James Clavell’s novel Shōgun tells the tale of English sailor John Blackthorne, who becomes entwined in the ambitions of daimyō Lord Yoshii Toranaga to become shōgun. This narrative draws inspiration from English sailor William Adams' encounters with Tokugawa Ieyasu, previously adapted for TV and Broadway.
The recent Hulu/FX miniseries adaptation, starring Hiroyuki Sanada and Cosmo Jarvis, offers a fresh perspective on the novel and feudal Japan. To delve deeper into these worlds, check out these captivating historical games reminiscent of Shōgun.
1 James Clavell’s Shogun
Moby Score: 7.1
- Developer: Gang of Five.
- Platforms: MS-DOS, Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC.
- Release: May 1986.
- Genre: Adventure.
For a retro gaming experience, consider James Clavell's Shogun, where players can choose from 20 key characters to ascend to the position of shōgun. Originally released in 1986, this adventure game tasks players with collecting items, building followers, and battling rivals.
Featuring 8-bit graphics and a simple gameplay style, players can select iconic characters like Toranaga or Lord Ishido for a more guided experience, or opt for a challenging journey with a random peasant character.
2 Like a Dragon: Ishin!
Metascore: 81
For a modern take on the Shogun theme, explore Like a Dragon: Ishin! This game introduces a storyline set in 18th-century Kyōto, where players assist Ryōma Sakamoto in his quest for vengeance, offering enhanced 3D graphics and expansive gameplay.
Engage in combat using various fighting styles, navigate dungeons, and experience a reimagined version of the original Ishin, now available on modern consoles with upgraded visuals and gameplay mechanics.
3 Ghost of Tsushima
Metascore: 83 (original), 87 (Director's Cut)
Ghost of Tsushima transports players to 13th-century Japan, following Jin Sakai's quest to defend Tsushima Island from a Mongol invasion, blending honorable combat with stealth tactics.
Acclaimed for its immersive gameplay, this title influenced other game developers and even led to the greenlighting of an Ishin remake. Experience the beauty of Tsushima Island and its challenges, although some players may find its side content lacking compared to the main storyline.