Hototogisu (Japan)

Hototogisu is a turn-based historical strategy game released for the NES (Famicom) in 1989 by Koei, a company renowned for its historical simulation titles. The game is set during Japan's tumultuous Sengoku period, where various daimyo (feudal lords) vie for power to unify the country. The player's primary objective is to become the sole ruler of Japan.

Hototogisu's gameplay focuses on macro-management on a map of Japan divided into numerous provinces. Each game turn represents one month. Players will undertake strategic actions and resource management such as:

• Territory Management: Develop agriculture to increase food production and foster commerce to boost gold income. These are two essential resources for maintaining armies and developing the nation.
• Recruiting and Maintaining Armies: Players need to recruit soldiers, train them, and ensure the loyalty of their generals. Each general possesses unique stats in military, politics, and intelligence, which affect the effectiveness of commands.
• Diplomacy: Form alliances, break alliances, or declare war on other daimyo. Diplomatic relations play a crucial role in expanding territory or protecting borders.
• Warfare: When the player's army encounters an enemy, the game transitions to a battle screen. Battles are turn-based, with players commanding their military units to attack, defend, or retreat. The choice of tactics, terrain, and general's quality significantly impacts the battle's outcome. Castle sieges are also a vital part, requiring different strategies.
• Historical Events: The game incorporates various random or scripted historical events, which can bring benefits or challenges to the player, adding to the realism and unpredictability.

Hototogisu demands players to possess a long-term strategic vision, efficient resource management skills, and the ability to make shrewd military and political decisions to overcome rivals and unify the Land of the Rising Sun.