[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

@Rewjeo

It's the Shaguma/Kaguma/something headgear. For the Tosa, it's the "Red Bear" hat. They have the unique unit of "Red Bear Infantry"

We take Kyoto! HEADS SHALL ROLL!

That's a lot of archer towers. It's a shame that I have Parrott Guns.

10 minutes are all it takes....elite crew is elite.

LEVY INFANTRY TAKING FIRE!

YOUR ORDERS, SIR?

YOUR ORDERS LORD!?

OW MY ARRRRRMMMM!!

CLIMBING TO GREAT HEIGHTS LORD

MOVING FORWARD MY LORD

YES SUH

OBRITERLATE DEM

The defenders did not stand a chance. While a lone gun unit would hardly have killed anything shooting at the walls, when you have a fuckton of line infantry + sharpshooters and bow kachi....of course someone's going to die.

At this point of my LP, play this song before you continue reading.

SWAAAAAAAAAARM

Our men march unhindered by towers, free of bullets...until the second level. ALL UNITS, AVOID THE KILLING ZONES

GIVE COVERING FIRE! The rest of you, CLIMB UP THERE

No time to shoot. Let's get nasty and GIVE THEM STEEL

In this case the kachi really shone, since they're basically masters of melee combat...

Of course some gunfights still go on in the lower level. Covering fire for the climbers.

CHAAAARGE. FOR THE EMPEROR! EAT KATANA

Losses were heavier than expected, but our overwhelming numbers and experience crushed the feeble Kyoto garrison. It was bloody and it was long.

Gregory Last's +5 charge bonus is really working wonders here.

Last man to be cut. PWNT.

VICTORY. KYOTO IS OURS

There's a special unit that can only be recruited in Kyoto.

Kyoto Police - An improved version of the Spear Levy unit, but not much to say about them.

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

The Tottori failed to take Tango. Let's incite a rebellion for the lulz.

The Tosa have sent a force from their tiny island. Whoa.

Gregory Last has risen up again!

Now he gives stat boosts!

A huge as fuck rebel army then takes Tango. Dammit, I'm going to take it from them!

Sharpshooters wear the same thing as line infantry...except with different helmets.

Revolvers harass, everyone shoots the fuck out of the rebel spearmen. Done.

Samurai, HAVE A FIELD DAY. CHARGE

lol that was quick.

Tango is ours, and its infrastructure is pretty much in ruins It's practically undeveloped.

The Wakayama have joined the enemy. Alright then.

Hmm....artillery bonus then. Time to build more Parrott Guns back in Buzen.

Imported Guns researched. Moving on to Modern Army.

Where to next, Mochi?

WIth the Copper Plating tech researched, I can now build Military Ports. I'll build one in Buzen.

Mochi says... "WE MARCH ON KYOTO!"

Randomly improving industry.

Kyoto appears to be lightly defended. Damn man, I remember when it was a hell of a boss battle back in Shogun 2.

Yasuyuki suddenly levels up.

After many turns, Modern Army is researched.

While the game explicitly mentions bayonets, they are not an upgrade. The game developers said that it was too much to have to motion capture bayonet vs. yari/naginata/katana/cavalry animations so they left it out. But then they put in some saber animations, so...what the fuck?

I'm hoping the model is in-game (I've seen bayonets in cutscenes) so I can mod it in and just give it the yari animation.

Good find. I wonder what triggers these events.

ANNNND the Obama land a huge as fuck invasion army at Tango. Oh shit.

BRITISH TRADING DISTRICT CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE.

I can't build this unit yet until I research Iron Plating Ships...but....holy fuck it looks MAGNIFICENT.

BRITISH MOTHERFUCKING ROYAL MARINES. Damn, those are some high stats.

Immediately the Choshu request a trade agreement.

Kyoto shall be mine.

I shall also build this Legendary Dojo, the one-stop building for all your traditional needs.

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

Iemasa becomes even more fanatical. This guy's young too!

Me: Lord Mochi, winter has taken a toll on the men. The Obama reinforcements are moving in.

Iemasa: THEN YOU SHALT HAVE MORE. FOR THE EMPEROR.

-moments later, a whole army of formerly Obama units joined up with Mochi-

Iemasa: ARE YU READY GAIZ?

Defectors: YEAH

Iemasa: PUT YOUR GUNZ ON. FOR THE EMPEROR

Defectors: YEAAAAAAAAH

Scouting around....

Oh look, the Tottori have joined us. Fortune favors the bold, we shall assault Obamatown!

This fortress looks better defended than I expected.

These archery towers need to be taken care of.

These sharpshooters will need to be taken care of also.

Parrott Guns taking care of towers, now it's safe to assault.

Still got some ammo left, shoot the Sharpshooters!

Apparently if units are stationed on a wall and the wall is destroyed, most of that unit will be sent flying to their dooms.

FORWARD MEN, NO SURRENDER

Gunners, move up! You're not killing anything at this range!

I like how in Fall of the Samurai (and the new patch to Shogun 2) ranged units will immediately open fire while climbing the walls.

Things are getting messy...

Meanwhile the Tottori are steamrolling the enemy.

Victory is easily achieved.

The Emperor loves us!!!

The other Mochi gets the new position.

The Wakayama are our next enemy.

I am extremely wary of enemy geisha laying around my territory. BURN THE WITCH

Nagoka fleet is attacking us!

We must be kind hosts to our guests. READY TO FIRE

Just. Like. This.

Here they come. Firing perpendicular to the target causes maximum damage...that is --->> <====

You are surrounded. Give up.

VICTORY.

We got Copper PLating now...but it wouldn't be fitted on to existing ships.

Next thing to master: Imported Guns. I want those Armstrongs. They're a step up from Parrott Guns, and we already know how dangerous those are.

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

Damn, the Jozai are bombing Nagasaki's port, killing my trade income! FUCKERS!

No peace for the Obama.

Mama used to tell me not to get involved in matters like these...

A nice change from the island provinces.

Oki gets a foreign chick and more defensive abilities.

Military Academy of Nagasaki completed. What do we unlock?

IMPERIAL INFANTRY. They're like line infantry, but better.

Foreign Affairs mastered. Moving on to easier things like the Tea Ceremony.

The British love us for some reason. Sure, I'll let them establish a MILITARY mission here.

What is this resource at Suo?

Bend over, Obama.

The nearby Tottori forces (they're pro-Imperial) immediately besiege Tango. Hey I wanted that province. Looks like I'll have to move on to Wakasa...

Rebuilding my navy, one ship at a time. Got a frigate, eager to test out this bad boy.

NOT the frigate.

THIS is the frigate. And it owns. A few volleys with rapid reload and this Kaiten is DOWN.

Wakasa is now under siege.

Toshi looks out for enemy armies.

An Obama fleet? Sink it. By the way I'm leaving Mochi at Wakasa. THis fleet needs to return home to deal with the Shogunate fleets bombing my provinces.

Standard pincer move.

Surround and oh oops, the Kaiten corvettes are too slow. Looks like the right group will have to take the majority of fire.

HURRY THE FUCK UP

Lost a gunboat. Losing corvette.

Ended up not losing gunboat, but...it's right to the side of the enemy ship...

Things looked kind of meh until one of the enemy vessels exploded, sending bits of crew into the sea. FEEDING FRENZY?

WINNING

SAGA HAS MODERNIZED COMPLETELY.

Tea Ceremony complete. Moving on to Copper Bottoms.

Unfortunately the residents of Nagasaki aren't too happy about all this...modernization.

Let's look for a port that isn't blown up...for repairs.

MUST BUILD BRITISH TRADING DISTRICT. NEED MOAR MONEY.

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

I like how the AI is smart enough to offer peace when they're losing badly. I politely decline.

KNOCK THE OBAMA OUTTA HERE (didn't take screenshots)

The next turn, it landed anyways. The fuck?

Cordial Relations done, now mastering Foreign Affairs....

Mochi gets skills in raiding and logistics. He is excellent for invading.

Well, I'm sure our defense forces can hold off the Obama. We SHALL INVADE THEM.

Searching far and wide!

The Obama force, in all their confidence, decides to assault. Well, let them die at our walls, then.

Let's do this.

Yari Ki, move out and find an opportunity to flank...

Dismounted General's Bodyguard can be used to man the walls.

Towers can now be manually commanded, and they can use fire arrows also!

HERE THEY COME. KILL THEM!

You can't hit me from down there! I think..

SPEAR LEVY, GET THEM OFF THE WALLS!

Oki does his part.

Circling around...avoid their spear levy...

CHAAAAARGEEEEE....to little effect.

Why?

1 Charging uphill.

2. Just too many of them. I end u losing most of my cavalry. Fuck.

But at least it distracts the enemy long enough to be shot at some more.

THEY BROKE THROUGH. OFF THE WALLS, WE MUST SHOOT THE ONES INSIDE.

OKI CHARGES INTO THE FRAY

Meanwhile, the other Mochi shoots things.

We can't hold! NEED MORE MEN!

SABERS VS KATANAS.

I think they're wavering sir! STAND FIRM. GANBATTE!

It's their general! SHOOT HIM

Spamming rally and ganbatte and inspire unit always works.

What a bloody mess.

VICTORY!!!! Wow, that was close.

Oki levels up, and why is trade disrupted....?

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

The Jozai sally out, but to my surprise, the Choshu have joined us.

There's a new feature with Fall of the Samurai. I can command over 20 units at the same time now. Let's take a look how...but first i must spread out...

Boink. The interface resizes itself!

I'll let the Choshu do their work, and then I'll take care of what's left. That's what happens when you're my vassal, heh.

Doing well, Choshu.

Some Jozai cavalry made it over. But, they never made it back.

REVOLVER CAVALRY SHRED ENEMIES TO BITS. FUCKING DUAL WIELD SO DAMN FUCKING COOL

FLAMING ARROWS

Not doing so well, Choshu?

Here they come? GUN EM DOWN

VICTORY. (at the blood of the Choshu but w/e)

Also, I captured Wooden Cannons but....meh

Toshi and Mochi have increased in rank, and somehow I get connected into the chatrooms of my multiplayer clan.

Also, new son!

Nagoya and Edo (the Shogun's personal clan!!!) have fallen!?

Autoresolve time!

Suo is ours. Expanding territory slowly.

My new neighbor is the Yonago. They're Imperial, so I don't wish to fight them....or should I...? To expand my own lands..hmm..

Reorganizing my armies....Suo's garrison shall be huge.

Toshi shall be a better assassin.

KILL THE SHINSENGUMI. THEIR TOXIC LIES WILL NOT FIND EARS HERE

Now we explore east.

The Tosa accept an alliance with me!

I thought this piece of art was pretty cool.

Oh fuck, now my income is gonna drop. GOtta rebuild and improve the navy.

OBAMA INVASION FORCE ALERT

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

We do'n't have enough agents to kill people so...GREGORY LAST , USE YOUR DUELING SKILLS.

I DEMAND SATISFACTION

Toshi strikes again...and fucks up.

DO IT ALL AGAIN NEXT TURN!

Now with the Jozai leadership practically gone, we can move in for the kill.

They are joined by the Obama and Nagaoya. WE SHALL TAKE THEM ON FOR THE EMPEROR.

Restoring the honor of my daimyo. Wootwoot.

People are getting mad I'm taking the side of the westerners. Such is the cost of modernization. I owe no apologies.

Reinforcements have arrived. See the revolver cavalry?

Move a little closer to the fleet so it can offer naval support. Keep that in mind when you play, guys.

Nagasaki can be upgraded to City level development. MONEYZ

We besiege them. I'll let you come to me. NO way am I assaulting.

Master Dojo complete. The old ways have their uses.

UNITS UNLOCKED.

Bow Ki - Descendants of the Bow Cavalry unit, long-ranged and quick, but will be raped if shot at or melee'd.

Kisho Ninja - The infamous battlefield ninja from Shogun 2 are back. INsane melee stats, these guys will prove to be an unpleasant surprise...provided they can stealth their way through the bullets.

Currently researching Cordial Relations.

A new mochi appears!

This one sports a retro headband, but his mind is completely modern.

Yasuyuki levels up again! Points in entertainment and charm!

I can now build Goldfields in Tsushima island. Does that make me a gold digger?

New enemies, new raids on my trade. It's okay, I am not feeling a dent.

h shit, I didn't upgrade my navy...UMm.....maybe I should withdr-NO MOTHERFUCKERS LET'S KILL THEM

FOG IS BAD. Face cannons in general direction of enemy and wait.

ALl units, OPEN FIRE. FAST RELOAD HOOR AH

Oh man, getting raped.

No wonder, the Obama Administration has a fucking frigate. NOOOO

Let's. Get. Out. OF. HERE

GTFO N------!!BOOM

WITHDRAW, WITHDRAW. OVERHEAT THE ENGINES IF NEED BE. (overheating boosts speed but gives a small chance the ship will explode or catch on fire.)

My first victory was at sea. My first defeat is at sea. At least 4 ships made it out of there.

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

Oh nothing, just checking out the weather and all...and how we can arc our shots so the ashigaru...er...levy in front can eat bullets.

Simple victory.

Nagato is ours, finally..but instead of keeping it for myself, I decide to restore the Choshu clan.

You're next, Jozai!

The islands are ready to develop better industry. I've already built Cottage Industries on both of them, and those an be upgraded into 3 different buildings. They're pretty much the same thing, except it's on a scale of More modernization unhappiness, better wealth vs. Less modernization, less wealth. Of course, I like variety so I picked the two extremes....or something, ah just read the pics.

What, you were an ally of the Tsuwano? And you're pro-Imperial? Well, I'm in a good mood...I'll accept your peace treaty....

WHAT? Westerners attacked in our land?! TURN OVER THESE CRIMINALS

The Satsuma, always one step ahead, are now fighting the Jozai.

When winter ends, and the first grass grows, we will invade.

The Sendai have made their move against us. We will help our noble ally, of course.

Sometimes, it feels like I'm the minor clan here. The Satsuma appear to be conquering a lot and the Saga clan is just a supporting character....maybe it's like the Tvtrope "Hero of Another Story" where the journey of the Shimazu are more important...

Those are quite the skilled leaders you have there. Pity if something were to happen....

KILL IN THE NAME OF THE EMPEROR. CLEANSE THE LAND

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

The Cannon Range can be upgraded to a Field Artillery School. It'll unlock Armstrong Guns, I believe.

Dammit Photobucket why you resize me again!?!?

Tosa Clan, thuink we can ally up?

NOPE.

Mochi: So close.... (clenches fist and looks down)

Mochi marches on Nagato, having assumed control of Oki's army. ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL...

Gregory Last levels up again, having trained up so many units into level 2-4.

He earns a FUCKING AWESOME HAT and AWESOME STACHE.

Choosing skills in training and bonus ammunition for the troops.

Also, 2nd retainer offers bonus in personal security.

New mission! Assassinate a Tsuwano named character!

NAGATO IS BESIEGED!

Tsukushi upgrades the Police Station into a Magistrate.

Seems like battles are getting bigger, and I'm always outnumbered for some reason. Probably because I'm the aggressor, and I can't reinforce my armies as quickly as they can.

At least our units have the benefit of experience. Even a simple +1 morale can go a loooong way.

Also, Michi is an ugly fuck.

DAT LONG LINE!

An outright charge would be suicidal, and my spear levy have leveled up so much that it would be a waste to let them soak bullets (okay, maybe not such a waste). But still, terrain should be used wisely. Here are some woods where they can stay hidden until the perfect time.

Let's see how many kills level 6 Parrott Guns can score!

OPEN UP! FIRE!

The dangers of modern combat: keeping a fine balance between inspiring your units with your general's command radius and keeping him out of the line of fire. Difficult to do when bullets are whizzing this way and that.

While you reload, I SHALL GUT YOU LIKE A FISH INTO SASHIMI!

Kachi, prepare to flank!

CUT THEM DOWN. SLASH DEM, KEEL DEM!

Did you notice they're using some of the Empire Total War animations? The saber stuff.

The flanking on the left flank fails as enemy units stop routing, regain their wits, and open fire...

But at least hell is being unleashed on the right flank.

And then suddenly I am greeted with this message. It's like their entire army stopped fighting. Silly levy.

Wait, mission success? I thought we were supposed to assassinate, but kill someone in battle? Ah well.

Looks like the Aizu lost to the Satsuma...

As I scout ahead with my fleet, it seems my next enemy are the Jozai. I must be wary of their ability to replenish even in enemy provinces.

We now have modern rifles!

The Shogunate vs Imperial war continues, the Tosa and Obama clans are at each others' throats.

Eh, losing only a small amount of men is okay.

While the Saga may be ultra-modern, I still see the use of fielding small amounts of traditional units on the field. It's time to upgrade to the Master Dojo.

Next research: Domain and the Realm, to restore my daimyo's honor rating.

THE LAST OF THE TSUWANO

PAINT THE BEAUTIFUL SNOW RED

SPRING COMES, THEY BECOME CROPS

Oh, that's the bow kachi, by the way.

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

Okay, so photobucket is being a piece of shit and somehow screwed a few images in the previous post. DAmmit.

They're regrouping! Reform and fire back! HURRY!

VICTORY!

Many have fallen, but it was worth it.

I have nothing but praise for the yari ki.

Mochi levels up from such an epic victory.

REVOLVER CAVALRY UNLOCKED!

Let's upgrade that Cadet School in Nagasaki into a Barracks.

Toshi continue exploring the Satsuma domain.

Tosa offers a trade agreement. Cool.

Mochi's army is ferried to safer areas, and Oki stands guard.

Upgrading ah Market.

Wtf, how'd they do that?!

Mochi is now a skilled attacker.

I have no idea how a bible can improve morale....

An Iwakuni force has crossed into our land! REPEL THE ATTACKERS!

Since they'll be defending, it's time to march. I've seen what Parrott GUns can do. I hope they don't target Oki...

I like these nice graphical touches.

Ouch.

I order a focused bombardment on their location, but it got everyone EXCEPT the Parrott Guns.

They're camping on a hill....what shall I do to draw then out?

Deploying my own artillery...concentrate fire on their Parrotts!

Agh, shit, that salvo almost took out Oki! GALLOP TO SAFETY!

2nd bombardment weakens them.

Advance! Halt. FIRE!

Shifting over melee units to back up my levy ranged.

DEATH TRAP!

Yari Kachi, charge their general!

Meanwhile, the katana kachi intercept their spear levy to great effect.

Of course, the units that makes them all rout is the Saber Cavalry.

That's a wrap!

700 kills for cavalry? damn.

This clan's gone.

Mochi's army has fully healed. ONWARDS! Actually, he took over Oki's army.

New units received.

Sharpshooters.

Shit melee, good range, accurate!

Revolver cavalry, short ranged but reasonable ranged unit

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

Lets upgrade those Tenant Farms to Commercial Farms. More income ftw!

The fleet does what it can to weaken the enemy.

Yasuyuki learns to be graceful. I thought you get graceful by the time you're in your 30s....

Cultural exchange? We're the saga, we totally approve of this. 2000 can be made in one turn anyways!

WHERE THE FUCK DID ALL YOU COME FROM? RETREAT!

This guy's got Parrott Guns! We need reinforcements! OKI TO THE RESCUE!

We can't retreat anymore, but we can probably take on 2 forces! TO WAR IT IS, DUTY CALLS!

I wasn't able to stretch out my line because I was deploying in a corner, but I got plenty of time. The enemy outnumbers us by a huge margin, so I'm going to need a lot of melee units to soak up bullets or to tie up enemy ranged units in melee combat.

Wooden cannons honestly look like pieces of shit. They can't even be redeployed!

The new general's bodyguard after modernization. Much fewer men, but their stats are higher and they have revolvers which are pretty much rapid fire death-dealing machines.

Hiding....maybe they can get the jump on the enemy.

Yari Ki. READY TO GUT THE ENEMIES OF THE EMPEROR.

Bow Kachi. Good long-ranged infantry who can arc shots over the gunners in front.

Hm, they're sending over a vanguard.

Yari Ki are now hiding in the forest, where they will be safe.

POOF!

It's not very effective...

OPEN FIRE, HAVE NO MERCY!

Called in a naval bombardment to nuke this advance force. Meanwhile, Mochi uses his new ability, "Ganbatte", which extends his blue radius and buffs ALL surrounding units. It's like a less crappy version of Stand and Fight from Shogun 2.

Their spear levy makes it to my lines, but are driven back.

But that's just the beginning of the actual battle....

Meat shields...err, spear levy, CHARGE!

They managed to get the foe's general into melee!

As soon as those enemy levy infantry fired, I move my yari ki. The enemy will be busy reloading now.

CRUSH THEM. FOR OUR NOBLE LORD!

This gun battle is taking its time. Spears to the FORE!

Calling in a second bombardment!

The yari ki continue plowing through the enemy line, causing rout after rout. C-C-C-COMBO!

Since levy are unwilling to risk friendly fire, I have them partake in the melee/mop-up also.

BOOM BITCH, GIT OUT DA WAY

Well, yari ki got tied up all the way on the right flank. Looks like I'll have to do something drastic here.

SEND IN MOCHI.

CUT DEM DOWN. TASTE STEEL AND RETRIBUTION!

My previously-routing spear levy have been inspired to return.

KEEP GOING. KEEP CHARGING!

[Lets play Warhammer 40k]

Posted image.

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

Because of how RD works in this, you should be able to keep the Satsuma as allies forever, right? I recall hearing that it works differently.

Yes, Realm Divide has been reworked into a Shogunate vs Imperial shitfest. However, if you decide to form your own Republic then it goes back into the classic Realm Divide style.

Took out an Inakuni fleet, managed to capture it. It's a Kanrin Maru Corvette, and I have no idea if it's better than the Kaiten because I autoresolved this one.

I don't believe I posted info on the ships, did I? Well, here you go.

What? Who dares take our money!?

Now our Shinobi will be even more effective!

I also realized I didn't post info on some of the technologies before, so here you go.

Since I have so much money, I can now bribe enemies over to my side. However, armies led by daimyo cannot be bribed. Therefore, they must be assassinated first before bribing can commence.

Level 3 Modernization attained!

Iesama the fanatic scouts ahead for possible disloyal armies.

What incidents? Ignore them.

By the Emperor, JOIN US!

Okay.jpg

Somehow he nabbed a general too, but this guy is waaaay too disloyal.

I therefore order him to commit seppuku by disbanding his unit.

I now have enough money to upgrade the cal industry in Buzen!

Shipyard Research complete! Cheaper ship ftw!

Shonobi, I order you to reveal the Satsuma lands!

Buzen can use a cannon range.

More enemy troops have been persuaded over next turn. I now have a mini army!

Mochi has crossed into Tsowana territory!

Research can be queued up now. Here's an example.

The next upgrade is Revolver Cavalry...which unlocks said unit.

Apparently reaching clan development level 3 gives all general's bodyguard units revolvers, gives -1 happiness from modernization, and research gets FASTAH

I can't persuade an army with a daimyo. THEREFORE, KILL!

Level up again, FOR THE EMPEROR! SUPER ETHICAL DECISION!!~~@(*&^%$#%$^

Let's besiege this place....next turn.

Seems that I've bribed over a unit of Wooden Cannons. Absolute rubbish, I tell you.

Autoresolved another naval battle, caught myself a Kasuga class corvette.

Looks like it's more advanced than what I currently have.

Starvin' them out.

Iesama, back to the army, where you will motivate everyone wit fanatical rhetoric about the EMPRAH.

Random message on geisha leveling up!

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

IN THE NAME OF THE EMPEROR, I ENLIST YOU, WOMAN, TO BE MY ASSISTANT.

A SHINSENGUMI! MUST. KILL. IT IS AN ETERNAL LOATHING. FIRE AND WATER. WATER AND OIL. FOREIGNERS AND JAPANESE. EMPEROR AND SHOGUN. PB AND J. ANIME AND REAL LIFE. BAKA AND AHO.

Geisha gets entertainment skills.

I continue research in the School of Shinobi in an attempt to make his actions cost less.

Mochiaki doesn't sport an impressive stache, but he can make naval bombardments be more lethal.

His loyalty could use some help though.

Oki's loyalty could use some help too. I appoint him as Inspector General.

Thank the Emperor. MONEY!

Buzen only.

This already exists in Tsukushi.Explains the income.

I can upgrade to this. Also , Mahjong is pretty fun irl.

Meanwhile in Buzen, I can upgrade the inn into the more modern Market building.

Oh shit, Tsuwano's allies are arriving to support them! Also, the Satsuma kicked Tsuwano ass.

FOR THE EMPRAH. KILL THEM!

Zeal succeeds where subtlety has failed. LEVEL UP.

Gregory Last has been afflicted with yellow fever. SHE CAN SHOOT PINGPONG BALLS!

Buzen is burning. IT'S ON.

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

Chaos reigns as smoke obscures the battlefield, units switch targets , and melee soldiers duke it out in the middle of the killing zone.

Spear levy, get their matchlock kachi. I've timed my naval bombardment such that it'll be followed up by a charge from SABER CAVALREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

DIE YOU SONS OF BITCHES!

CUT DEM DOWN

AH HELP M--GRRRRRK

EAT MODERN STEEL YOU FUCK

VICTORY IS OURS.

Wow, sabers are really good.!

Tsukushi is ours!

The Emperor is pleased with our performance. As my fame meter increases, I can begin to appoint my generals to special positions which give the whole clan bonuses.

Traditional Dojo? Don't need a lot of those. DISMANTLED.

Replace with Police Station.

This area looks lightly defended.

FOR THE EMPEROR! Clans will switch allegiances if it benefits them.

Cheaper modern units = win.

Next research, Restoration of the Domain. Unlocks the next level of town upgrade.

Tsukushi already has an inn, and now I can train Geisha.

They boost happiness where they are present, can persuade named characters to join my cause with sex, inspire armies, distract enemy armies...etc.

Ah, Ishin Shishi. They spread propaganda wherever they go, can persuade enemy armies to join my cause, can start riots in enemy towns, can ZEALOUSLY ASSASSINATE named characters like shinobi can. The Shogunate equivalent is the Shinsengumi.

This is my next enemy. They seem to be posing a big challenge, as they have quite a number of allies.

But, before I make a move on the Tsuwano, I will scout out some more.

Recruited a geisha, have her entertain town.

OH SHIT.

It's time for little Mochi to prove himself. Taking with him a ton of levy, let's go!

Damn, I'm too poor to do anything.

Gregory mah boi levels up again. He becomes Drill Sgt. FULL METAL JACKET

Mochi says "DECRARE WAR ON THE TSUWANO! BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD...I mean...FOR THE EMPEROR!"

SATSUMA MAH BRO

Recruited an Ishin Shishi. Guy's a fanatic.

THE EMPEROR MANDATES THAT WE CAPTURE BUZEN NOW

FOR THE EMPEROR, NUKE BUZEN

Now I'm autoresolving this shit.

Buzen is ours, DO IT FOR MONEY! Send in Ishin Shishi to make people SHUT UP

Thank the Emperor! Our influence grows!

The fuck are you doing?

I continue shelling neighboring province Nagato.

Another Mochi comes of age!

Iemasa has leveled up, and his feeling of divine righteousness also!

So does my geisha, hehe

Research completed.

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

Thought I posted here before <: Cool LP style, easy to "read" through. You've given me probably the best kind of kick in the butt I could receive to get to playing vanilla Shogun 2. Will be watching for updates!

Never seen you before. THANKS for the kind words.

Woo, thanks~! I am amused, as usual~!

Yaaaaay. Pineapple Huggers use sabers 300 years later..

The Tsu clan has fallen. Maybe they got turned into tonkaTSU.

The last Goto meets his end face to face with high explosives.

Goto Island is ours, a good fallback position in case things get hair on the mainland.

Oki reaches level 3!

Winter has arrived, bringing with it sluggish movement....and deadly attrition if I spend time in enemy provinces...

I pick the Night Battle skill and the Aggressor skill.

Satsuma's elite army has taken the Hirado. What the hell?! All these guys are practically max level!

Toshi continues to scout around for provinces ripe for the conquering. The Fukuoka seem vulnerable. I can't let the Satsuma get them too.

Obama...!?

Merchant Houses ready...let's switch gears to military research.

I don't have the money to enlist another general.

Scratch the military research, back to civil it is. We develop surveillance! THROUGH THE USE OF PEEPING TOMS AND PANTY THIEVES

Oki demands reinforcements. Let's send him our most modern units.

Wooo, Satsuma vs. Aizu now. Imperial and Shogunate forces getting it on!

I think I'll wait until spring before I land my army on Fukuoka shores.

WAR IS NIGH.

Several turns later, I finish researching surveillance, and now town buildings are cheaper....and faster to build for some reason.

See much, say little, fap moar.

We move on to military research. Arms Deals woot.

I finally garner enough respect from the Satsuma that they're willing to enter into an alliance with me. BROS FOREVER, I HOPE.

A traitor!

Gregory Last levels up from training our soldiers.

Choose bonuses to accuracy and overall effectiveness.

Toshi levels up also. I make his actions cheaper to perform.

The Fukuoka sally. Also, I like this loading screen.

This is what Line Infantry look like. Note their discipline.

Saber Cavalry, the modernized version of Katana Cavalry. Descendants of the Pineapple Huggers?! (From other LP)

Katana Kachi. Looks buffer than the Yari Kachi (it's the shoulder armor)

The opening salvo's honor is all mine. SHRAPNEL BITCHES!

Let's zoom out and gaze in awe at the weather. JUST KIDDING, I'm putting the sabers at the right flank because the enemy's line infantry are in the middle and my left.

Their cavalry is at my left too, hence why I'm shifting my spear levy to the left.

They're picking up the pace. Let them get tired out.

Prepare....

GIVE HELL. FOR THE EMPEROR!

One does not SIMPLY charge a line infantry unit.

Spear Levy, CHARGE!

Yari Kachi, move to the side and flank enemy gunners. RAPID ADVANCE GO!

"PREPARE TO LECEIVE CHAGE!"

"DRAW SWORDS"

"LET THEM TASTE OUR STEER!"

Woop, Yari Kachi got intercepted. FIGHT!

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

okay I'm sold I will be buying this once I have money

It's the orbital bombardment, isn't it?

PREVIOUSLY IN OUR SAGA, WE MUST ELIMINATE THE FUKUE CLAN'S FLEET OR SOME SHIT LIKE THAT

I fixed the resizing problem by lowering the quality of the screenshots.

Checking out that new artwork.

Same scenario as the first naval battle, I suppose?

I then realized. I've got 2 Kaiten class corvettes, but they're different units. Why? Because one of them as a copper bottom, which makes it more durable. Oh shit. Let's compare the two.

FULL SPEED AHEAD SIR

Yes, I'm quoting the horrible Engrish.

ENEMY IS IN RANGE. FRATTEN DEM.

Special Ability FAST RELOAD used. When you absolutely, fucking need, to pour cannonballs down the range.

I love the detail on the ships.

Mousing over the unit also tells you exactly where it's damaged. See yellow highlights in blueprint on the right of the screen.

It didn't take long before the enemy surrendered.

Another corvette captured!

I'm really planning on conquering the Hirado. Let's bleed the dry with our Shinobi.

DIE.

Due to my recent declination to join the Hirado against the Satsuma, my daimyo loses honor, which hurts my diplomatic relations with everyone.

Well, who cares about honor when you have MODERNIZATION?

Oki has landed on Goto Island!

New Mission Issued: Kill an enemy general in combat. Easier done than said, with all these naval bombardments and Parrott Guns.

Every mission begins with a single step. First, let's lay siege.

Enem Shinobi spotted. DIE MOTHERFUCKER RNG BE KIND TO ME!

The Fukue sally! Goto Morinori has a nice hat...

And I'm outgunned once more. Why the fuck does everyone have line infantry?

I forgot to get a pic of Oki Takato in battle. Here he is.

Parrott Guns an use shrapnel shot (only 5 per battle, 4 minute cooldown) to demolish whole columns of men, deadlier than the regular explosives.

This guy sure stands out from the crowd.

Chunks of meat fly through the air, as it should be.

ROFL NAILED GOTO HIMSELF. HAHAHA SUCK MY CANNON.

Just keep coming. Don't scatter. Come closer. SO MY KAITEN CAN NUKE YOUR DOODS

But alas, the AI is smart enough to notice the flare, and scatters its units.

Damn, matchlock are outranged by their line infantry, and they get shot to pieces.

Oki, it's not safe here. You should support the other flank!

But, samurai are samurai after all. Where lesser men would've routed, the matchlock kachi stay strong in spirit.

ALL MELEE UNITS, CHARGE!

Oh shit their levy are charging my matchlocks...damn!

Meanwhile my own levy infantry are holding their own, surprisingly....probably because everyone else is getting raped hard.

The decisive moment begins here, when Oki charges repeatedly into the rear of enemy melee units, smashing them.

And the second bombardment misses. Entirely. Fuck.

But eventually my men pull through and the Fukue begin to run for their lives. CHASE DOWN THESE SHOGUNATE DOGS

YOU WANT BLOOD? I'll GIVE YOU BLOOD. OFF WITH YER HEAD!

This victory just goes to how how shitty matchlocks are.

Mission complete. Everyone gets +1 morale.

Consular Court research complete.

Moving on to Merchant Houses, which increases tax income and modernization.

Oki gains the Brave trait due to his fierce charging.

No peace, Fukue. Die. Now.

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

I'M immediately reminded of the scene in Saving Private Ryan where a poor GI is holding in his intestines.

Did I mention that officers have so much class they use revolvers and don't need to reload?

The enemy general, perhaps still stuck in the traditional mindset of leading from the front, gets cut down by the officer's revolver. BATTLE OVER, BITCH. SUCK ON COLD STEEL, BUSHIDO. I'VE HAD ENOUGH WITH THE OPPRESSIVE SAMURAI MAKING FUN OF THE MERCHANT CASTE. (Merchants are seen as even lower than farmers in Japanese society)

I don't feel like pissing people off by being dishonorable, so I'll just uh....keep it peaceful.

MODERNIZATION INCREASED. MISSION COMPLETE.

Administrative Training research completed, making things cheaper. Moving on to Consular Court, which improves diplomatic relations and modernization.

I choose the bonuses for civil techs since I'm not exactly completely at war yet.

Picking skills for Oki....give him more armor and commanding ability in defense....

Give him a Portrait of Queen Victoria, which improves morale for some reason. "A woman!? The British truly are an odd!"

Next clan to eliminate, the Fukue, who are on some other island. Worst of all, they're pro-Shogunate.

NEW UNITS from Samurai Dojo

Katana Kachi - Descendants of the katana samurai, even better than yari kachi at killing infantry. Suck against cavalry, though.

Bow Kachi - Descendants of the bow samurai, outrange all the gun units even though that's actually historically accurate (Boshin rifles can shoot farther than the yumi bow)

The new province has mines...for resources. Awesome.

After leaving behind a small garrison, Oki leaves to continue his conquering.

I think it's time to conquer the Hirado....

Autumn arrives...bringing with it -10% farming income.

We continue our journeys. Let's see if we can invade Goto Island..

Hmm, can I handle that army? Perhaps.

ATTACK! We declare war!

But first...this navy must be destroyed! To my surprise, instead of the Shogun 2 music that played during the pre-battle phase..

THIS FUCKING AWESOME TRACK DECIDED TO PLAY. FUCK YEAH MODERNIZATION. TAIKO DRUMS AND WESTERN MARCHING

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

Summer arrives, granting with it a bonus to healing...

4 ships in a fleet seems to increase the bombardment ability's effectiveness.

Oki : WE LAY SI-- HOLY BISHAMONTEN WHY DO THEY HAVE MORE MODERN UNITS THAN WE DO? Also, we are heavily outnumbered and outgunned. FUCKING SAGA

Meanwhile, the Traditional Dojo can be upgraded into a Samurai Dojo to unlock more traditional units....it also decreases modernization.

The enemy sally forth. This is going to suck.

Same tactic as before, except melee units at the flank so they can hopefully hit the enemy from the side. ALso, all unit speeds have been lowered compared to Shogun 2.

Is that a red light district?

DELIVERING DEATH SIR

This is the Levy Infantry. The officer is somewhat traditionally dressed(??) and uses a western saber whereas everyone else wields a katana.

Yari Levy. Unarmored, barely trained peasants who still have the sashimono flags and the extremely huge nobori banner. Officer wields katana.

Matchlock Kachi. Not much to say here.

Yari Kachi. The samurai have wimpier looking armor (no shoulder armor!!) and robes underneath.

Parrott Guns, kill their most modern line infantry!

Dammit, the Saga have been out-teched!

Explosive shells send people flying.

Orbital Bombardment, Area toggle, FIRE!

OPEN FIRE DAMMIT!

Matchlock Kachi, wielding outdated shit, are out ranged and must run forward.

Yari Kachi, rapid advance and charge dammit!

Smoke begins to cloud the battlefield...

FEAR NO BULLET. KEEP CHARGING!

Also, my cannons got melee'd.

SPEAR LEVY, FLANK THEM!

Time passes by quickly. Second and last orbital bombardment, GO!

GENERAL, SAVE THE CANNONS AAAAAAAAHHHHHH

The bombardment nukes the shit out of the Fuchu. FUCK YOU ASSHOLES

They are broken from the bombardment. SWEEP THEM FROM THE FIELD.

Line Infantry surrounded and going down very quickly.

This block of infantry refuses to rout, leading to a long gun battle.

But eventually.....

OKI LEVELS UP, now with a tiny fanfare...

More bombardment hehehe.

The Fuchu beg for peace. NO WAY, you guys are fucking pro-Shogunate!

My Shinobi levels up too!

Bonuses to escaping from unsuccessful actions and to sabotage.

A British doctor offers his services for price. I can use the replenishment rate bonus...

Hmmm..to side with Satsuma or the Hirado? I'll avoid pissing off the Satsuma. DECLINE

The Fuchu sally out again!

Now it's finally they who are outnumbered. Also, I just realized artillery can shoot over my troops' heads, so I can put them in the rear....

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

Matchlock Towers. Obviously a clear improvement from the Arrow Towers of old, albeit outdated.

An inn improves happiness and region wealth and allows me to recruit Geisha, seductresses who can persuade enemy agents and generals to come over to my side for a good night and entertainers who can keep my people happy. Somehow.

CottageIndustry - More wealth, gives you a resource for trade, pisses people off from the modernization.

Cadet School - Modern military building, allows recruitment of modernized units.

Let's strike up trade talks with pro-Imperial clans.

Tanegashima clan accepts.

Clan Encountered! It's Tosa!

I think I'll focus a bit on the civil side of things. These modern units are very expensive!

Oki disembarks...and sees he is outnumbered!

An advance force of Tsushima Fuchu attacks! Luckily, our fleet is close by and we can call in naval bombardment on the fuckers!

I realized I forgot to show off the units here....they'll be showcased in the next battle.

I am somewhat outnumbered, but definitely not outgunned.

Building on my experience with total war, I set up my artillery as part of my battle line. I actually only have 1 gun unit, and they're the shitty kind. I mean, sheesh, Matchlock Kachi already have inferior equipment and now they have inferior numbers too!

KABOOM!

OW MY LEG....BLOOD EVERYWHERE AH GOD MODERN WARFARE SUCKS AAAAAAAAHHH

Welcome to the new way of warfare, Japan.

Parrott Guns are deadly accurate and fire explosive shot. Truly awesome.

I can even enter 3rd-person mode but I can't arc my shots for shit.

What's their general doing clumping with his men? Artillery, FIRE AT THEIR GENERAL!

THE BLOOD, IT'S EVERYWHERE! More blood was spilled in this moment than 10 battles of the Sengoku Jidai.

I am outnumbered. Perhaps my general's cavalry unit will help out.

Artillery have a special ability called Kill-Zone. It limits their cone of fire, but increases accuracy.

I can't use naval bombardment yet since it needs to warm up.

The enemy approaches!!! - My units being captain obvious. No seriously. They shout that at you.

Their general is worn down by gunfire, and I charge Oki in to finish them. They flee shortly amongst falling sakura petals.

I call in a Naval Bombardment, focused. I can toggle between area and focused. Area just lobs shells in a large area inaccurately, but focused lessens the radius.

The orange thing is a flare, arriving about 4-5 seconds after I give the order.

Well, we can't let them get out of our bombardment zone. Levy units, your sacrifice will be remembered. CHARGE!

Yari Kachi, rapid advance and charge! See that small circle above their ability Rapid Advance? It's a toggle for autocast. I left it off here, however.

The charge is as bloody as it gets as matchlock kachi are speared. They are no match for me in melee!

Naval Orbital Bombardment is awesome. TONS OF EXPLOSIVE SHELLS DROPPING VERTICALLY KILLING THE SHIT OUT OF EVERYONE.

An enemy unit of spear levy have caught up with my artillery. General, charge and flank them!

Matchlock, keep shooting!

The enemy's backs are broken (quite literally in some cases). My General's Hatamoto (bodyguard) runs the routers down.

Thank the artillery.

Keep the pressure on the enemy. I wonder if I have enough troops to take their town...

But, just to be safe, I send some reinforcements from Nagasaki. It'll take some time to get there...

MODERNIZATION begins with a Cadet School.

New units received.

SABER CAVALRY - Insanely high attack and defense, insanely expensive. I like the historical tidbit on how sabers made it into Japan.

They were adopted as symbols of modernity, something that backwater Japan wanted. Also, the saber was easier to use in mounted combat than the katana was because you only needed 1 hand to use it effectively.

Line Infantry - regular infantry grunts, better than the levy but not much to say about them.

New tech in the form of epic architecture. Cheaper buildings now!

Reinforcements arrived. We MARCH.

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

You already have the game? DAMN YOU. My copy doesn't arrive until Monday.

Anyways, if the Saga really that modernized, imagine what the Shogunate clans' firearms are like.

I'm sorry. THE MONK HAS DAMNED ME.

I think it's just a game mechanic...I'm modernized only in the fact that I have a unit of Parrott Guns, late-game artillery in the early game.

Man, I was hoping you'd go with the Shimazu. Rocked those guys all day long in Shogun 2. Master Samurai up in this bitch.

This thread makes me want to go and read up on the Boshin War.

I'd pick Satsuma too, but the OP'ness of Saga appeals more...plus they're the limited edition clan bonus, so yeah. I dislike the pink though...

You know what pisses me off? Fucking photobucket resizing all my pictures. Does ANYONE know of a photosharing site that doesn't fucking resize my stuff?

I mean, look at it. You can't even read this shit!

Anyhoo...check out the graphics people...

Pic of the Kaiten class corvette, and I am absolutely not thinking of the model names from Super Robot Taisen AT ALL!

Also, that compass thing on the lower left just gives you general information on the movement of the ship.

The dudes with the helmets are the naval gunners on board. Their job is to shoot at the enemy. The other dudes wearing more regular clothing are just there to load the cannons.

This is the gunboat. It only has 3 cannons, but at least it can shoot to the front of itself...

The enemy consists of 1 Kaiten Corvette and 1 Gunboat. Note that the Crvette's cannons are facing in my direction, so I should flank it with my gunboats.

Speedsters at the flanks.

Testing out first person mode...although I think that's better off used with the gatling guns near endgame...

PHOTOBUCKET WHY

I'm making the Kaiten move slightly diagonal to the enemy's direction (that did not make sense at all) so that he can fire back when in range.

ENemy corvette has not turned directions to face my gunboat...

OPEN FIRE! There was no massive volley like in Empire Total War, but the cannons are a lot more accurate here.

ne salvo has already put the enemy gunboat into wavering mode.

And one salvo from them puts MY gunboat into wavering mode. Really? They only lost 1 crew member and they want to run from the battlefield. Afraid of a little thunder, guys?

While it's usually recommended that the player micromanage every movement of their ships in a naval battle, one can tell their ships to continue shooting at the enemy by right clicking on the enemy ship. In previous total war games the targetting AI is somewhat retarded, but here at least the ships will manage to keep their sides facing at the target and fire away with glee.

This is a close-up shot of the corvette. Unfortunately guys, until I figure out a way to tis resizing bullshit, the next 150 screenshots will be this small.

I like how gunboats can fire from the front and are extremely mobile. They remind me of the versatility of the galleys from Empire, but they're still shitty in taking hits.

The enemy corvette is filled with holes!

And they decide to rout. I neglected mentioning the oter enemy gunboat but that thing was routing long before this.

And like in Empire/Shogun 2/Napoleon, you can issue the "Board" order to melee it out on your ships. When issued against routing enemy ships, they will be captured if they haven't surrendered already.

YOU CANNOT ESCAPE THE LITTLE GUNBOAT THAT COULD.

Decisive indeed. By the way, did you notice that my Corvette's health bars went from yellow back to green? I made them repair themselves. This ability has been available since Shogun 2 (actually it dates back to Napoleon) but I've rarely, if ever, used it since it makes your ship a sitting duck in the heat of battle while all of its crew are busy patching up holes made by cannons.

ENEMY CORVETTE CAPTURED

I send it back to my port for repairs which I could not afford.

OKay photobucket, why the fuck did you resize this and not the ones from my other post?

I'm scouting along the coast with my fleet if you can see. I find the island of the only clan I'm at war with, and it looks like it's very far away.

Opening up to my finance screen, I can see who I am trading with. Being the Saga clan, I've already established trade with the Western powers way before any of the other clans have.

Looking at the clan tab, I can see what missions I currently have. I can even change my allegiance to pro-Shogunate if I wanted to. I can also see my victory conditions. Fame is a measure of how well-known your clan and daimyo are. Once it hits a level, shit will happen (See Realm Divide from my other LP)

I can even see my clan development level. It's at level 1 right now, and it offers bonuses to traditional units in the form of cheaper cost and higher morale. It also gives them more starting experience. I believe the kachi units and ki units are traditional.

Oki Takato has no current skills, and he's 32 years old.

The current daimyo is Nabeshima Mochizuru. I'll just call him Mochi for short. He's 18 but already sports an impressive 'stache.

In Fall of the Samurai, I really don't need to worry about people dying of old age because each turn is only 1/6 of a season as opposed to a whole season.

This is the family tree. Apparentl I've got 2 more brothers and they're twins?!

I realized I forgot to show off the upgrade after Stronghold. It's called a Fortress.

I also recruit a Shinobi just because. I'll call him Toshi for short.

Our starting ally is the Hirado clan. Their leader looks extremely well-dressed.

Meanwhile our navy continues to scout along the coast.

Buuuut, I'm preparing to invade the island up there, so let's pick up Oki.

For the lulz, let's blow up our ally's port.

Next turn....

We have now researched Shih. Hooray. We can now use matchlocks.

Spring arrives, and it gives +1 happiness for some reason...and it'll last 6 turns.

I got too eager in trying out the new bombardment feature. I forgot to disembark my army and instead told my ships to fire at the enemy town to see what I could do.

FIRE FOR EFFECT!

YES MY LORD

WE MISSED A FUCKING TOWN?! What is this sorcery? MERLINUS!!!!!

And the minor clans begin to fall as a new era is upon us all....

Nagasaki has been upgraded into a Large Town.

Due to an upgrade in the town level, I can now build new buildings such as the....

Training Camp - This building lowers the cost of all units in the province and increases their replenishment (healing) rate.

Cannon Range - Trains artillery, albeit in the early days of the game....you get Wooden Cannons.

That's right. WOODEN CANNONS.

Police Station - It increases public order, spreads pro-Imperial propaganda, and allows me to recruit Ishin Shishi agents.

[Furetchen will judge the gently caress out of you]

okay.

[Video game music]

[Integrity joins the judging fad]

Hi.

[Let's Play: Fall of the Samurai]

I currently have a small navy offshore. The naval units are reminiscent of the ones from Empire Total War, but even more modern.

Corvettes are generally medium ships.

Gunboats are spammable light ships that use speed and numbers to win.

Let's conduct diplomacy. The first thing to do is to figure out which clans hate me and which ones like me and which ones are willing to establish trade with me. The Shogunate clans are pretty hostile.

SATSUMA (aka SHimazu) MY FRIENDS, ARE YOU WILLING TO TRADE. I have 500 koku for you. It's weird seeing samurai in...western clothing.

Oki Takito, MARCH ON

The navy finds an island that might be ripe for the conquering. We shall see...

BUT FIRST, we must take care of our starting enemy, the Tsushima-Fuchu clan.

FOR THE EMPEROR, but first we must grab power.

At this point, the original music from Shogun 2 began playing, not the soundtrack for Fall of the Samurai. The reason is because I haven't modernized enough yet. As I modernize my clan, my units will start to look Western and the soundtrack will switch from traditional Japanese music to Western-styled music.