Epic Quest More a Board Game

It walks, talks and looks like an electronic board game, but Koei’s strategic warfare game “Nobunaga’s Ambition II” calls itself an epic quest. Without a hint of irony, the gamemakers claim “Nobunaga” offers “an unforgettable entertainment experience as you become part of the most violent period the Japanese people have ever known. Enjoy and good luck!”

The slightly repulsive greeting is then followed by an abbreviated review of warlord Oda Nobunaga’s historic push to end the Japanese Civil War Era of the 15th and 16th centuries. Included in the review are biographies of other daimyos (Japanese warlords) of the period. You may play as Nobunaga or as one of his contemporaries.

As a warlord you will command your samurai troops as you attempt to conquer all of Japan. A wide range of commands are at your disposal. Spying on your neighbors can supply you with important information. A strategic marriage can forge a strong alliance. Collect taxes and tributes to support your war efforts. All that should make you feel powerful and heroic, but, the play is more like selecting cards from a pile and having them read to you.

Most of the limited action in the game takes place on a hexagonal grid. It’s disguised with topographical details, but it is really nothing more than an electronic version of a standard board game. Battles are engaged but squadrons are merely represented as graphic icons filling spaces on the grid. You may command your troops but, as in “Risk,” you just watch your squadron sections blink and the number of appropriate deaths are recorded.

While historically and culturally interesting, “Nobunaga’s Ambition II” can easily be passed up in favor of a good Japanese history book.

Nobunaga’s Ambition II

Rating: **

IBM PCs & Compatibles; 640K RAM req; No copy protection; List Price: $59.95

Computer games are rated on a five-star system, from one star for poor to five for excellent.