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Before Dynasty Warriors became a phenomenon on the PS2 Koei was better known for their strategy games, such as Operation Europe and Pacific Theater of Operations, as well as roleplaying games such as the Uncharted Waters series. Some games such as Romance of the Three Kingdoms have continued to thrive and be published in the United States but others, like those previously mentioned have languished since the days of cartridge consoles. The Nobunaga's Ambition series was developed and refined but until now those games have not been translated or released in the United States. Koei recently announced that they will be releasing Nobunaga's Ambition: Tenkasousei as Nobunaga's Ambition: Rise to Power, in Feburary of 2008 for the PS2.

The original game debuted in 1983 and after iterations on various personal computer platforms and consoles to great critical reception. Then, as now, Nobunaga's Ambition focuses on the Sengoku period of Japanese history embodied by the game's titular ruler. The objective is to unify Japan under a single banner just as Oda Nobunaga did five centuries ago. Players have the options of subterfuge, diplomacy and outright war to this end.

The franchise continued overseas and has been refined from its primitive, chunky appearance to include a slick 3D environment. The new game adds to the elegant nation and battle management of the original to include in depth castle, city and character managment. Kou Shibusawa, the brains behind all of the games mentioned in this article, is the lead producer and while details are still sketchy at this point but it sounds like we will finally see more of the amazing strategy games that first put Koei on the map.

The complete press release from Koei follows.

KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced Nobunaga's Ambition®: Rise to Power, an epic historical simulation from legendary game producer Kou Shibusawa. The game is scheduled to ship to North American retailers beginning February 5, 2008, exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.

"The Nobunaga's Ambition series defined the simulation genre when it first debuted in 1983. The engrossing gameplay in many ways set the standard by which all other console simulation games would be measured," said Amos Ip, Senior Vice President at KOEI Corporation. "The franchise continues to be enjoyed around the world and has garnered numerous awards. Now, with Nobunaga's Ambition: Rise to Power the engrossing strategy and simulation elements are presented in a rich 3D environment. KOEI is excited to reintroduce the Nobunaga's Ambition series to veteran players and to a new generation of fans."

About Nobunaga's Ambition: Rise to Power
Set during the 16th century, Nobunaga's Ambition: Rise to Power sends players back in time to the Sengoku (Warring States) period of Feudal Japan. It was during this time that the visionary Nobunaga Oda assembled the most advanced military force in Japan, and instituted new policies that stimulated the growth of the nation's economy.

In Nobunaga's Ambition: Rise to Power, players will assume the role of Nobunaga, or of a rival warlord, in their quest to unite Japan under one rule. Packed with 7 dramatic scenarios - from the 1551 Struggle for Power to the events following Nobunaga's death in 1582, Nobunaga's Ambition: Rise to Power lets players embark on their quest from more than 300 different starting points.

For the first time in the series, military campaigns are carried out using an explosive 3D real-time battle system. Plus a new command lets players go "all in" and risk their entire empire in battle. If victorious, players will expand their empire, but a defeat could mean the total loss of their land.

Nobunaga's Ambition: Rise to Power is more than just a game of military domination. Life in Feudal Japan is brought to life with remarkable detail. In vibrant castle towns the daily lives of characters will unfold while players nurture their village into a flourishing empire. Players will also manage government affairs and develop critical infrastructure such as ninja camps, blacksmiths, and markets. A robust character edit function features a wide variety of character faces, the ability to edit stats, and let's the player choose when and where the characters will appear.

Originally released in Japan as Nobunaga's Ambition: Tenkasousei, Nobunaga's Ambition: Rise to Power marks the return of the series to North America. Nobunaga's Ambition: Rise to Power is developed by KOEI Co., Ltd and produced by Kou Shibusawa, the mastermind behind the legendary Romance of the Three Kingdoms® and P.T.O.™ historical simulation series. The game is rated "T" (Teen - Alcohol Reference, Mild Language, Violence) by the ESRB. Press can find (watermark-free) assets at gamespress.com. For the latest information on Nobunaga's Ambition: Rise to Power, please visit www.koei.com.