Pokémon Conquest

Pokémon Conquest, known in Japan as Pokémon + Nobunaga's Ambition^[1] (ポケモン+ノブナガの野望, Pokemon Purasu Nobunaga no Yabō), is a 2012 tactical role-playing video game developed by Tecmo Koei and published by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. The game is a crossover between the Pokémon and Nobunaga's Ambition video game series. The game was released in Japan on March 17, 2012,^[2] in North America on June 18, 2012,^[3] and in Europe on July 27, 2012.^[4]

Pokémon Conquest
North American box art
Developer(s)	Tecmo Koei
Publisher(s)	JP: The Pokémon Company WW: Nintendo
Director(s)	Osamu Mieda
Producer(s)	Hisashi Koinuma Toshio Miyahara Takato Utsunomiya
Designer(s)	Yukinori Ito
Programmer(s)	Hideomi Chino
Composer(s)	Shinichiro Nakamura
Series	Pokémon Nobunaga's Ambition
Platform(s)	Nintendo DS
Release	JP: March 17, 2012 NA: June 18, 2012 AU: June 21, 2012 EU: July 27, 2012
Genre(s)	Tactical role-playing game
Mode(s)	Single-player, multiplayer

Gameplay

See also: Nobunaga's Ambition § Gameplay

The player, accompanied by an Eevee, travels throughout the Ransei Region (ランセ地方, Ranse-chihō) befriending Pokémon and battling Warriors (ブショー, Bushō) and Warlords (ブショーリーダー, Bushō Rīdā) to conquer and unite the region; Warriors and Warlord Leaders can join the player's party once defeated, allowing the player access to more Pokémon. The gameplay is turn-based strategy and is a tactical RPG, unlike the main-series Pokémon games, with different Pokémon capable of using different attacks and means of movement. Warriors and Warlords also have unique battle-changing powers that boost their Pokémon's abilities but may only be used once per battle. These effects range from increased attacking power, health restoration, or even temporary invincibility.

Battle gameplay of Pokémon Conquest, with the touch screen on the bottom

Unlike in the main-series Pokémon games, each Pokémon is capable of using only one move. This move is determined by the Pokémon's species and is usually picked to represent that species; for example, Excadrill uses its signature move Drill Run. Additionally, only 200 of the 649 Pokémon that existed at that time of release are available in the game. The main-series capture system is replaced by a minigame where a Warrior attempts to form a link with a wild Pokémon by coordinating button presses with a display, reminiscent of Dance Dance Revolution. The main-series leveling system is replaced by a concept called "link", a percentage which increases to a certain maximum, and reflects that Pokémon's battling statistics. Each Warrior has a natural affinity to certain types, which grants an increased maximum link with Pokémon of those types. In addition, every Warrior and Warlord has one evolutionary family of Pokémon with which they may form a 100%, or "perfect link". In addition, certain Warlords can form links with legendary Pokémon. A Warlord's costume almost always resembles the appearance of at least one of their "perfect link" species. Additionally, the main-series evolution system is changed to reflect the removal of Pokémon levels. Instead of a Pokémon reaching a specific level, they evolve by reaching certain conditions such as reaching a specific link, winning a battle in a specific kingdom, or having a stat reach a certain value. Warlords are also able to evolve by reaching certain conditions, such as achieving a certain link percentage with a Pokémon. Other than the player, warlords cannot evolve until after completing the main story.

Warlords

Almost all 200 Warriors in Pokémon Conquest are based on a real historical figure from the time of the Sengoku Jidai - Japan's Warring States period. 37 of them stand above the others as Warlords who are distinguished by having gold icons, unique sprites, individual post-game stories, and being able to transform (becoming stronger in a similar manner to Pokémon evolution).^[5]

Name	In-Game Profile[5]	Historical Reference
Hero/Heroine	A youth in possession of a rare talent to communicate on a deep level with Pokémon of all kinds. This Warrior's friendship with Eevee dates back to childhood.	Azai Nagamasa was initially allied with Nobunaga, but turned against him when Nobunaga attacked the Azai clan's previous allies. However, he was defeated by Nobunaga, committing seppuku as his castle fell.[6]
Nobunaga	A Warrior whose phenomenal strength surpasses all others. Renowned for showing no mercy in battle, he is feared by all who cross his path.	Known as the First Great Unifier of Japan, Oda Nobunaga was an incredibly successful and ruthless Sengoku Jidai daimyō. However, his life ended in the Honnō-ji Incident, where he was betrayed by Mitsuhide and soon-after avenged by Hideyoshi.[7]
Oichi	A sweet kindhearted young girl who is not without strength and resolve. By nature she is not drawn to battle but has nonetheless learned to embrace it when necessary.	Oichi was the younger sister of Nobunaga and married Nagamasa as a sign of the two clans' partnership with whom she had three daughters.[6]
Hideyoshi	Behind the cheerful exterior of this Warrior lies an unusually sharp intelligence and a rare capacity to perceive things as they really are.	Known as the Second Great Unifier of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi was one of Nobunaga's right-hand men. After Nobunaga's death, he would avenge his former lord and finish the unification of Japan.[8]
Motochika	His laid-back exterior hides a passionate nature that never shrinks from even the most fearsome opponents. Indeed, he is perpetually seeking out his next battle.	Chōsokabe Motochika conquered the provinces of Shikoku Island until Hideyoshi seized them, allowing Motochika to keep one of its provinces for surrendering.
Ginchiyo	Born to a clan famous for producing talented Warriors who fight alongside Electric-type Pokémon. Fiercely proud, she does not forgive easily.	Tachibana Ginchiyo was a female warrior who served as the head of her clan due to her father having no sons. She would go on to serve under Hideyoshi as he unified Japan.
Motonari	A reasonable and rational Warrior who shows exceptional tactical awareness in battle. His dream is to dedicate himself to the academic research of Pokémon.	Mōri Motonari was a master strategist who greatly expanded his clan's influence throughout the Chūgoku region.
Mitsuhide	Never letting his composure slip for a second, his overly serene nature sometimes gets him into trouble. His loyalty to trusted friends, however, is unshakeable.	Akechi Mitsuhide was one of Nobunaga's retainers, but would betray him at the Honnō-ji Incident. He would only rule for a short time before Hideyoshi returned to defeat him.[9]
Yoshihiro	A heroic and large-hearted type who loves nothing more than a good battle, particularly one where the chances of winning appear to be slim.	Shimazu Yoshihiro was a skilled general who helped in the unification of Kyūshū and in Hideyoshi's invasions of Korea.
Nene	A gentle, peace-loving woman, adored and respected as a motherly figure by her allies.	Nene was Hideyoshi's wife.
Shingen	Lively and mischievous, his self-confidence seems to know no bounds. Kenshin's lifelong rival.	Takeda Shingen was the leader of Kai Province who would face off multiple times against Kenshin, most notably at the Battles of Kawanakajima.[10]
Masamune	Earnest and cheerful, with soaring ambitions that he refuses to let anyone dampen.	Date Masamune, nicknamed the One-Eyed Dragon, established the Sendai domain in what is now Miyagi Prefecture.[11]
Kenshin	A veritable genius on the battlefield, he values nothing above the art of combat. Sworn enemies with Shingen and constantly looking for ways to overcome him.	Uesugi Kenshin was the leader of Echigo Province who would face off multiple times against Shingen, most notably at the Battles of Kawanakajima.[10]
Yoshimoto	Once a talented fighter, he now prefers to devote his energy to the game of Pokémari. A dandy with little knowledge of how the real world works, his naivety often lands him in trouble.	Imagawa Yoshimoto was allied with Shingen until he was killed by Nobunaga's forces in the Battle of Okehazama.
Ujiyasu	Despite his tendency to seem gruff and unaccommodating, he cares deeply for his allies. He has taken part in more battles than even he can count.	Hōjō Ujiyasu was a daimyō who had conflicts with both Kenshin and Shingen, but was able to make peace with both of them.
Nō	An aloof and somewhat mysterious beauty who likes nothing more than watching talented Warriors in action on the battlefield.	Nō-hime was Nobunaga's wife.
Kotarō	A ninja who seems set on throwing all of Ransei into turmoil. His true motivations for doing so, however, remain a mystery to all.	Fūma Kotarō was the fifth and most famous leader of the Fūma ninja clan in service to the Later Hōjō clan.
Ieyasu	A most magnanimous man who treats his allies with great affection and is venerated by them in return. Careful and patient, he achieves results one step at a time.	Tokugawa Ieyasu was one of Nobunaga's closest allies. After Nobunaga's death, he and Hideyoshi fought for control and Ieyasu lost, becoming one of Hideyoshi's retainers. After Hideyoshi's death, he once again fought the Toyotomi clan for control, but this time Ieyasu won. As the Third Great Unifier of Japan, he was the first of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which would rule Japan for over 250 years until the Meiji Restoration.[12]
Hanbei	A genius with truly astonishing brainpower and a confidence that doesn't quite fit his appearance, his dream is to spend every day sleeping.	Takenaka Shigeharu, also known as Hanbei, was a strategist and advisor for Hideyoshi.
Kanbei	A firm believer that the end justifies the means, he is always focused on his current aim. He and Hanbei are close friends united by their gifted natures.	Kuroda Kanbei served as Hideyoshi's chief strategist and advisor after Hanbei died.
Muneshige	A capricious type who has the tendency to show off. When there's something he wants to get done, however, he has the talent to pull almost anything off.	Tachibana Muneshige was Ginchiyo's husband.
Gracia	Mitsuhide's daughter is innocent and curious and cannot wait to learn more about the mysteries of the world.	Hosokawa Gracia was the daughter of Mitsuhide and the last notable survivor of the Akechi clan until she was killed to prevent her from being taken hostage by Mitsunari.
Hanzō	A ninja who believes that battle is no more than his duty. Extremely reticent, it is very rare for him to make his true feelings known.	Hattori Hanzō was a famous ninja who served Ieyasu, including saving his life from Mitsuhide's troops following Nobunaga's death.
Kunoichi	A mischievous prankster who is always teasing other people. Despite her constant fooling around, she displays remarkable skill as a ninja.	Kunoichi is the only named character in Pokémon Conquest not to be named after a specific individual. Rather, she gets her name from the general term for a female ninja.[13]
Yukimura	A valiant young Warrior. Serious, with a strong sense of duty and justice, he is always focused on pursuing the path that he has determined for himself.	Sanada Yukimura served Shingen until the Takeda clan was defeated. He then served Nobunaga until the Honnō-ji Incident. He would eventually become a vassal for Hideyoshi until his death during the Siege of Osaka Castle.
Magoichi	A sensible and uncomplicated Warrior who doesn't get hung up on trifles. He does, however, have a great love of women and will attempt to speak to any lady who passes his way.	Saika Magoichi was the name given to leaders of the Saika Ikki mercenary group. This one is likely Suzuki Shigetomo, who joined the Date clan and served under Masamune.
Kanetsugu	Warmhearted and very dutiful, he will always attempt to punish anyone he feels has been unjust, in a bid to show them the true path.	Naoe Kanetsugu was a samurai who served Kenshin and, after Kenshin's death, Kagekatsu - Kenshin's adopted son.
Aya	Older sister of Kenshin, her heart is split between a kindly warmth and a strict discipline. Modest and refined, she never loses her cool.	Aya-Gozen was the older half-sister of Kenshin, sharing the same mother.
Kai	A strong-willed girl who hates losing, she is in fact good hearted and caring towards others. Occasionally prone to fretting about her appearance.	Kai-hime was a female warrior for the Later Hōjō clan and later married to Hideyoshi.
Okuni	Energetic and lighthearted, she is forever taking off at the drop of a hat and can be spotted in all four corners of Ransei.	Izumo no Okuni was the inventor of kabuki theatre.
Ranmaru	A courageous and extremely talented Warrior. Earnest and very dutiful, he has no ambitions of his own but to serve his master.	Mori Ranmaru was an attendant to Nobunaga, dying with his lord in the Honnō-ji Incident.
Tadakatsu	A famous Warrior, thought to be the strongest in all of Ransei. Valued as an ally, his enemies fear the day when they have to take him on.	Honda Tadakatsu was powerful warrior who served as one of Ieyasu's Four Heavenly Kings.
Ina	Tadakatsu's daughter is a dignified and composed Warrior who aspires to match her father's greatness and devotes herself wholeheartedly to achieving her aim.	Komatsuhime, whose childhood name was Ina-hime, was Tadakatsu's daughter and a female warrior who was married to Sanada Nobuyuki - Yukimura's older brother.
Keiji	Stylish, with a love of interesting and unusual things, he has a tendency to drift from kingdom to kingdom. His talent as a Warrior, however, is not to be underestimated.	Maeda Keiji was a samurai adopted into the Maeda clan, who in turn served under Nobunaga. However, after his promise of succession was broken, he left the Maeda clan. He later met and befriended Kanetsugu, joining the Uesugi clan.[14]
Mitsunari	Says exactly what is on his mind and therefore has a tendency to cause offense sometimes. He has a good head on him, however, and never forgets a favor done for him.	Ishida Mitsunari was a retainer for Hideyoshi. After Hideyoshi's death, he led the Toyotomi clan against Ieyasu until his defeat at the Battle of Sekigahara.
Kiyomasa	Stubborn and very unwilling to change his own opinions. Often comes across as very sarcastic but is actually quite straightforward and pure hearted as a person.	Katō Kiyomasa was a samurai who served as one of Hideyoshi's Seven Spears of Shizugatake and fought in Hideyoshi's invasion of Korea. After Hideyoshi's death, he sided with Ieyasu due to his loathing for Mitsunari.
Masanori	A simplified soul brimming over with pure macho energy. Often gets into trouble from not thinking things through properly but is also in possession of a determined streak.	Fukushima Masanori was a samurai who served as one of Hideyoshi's Seven Spears of Shizugatake and sided with Ieyasu after Hideyoshi's death.

Plot

A legend is foretold that the one who unifies all 17 kingdoms of the Ransei Region (ランセ地方, Ranse-chihō) will have a chance to encounter the Legendary Pokémon who created the region. Warriors and Warlords all over Ransei sought to fulfill the foretold legend, resulting in battles and an end to the region's peaceful era. The game initiates with the player becoming the Warlord of the Aurora (ハジメ, Hajime) kingdom and meeting Oichi. Hideyoshi of the nearby kingdom of Ignis (カエン, Kaen) sends his warriors to ambush Aurora, only for them to be defeated by the player and Oichi. Oichi explains to the player that all of the other kingdoms of Ransei had become aggressive and hostile towards one another, in their hopes of fulfilling the Ransei Legend. This initiates the player's harrowing journey of unifying other nations, starting with Ignis, hoping to restore peace upon Ransei. After conquering the kingdoms of Greenleaf (アオバ, Aoba), and Fontaine (イズミ, Izumi), Oichi explains that Nobunaga, who dwells in the northern part of Ransei, is the main threat to the Ransei region. After conquering the kingdoms of Violight (シデン, Shiden), Chrysalia (サナギ, Sanagi), and Pugilis (コブシ, Kobushi), Oichi explains that Nobunaga's ambition is to fulfill the Ransei Legend and use Arceus's power to demolish Ransei.

After conquering the two kingdoms of Terrera (ダイチ, Daichi) and Illusio (ゲンム, Genmu), Oichi hosts a celebration of Shingen and Kenshin's recruitment to the player's army. During the celebration, the player is confronted by Nobunaga, who holds the kingdoms of Avia (ツバサ, Tsubasa), Cragspur (キガン, Kigan), Yaksha (ヤシャ, Yasha), Viperia (ドクガ, Dokuga), Valora (フクシ, Fukushi), Nixtorm (フブキ, Fubuki), and Spectra (ミタマ, Mitama) under his command. Nobunaga informs the player and Oichi of their foolishness in opposing him and returns to his kingdom of Dragnor (リュウ, Ryū). Though his servant Ranmaru pleads with Oichi not to oppose him, Nobunaga states he will annihilate anyone who gets in his way. With Nobunaga and his Zekrom defeated, the player unites Ransei, and the Infinity Tower is revealed. Inside, the player's party finds the Mythical Pokémon Arceus. After linking with Arceus, the player is confronted again with Nobunaga, now partnered with a shiny Rayquaza, along with Mitsuhide, Nō (ノウヒメ, Nouhime), Ieyasu, Ranmaru, and Hideyoshi for a final battle. After being defeated, Nobunaga reveals his true intentions to bring peace to Ransei by destroying Arceus as it is the cause of the conflict. However, seeing the player unaffected by being linked to Arceus, and as the Pokémon takes its leave, Nobunaga relents; Ransei's kingdoms are restored to their proper owners and a system in the region is established.

After defeating Nobunaga and completing the main storyline, players can take on 36 special episodes, each featuring one of the other warlords and having different objectives (such as taking over a portion of Ransei rather than the whole region). They feature smarter AI (with the opposing nations attacking your countries more often), and the ability to upgrade the locations within the regions through a bank to find more Pokémon or get better items and to evolve the rest of the Warlords. The episodes often reference real historical events, such as Mitsuhide's betrayal of Nobunaga and Hideyoshi's unification of most of Japan. After the episodes of the 16 senior warlords are completed, a final episode will be unlocked, which is essentially a new game with the main playable character but includes the added features of the post-game episodes.

Development

Pokémon + Nobunaga's Ambition was first revealed at the Shueisha's "Jump Festa" anime and manga event on December 17, 2011. Nintendo and Tecmo Koei announced the game during the event and announced its 2012 release.^[2] The Pokémon Company announced a live-streaming event that would be used to reveal information to consumers in Japan, and it took place on January 19, 2012.^[15] Part of the character designs on the humans also worked on Samurai Warriors 3, with touch-ups from Ken Sugimori.^{[citation needed]} On April 4, 2012, it was announced on Pokemon.com that Pokémon + Nobunaga's Ambition would be released in the United States on June 18, 2012, as Pokémon Conquest.^[1]

Reception

Reception

Aggregate score

Aggregator	Score
Metacritic	80/100[16]

Review scores

Publication	Score
Destructoid	8/10[17]
Famitsu	34/40[18]
Game Informer	7/10[16]
IGN	9/10[19]

Pokémon Conquest received positive reviews, possessing a score of 80/100 on Metacritic.^[16] Famitsu gave the game a score of 34/40, with reviewers praising the game's accessibility for young players, high replay value, and ability to mix Pokémon with a traditional Japanese historical setting.^[18] IGN gave the game a score of 9 and an Editor's Choice award, praising its deep gameplay and calling it "one of the greatest, most fully realized Pokémon spinoffs in existence".^[19] Destructoid gave the game 8/10.^[17] Game Informer gave the game a 7/10.^[16]

The game sold 341,000 copies in Japan in 2012.^[20]

In 2012, IGN placed the Pokémon Conquest 12th on their "The Top 25 Nintendo DS Games".^[21]