There is some great in game analyses above, but also misinformation about the Samurai armies of the period, weapons specializations, and use of formations.

There was a time in the evolution of the Samurai culture when it was all about horse and bow (the individual Samurai), but during the period of the country at war, there were massive armies, specialized units, and precise tactics.

I would suggest Samurai Warfare by Dr. Steven Turnbull, for a greater understanding.

The only reason that I am sticking my nose in here is because of a pet peeve I have concerning the teppo units of the first Shogun. The three rotating ranks was based on the report of a single European observer’s surmising, and not on historical and proven archeological evidence.