Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Drops this July in Celebration of the Series’ 40th Birthday

Get ready for another dose of Japanese grand strategy, because Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening is getting a Western release this summer. Developed by Koei Tecmo, the Nobunaga’s Ambition series has a surprisingly long history – this year actually marks the franchise’s 40th anniversary, with the first entry in the series being released on Japanese PCs in 1983. The franchise has come a long way since then, as this is the 17th core entry in the series. While somewhat niche here in North America (a niche I’m definitely in) the series has sold over 10 million units worldwide.

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening looks to deliver the series’ usual combination of complex empire management and real-time strategic battles. Awakening looks to feature a somewhat more stylized presentation as well as a lot of returning content and features from past entries in the series to celebrate the 40th anniversary. For instance, over 2,200 officers you can assign to help you build your empire are stuffed into this version of the game. You can check out an English trailer for Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening, below.

Yup, that looks like a Nobunaga’s Ambition game! Need to know more? Here’s an official description…

“In Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening, players will experience the life of a daimyō, a powerful Japanese leader, in the troubled times of the Warring States Period in 16th century Japan. As the head of their own clan, players will have to make the best decisions in several key areas ranging from the economy, to diplomacy, and military might in hopes of eventually unifying the country. To do so, they will be supported by retainers, AI officers who think and act on their own best judgement. Retainers will provide submissions to the players to help them plan their battle strategy.”

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening launches on PC, PS4, and Switch on July 20. Of course, the game will also be playable on PS5 via backward compatibility. You can actually buy the game via Steam right now, but the game is currently unlocalized. You’ll just have to wait until July for an English version.