PC gamers amongst you will know of the Total War series. This series of real time strategy games by ‘The Creative Assembly’ dates back as far as 2001 and well let’s face it, it’s pretty much Age of Empires ramped up with crack cocaine and steroids. But scheduled for release next year is the next release in the long running series, Shogun 2 Total War. The first of their “Battle Report” trailers has just been released and my oh my have they out done themselves on this one.

Shogun 2 Total War is set in 16th Century Japan during the aftermath of the Onin War. During said era, you take command of one of nine warring factions and lead their to victory through espionage, diplomacy and of course, conquest. The new engine being developed for Shogun 2 allows for an excess of 56,000 soldiers to be on screen at any one time quite a milestone in game development if you ask me. Shogun 2 Total War is due for release sometime next year, 2011.