Lord Spencer

Rarely, but predictably, I would play a game and become so completely addicted and absorbed by it that I would ignore all the other games I am playing (or I am supposed to start playing) and fully dedicate myself to it. I go into an almost trance-like state where I think about the game every waking moment.

Usually, it happens when I play Strategy games, and I think that's by design. Sid Meir's Civilization serious is famous for having a "just one more turn" feeling, and that happened to me when playing each game in that series. This time, it is happening with Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening; the ONLY game I played last week.

There is just something addictive about all the meters usually being filled in these games. Every decision you make affects how fast those meters get filled, and then there are the macro decisions that direct how your empire progresses as a whole.

Just one more turn to see the impact of that policy you authorized.

Just one more turn to see the result of your assault on the neighboring warlord.

Just one more turn to see how your regent is performing in the war they started.

Just one more turn comparing the statistics of your army compared to the strongest clans in the land.

It just completely paralyzed all my thoughts last week, sticking my mind back to the 16th century where I do a SWAT analysis on keeping my alliance with the Takeda going.

Then, I am back into the real world, leading a reasonably boring life that is (thankfully) devoid of battles, subversions, hundreds of officers to juggle, and castles to invade. That is until I come back to the reality of politics in my work and life, and realize that the thing I love most about Strategy games is the degree of influence and predictability we have in them.

Check out my latest PS1 Review of Wild Arms 2, an improved sequel to the early PS1 classic, albeit one with an infamously bad localization. Still, it is worth playing today.

Also, check out my blog where I ask Where the Hell is Wild Arms? A retrospective blog where I try to figure out why the Wild Arms series died, and explain why it would be great to have it back.

Finally, check out my weekly updates on the games I am playing now. The information in brackets is how long I have been playing the games and how close they are to the checkpoint that decides whether I continue with them.

-Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening (Switch): This is the latest game in Koei's famous duology of Strategy games (Nobunaga's Ambition & Romance of the Three Kingdoms) which I usually buy whenever a localized version is released. Surprisingly, every new game in these franchises makes big changes to the gameplay formula even if it preserves the setting and characters.

In Awakening, the focus is on leaving things to the many officers you employ, whether it is giving them a fief to develop, or a whole province to govern. Every decision in the game is linked to the strength and abilities of your many retainers.

Battles are more involved than they were in Sphere of Influence, and that's a plus. However, there isn't a mode where you can roleplay as an officer and develop your reputation across the land.

For the first time ever, I am actually playing as the titular Nobunaga. As such, I am actually slowing down my conquest in order to roleplay the real history. This will also give some of the other powerful clans the chance to put up more of a fight when I eventually start rolling into their territory.

In general, the Koei strategy games are very good but are rarely as brilliant as something like the Civilization games. However, I am very familiar with the history and characters of both franchises and like them enough that I always love going back to them again and again. Every time, I am disappointed by some changes while appreciative of others.

Now, I need to go back to conquer the Takeda who are finally open to conquest after the death of the mighty Shingen. Next week's update will be a more normal one.