Enter a world most people have never heard of-16th century Japan. The Shogun has just fallen, leaving the government weak and ineffective. The country's greatest warlords, the daimyos, have taken up arms against each other. Alliances and friendships are quickly forgotten as each daimyo pursues the same goal: to rule the entire nation - to become Shogun.
Nobunaga's Ambition puts you in the middle of Japan's bloodiest civil war. As a daimyo, you start with one fief and try to take the entire nation. In times of peace, keep your peasants happy and your soldiers loyal or risk revolt. Make friends with other daimyos by sending messengers. Make enemies by sending ninjas. On the battlefield, attack, retreat, or go directly after the enemy general. Seize every advantage you can. You'll need it.
Nobunaga's Ambition is historically accurate, fast moving, and simple to play. But don't expect victory to come easily. The road to the Shogunate is difficult. Nobunaga himself only came close, and failed.