Take advantage of the change you create; pit Gatling guns against hand-forged steel katanas and launch torpedoes against wooden-hulled ships in spectacular clashes of medieval weaponry and mechanized warfare. Drive modernization further and faster by investing in civil development and new technologies that will open a world of opportunity to your nation.

• Access additional skills with four new faction packs. Each one introduces a fresh faction for use in singleplayer and multiplayer campaigns as well as custom battle modes.

• Combine the strength and discipline of traditional samurai warriors with explosive military innovations, such as Gatling guns, shrapnel-shooting Parrott guns and torpedoes.

• Open Japan to foreign trade by supporting the shogunate, or resist western influence by backing the Emperor. Lead your own clan and use a combination of clever diplomacy, economic prowess, espionage and military force to convince others to give you their allegiance.

• Carve a path into the future by researching and upgrading technologies on the civil and military tech trees, and prepare for rebellion by those who seek to stand in the way of progress.