Konichiwa all,

After being away for quite some time, I am very pleased to be back thanks to some greatly appreciated help from KukriKhan (bows). I recently purchased RTW/BI and was reminded of all I have been missing for almost two years now (two years?!?... doesn't seem possible)

But I digress... STW captured my imagination in ways no other game (TW or otherwise) had before. I agree completely with the posts above that speak to the equality and honour of the Original. But I feel I must add that, for me, it was much more.

STW was so rich and compelling. Before my exposure to it I had but a cursory interest in Shogun Japan. STW's depth inspired me to learn as much as I could. Since then I have read several books (including Musashi... a must for the SJ enthusiast), researched many of the histories, and added a score of films to my DVD collection. I am far from an expert, mind you, but I now hold a deep interest (dare I say passion?) for all things Samurai. Most do not take me seriously when I tell tham that a video game inspired my craving for SJ knowledge... but truthfully, I have STW to thank for it.

I, too, would love to see a re-birth for STW with the beautiful leaps in technology we have witnessed (most noteably in RTW). As lovely as the landscapes were before, I can only imagine how glorious a battlefield in Mimasaka would be now... with your castle set in the mountainside behind you, your troops' banners waving in the wind, your opponent across from you with nothing but anticipation and tension so thick you could cut it in between. It would be wonderous, to be sure.

That said, I also agree that it would be very hard indeed to replicate what brought us all here in the beginning. Perhaps it would be impossible... perhaps not. I know this though: were "STW II" to hit the shelves tomorrow I'd be in line for it! The very fact that we are here discussing it speaks volumes to the commitment STW fostered. Maybe that commitment will be rewarded one day with something we can all be honoured to share in.

Whatever the case, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of it then... and now. While it has not hooked me like the Original, RTW truly is a beautiful piece of work!

Well, time to step down from the ol' soapbox. Thanks for reading if you made it this far. I'm glad to be back, and you should here more from me from time to time.

Peace and honour go with you,
Z (bows)