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Shogun 2: Total War confirmed, detailed

Narrative! Hero units! Cherry blossoms!

SEGA has confirmed the rumours and unveiled Shogun 2: Total War. The game will be released exclusively on PC in 2011.

The details picked from the leaked fact sheet have turned out to be true, although the multiplayer parts are still TBC.

Shogun 2 will present a smaller-scope but more detailed, personal experience.

Unit roster has been trimmed from hundreds to 30-40 and factions cut down to eight rival Japanese feudal warlords, according to IGN. Similarly, the geographical scale of Shogun 2 will be reigned in, preferring the small Japanese territory to a global scope.

You'll discover who the historical faction leaders of the time were, and where their loyalties and politics lay. Generals will return to rouse troops before battle, and this time their traits will be hand-picked by you rather than assigned at random.

Naval combat, an important development of Empire: Total War, returns in the shape of oared ships and hordes or archers, and there will be varying vessel-types to pick from depending on your choice of tactics.

Shogun 2: Total War is currently in pre-alpha stage. Look out for a full preview on Eurogamer soon.