Photo review of the collector's edition of Total War: SHOGUN 2
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The counter on the left shows less than three days until the release of the new installation of the Total War saga, and therefore a new collector's edition from 1C-Softclub. As the quality and execution of strategies from Creative Assembly grows, so does the level of content in Russian collector's editions. The latest parts of the series are quite indicative in this regard; take a look:

Medieval II had a simple DVD-box edition (not counting the coin included with the pre-order), Empire had a relief DVD-box with a cardboard cover and DLC, Napoleon had a slipcase in a cardboard sleeve, again only with digital bonuses, and finally, Shogun 2 features a full-fledged collector's box that includes physical goodies as well. For the first time in the series, it proudly carries the title "Collector's Edition". Unfortunately, I didn't find a single bonsai at home, so the photos will be on a regular background. However, the Japanese style of the edition is impressive on its own.

The cover in the photographs looks as if "Star Wars" awaits us inside, set in a Japanese atmosphere. However, the samurai's swords are purple for a different reason: due to the special rainbow coating of the box. From all sides, it elegantly shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow, which is detailed in the video review.

At the first step of unpacking, we have three components in our hands: a DVD-box, an art book, and an envelope with a map.

Pay special attention to the thickness of the map. Even folded, it is much thinner than the game box. Silk!

Map dimensions:

And its detailing close-up:

The map looks great on the wall and is easy to pin up, fortunately, its weight is light. Veterans of the first part of Shogun surely remember most of these provinces by heart, but the artistic value of the map is no less than its historical significance. The next component is the art book.

A softcover with glossy letters, 45 pages. It begins with a message from the lead artist of the series...

...and the illustrations are divided into three categories: ukiyo-e engravings, concept art of the game style, and characters.

As far as I know, this is the first art book in our industry that describes traditional Japanese style. Even detached from the game, the engravings and landscapes of the art book are very interesting: the meaning of some is clear immediately, while others contain many small details that can only be uncovered by an attentive gamer. Who knows, perhaps after a couple of hours meditating on these images, one might grasp some of the ancient Japanese wisdom?..

And finally, the game DVD-box.

Two discs in one holder, a manual, and a DLC card. Yes, the keys for additions this time are on a separate sheet, not together with the game key under the discs as it was before.

The manual is black and white, spanning 16 pages and generously adorned with Japanese details:

The last page calls to join the War Room community on the official site of the series:

And a general photo of the "Total War: Shogun 2 Collector's Edition":

This edition is priced at 999 rubles. A work of art, Japanese wisdom, and a new pinnacle of the strategic genius of Creative Assembly all fit nicely into this price range. You can activate the key starting March 15. The grand launch will take place a day earlier, on Monday, at the "Evropeyskiy" Shopping Center. Players can expect a lot of interesting things, so I recommend coming to participate personally. I will probably be there too. Lastly, I will leave the link to the video review from 1C once again.

See you at new collector's editions! This spring, there will be something for everyone's taste.