Shingen the Ruler (USA)

Shingen the Ruler is a turn-based strategy game released on the NES, placing the player in the role of Takeda Shingen, a great Daimyo during Japan's Sengoku period. The primary objective of the game is to unify all of Japan by conquering every province.

The gameplay of Shingen the Ruler is divided into two main parts: the Strategic Map and the Battle Map.

On the Strategic Map, players manage their realm turn by turn, with each turn representing one month. Management activities include:

• Developing agriculture: Investing in rice paddies to increase rice production, which is essential for feeding troops.
• Developing the economy: Boosting commerce to gain more gold, used for recruiting soldiers and constructing facilities.
• Recruiting and training troops: There are various troop types such as spearmen, cavalry, archers, and riflemen, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
• Managing generals: Training generals to enhance their power and combat skills.
• Diplomacy: Forming or breaking alliances with other Daimyo, sending spies to gather intelligence or cause unrest.
• Moving armies: Deploying armies between provinces to attack enemies or defend territories.

Seasonal changes also influence gameplay; for instance, winter might reduce movement speed or income. Players must also pay attention to troop morale and potential random events.

When two armies meet on the Strategic Map, the game transitions to the Battle Map. This is a turn-based tactical battle played on a grid. Players command their military units to attack the opponent. Each unit type has different movement and attack ranges. For example, cavalry are strong in direct assaults but weak against spearmen, while archers and riflemen can attack from a distance. Terrain on the battle map also plays a crucial role, offering advantages or disadvantages to units. The goal is to eliminate all enemy troops or force the enemy general to retreat. Winning battles allows players to expand their territory and move closer to the goal of unifying Japan.

Shingen the Ruler demands that players possess strong strategic thinking, both in resource management and in commanding troops on the battlefield.