Description

"Nobunaga's Ambition: Lord of Darkness," also known as "Nobunaga no Yabou: Haouden" in Japan, is a strategic historical simulation game developed by KOEI for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Released in the early 1990s, the game is part of KOEI’s long-running "Nobunaga's Ambition" series which centers on the tumultuous Sengoku period of Japanese history. Players assume the role of Nobunaga Oda or any of the other regional daimyos with the ultimate goal of unifying Japan under their rule. This installment is notable for its intricate turn-based strategy mechanics, where players manage army units, develop towns, engage in diplomacy, and partake in large-scale battles.

The gameplay in "Nobunaga’s Ambition: Lord of Darkness" offers a deep level of strategic depth, featuring economic management, military buildup, and complex feudal relationships. Players must effectively manage resources, boost agriculture, stimulate trade, and handle relations with loyal and rival factions through marriage alliances, treaties, and betrayals. Battles are conducted on gridded maps where strategic placement of units can turn the tide in the player's favor. Unique to this title in the series is the ability to perform espionage and execute ninja raids on opposing clans. "Nobunaga's Ambition: Lord of Darkness" is praised for its challenging gameplay and its educational value in conveying an intricate period of Japanese history, making it a treasure for fans of historical strategy games.