Metascore
84 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 24
  2. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. 100
    One of those games that doesn't just live up to expectations, it destroys them, and sets a new standard.
  2. A rich, dynamic program full of history and accented with multiple challenges that will keep any RTS player on his or her toes.
  3. The interface is simple despite the huge number of men at your disposal, Shogun is the next step in war-gaming, as accessible and fun as C&C but with vast scope and grand aspirations.
  4. Everything about the game smacks of good research and authenticity, down to the ability to select a Japanese voiceover with English subtitles rather than having English voices all the way through.
  5. 90
    Allowing the kind of mass battles that we've previously only dreamed of, this epochal title gives us war and so much more.
  6. The replay value of Shogun: Total War is immense.
  7. 90
    Offers some of the best turn-based strategy we've seen in a long time, and adds massive, challenging real-time battles to the mix.
  8. An extremely fun and addictive game that could appeal to any type of gamer.
  9. 90
    Oddly enough, the AI is probably the best part of the strategic game.
  10. Those interested in Ancient Japanese culture will also find much to like here, as the entire game is steeped from top to bottom in pure and uncompromising atmosphere.
  11. The game is well detailed, looks and sounds beautiful and is quite fun to play.
  12. The thick atmosphere, the AI which uses (and forces you to use) Sun Tzu's principles, the great graphics and sound - it's an amazing work of art.
  13. Not only is "Shogun" a challenging and engrossing 3D real-time tactical combat game, but it also features a great turn-based strategy component that complements the combat wonderfully.
  14. Shogun’s strong AI, emphasis on tactics, and stunning visuals make it a very, very good RTS game.
  15. 85
    A remarkable game and definitely worth getting.
  16. Has its faults, primarily clunky interface and crude management system.
  17. A very satisfying wargame, if not the end-all-beat-all game we'd hoped for. [Aug 2000, p.88]
  18. A vivid and compelling portrayal of feudal warfare in the age of the samurai.
  19. A solid action strategy title that fans of the genre will appreciate.
  20. A smooth blend of game styles, solid execution, and quite a bit of fun.
  21. Despite some technical flaws and a difficult user interface, Shogun will please wargamers looking for a solid title.
  22. And what I really appreciate is having everything spoken to me in Japanese. It does wonders for authenticity.
  23. The empire component, while solid, is a little bit shallow, the AI is weak in crucial areas, and the game is also buggy on some systems.
  24. It's obvious that every detail of the game was carefully considered in relation to historical fact and you'll feel as though you understand feudal Japan a little better after playing.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. 10
    Wow, just wow, this game is REALLY good. Of course its lacking some of the features of later total war games (such as battles being playable that aren't ridiculously hard to play) But for its time, this was beyond a masterpiece! Full Review »
  2. love it. just rebought it from online game vendor. best £8 i ever spent to get the gold edition. not greatly graphical but i never enjoyed the strategic battles, i just love the strategy map and moving large armies to impending doom or victory Full Review »
  3. It was a truly groundbreaking game and even today it has great climate and still offers some decent strategic challenge, well balanced and simply very enjoyable. I started with this one and played every Total War game since.

    Won't give it a 10, because the game isn't flawless and even for 2000 is a bit limited in strategic options (no fleets, pretty insignificant castles etc.), but I give it a very well-earned 9.
    Full Review »