and military assets of their kingdoms this game and all games similar to it will be quite the bore. For those who enjoy the strategy aspect of such games then Rise to Power will be a joy to play. While not as micromanaging as the Romance of the Three Kingdoms titles this game has enough options in how to build up one's own fiefs in terms of commerce, agricultural and military to not dumb down the game. The game allows for commanders who may have low military skills to be actually be of help by making their higher political stats be the main component in how to manage a fief better. In this way it makes all types of commanders usable in some way instead of just making the ones who are powerful military leaders be the top-tier leaders.

One new addition to the Nobunaga series which made the game a bit more palatable later on is the option of "Kessen". Kessen allows players deep in the game to fight another daimyo in a battle take all skirmish. If a player wins said battle then the losing daimyo will reliquish control of all his fiefs to the victor. This makes the game become less tedious once a player and their opponents have gained so much territory that trying to conquer each and everyone would be a practice in grinding it out rather than dynamic gameplay.

The real-time feature of the battles themselves is a win-lose proposition. It's a win in that battles themselves doesn't take as long as the previous type which had been turn-based. Where it fails is in how the units themselves are controlled. Too many times friendly units retreating from a fight will get in the way of a fresher unit in their attempt to charge an opposing unit. This pretty much stops whatever advantage such a charge will have. The many instances of units getting in each others way way too many times sometimes throws tactics and strategy out the window. At times its better to just let the computer play your side and let the battle take place without the player controlling anyone.

While Nobunaga's Ambition: Rise to Power is a dated North American port release for the PS2 its still has much to offer for fans of the series. It is to those fans that this game will be most enjoyable while players who usually can't be bothered by turn-based strategy games will most likely call a pass on this title.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Capturing the spirit and essence of the original, February 13, 2008

By 

John Grigaitis "John Grigaitis IV" (Alton, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Nobunaga's Ambition: Rise to Power (Video Game)

I got hooked on the original Nobunaga's Ambition for NES when I was a kid after watching my dad play it. This time around the newest installment is very immersive and addicting! Creating your own officers is a huge feature to the game, plus instead of only having 1 turn per fief, it is divided into different commands that allow mutliple commands to be issued. The game flow is very user friendly and understandable. I feared the game might be too complicated to get comfortable with quickly, but it flows very well. Very good atmosphere, like being in a movie :) Great game! A must for any fan of history and strategy.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars EUNITING JAPAN, April 4, 2010

By 

Daniel L. Patt "RPG Gramps" (Bradenton, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Nobunaga's Ambition: Rise to Power (Video Game)

I don't have the writing skills many reviewers do,but i really enjoyed this game.You start with one country and work towards uniteing all of Japan.Alittle realism from weather,floods,and deaths to key generals adds some realism to the game.Originally I played this game on SNES,nd enjoyed it.I enjoyed this even more.Take your time,and save often.I say again......SAVE.OFTEN.