Nobunaga's Ambition Goes Gold, Gets Release Date

Who said PlayStation 2 gaming was all but dead? The console, which is old and yet still sells pretty well, is continuing to get its share of videogame releases, even if the real big titles have long moved on to the next gen PlayStation 3 or the rival Xbox 360 from Microsoft. Thus, the older console is getting a bigger number of niche games, which can at times offer a more interesting gaming experience.

Koei, known for the sheer scope of the strategy games it creates, is announcing that its new title, Nobunaga's Ambition: Iron Triangle, has just reached gold status and is on the fast track for a January 27 release in North America. You can even pre-order the game by using Amazon, GameStop or GameFly in order to make sure that you get your hands on the historic strategy only coming to the PlayStation 2.

The game takes place in Medieval Japan, where warlords, known as daimio, are battling for control. For the first time in the series, the overall strategic layer is presented in full 3D and players will be able to take a look at over 60 castles, re-constructed from historical evidence, and 30 port towns, which are crucial because they allow access to trade and can be used to move around the map easily.

As referenced by the subtitle of Iron Triangle, the player needs to master three challenges in order to succeed in Nobunaga's Ambition. You have to govern the provinces you rule, with justice and an eye to the future, anticipating the needs of the population. You also have to make sure that you embrace new technology, which can offer you the edge in tactical engagements and, lastly, you have to conscript and train a powerful military force made up of varied troops that can destroy anything other commanders throw at you.

The signature huge battles of Koei games will be in the new release, with more than 1,000 different characters simulated in the game and a full character creation tool allowing players to put their own figures in Nobunaga's Ambition.