Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition (PS5) Review: Warring States

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening was released in 2022 for PlayStation 4, PC, and Switch, and now a Complete Edition brings the game to PS5 for the first time. More than just a port bundling previously released DLC (although it does include that), the new version of the strategy game includes additional scenarios, even more thrilling battles, […] The post Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition (PS5) Review: Warring States appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

Jun 4, 2025 - 20:30

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition (PS5) Review: Warring States

Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening PS5 Review — (Photo Credit: Koei Tecmo)

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening was released in 2022 for PlayStation 4, PC, and Switch, and now a Complete Edition brings the game to PS5 for the first time. More than just a port bundling previously released DLC (although it does include that), the new version of the strategy game includes additional scenarios, even more thrilling battles, and a number of upgrades. Koei Tecmo has done a great job of further fleshing out an already sizable game.

Like previous games in the long-running series, this is a simulation game at its core, as you take on the role of warlord and look to unify a divided Japan during the Sengoku period. To do so, you’ll have to cultivate your lands, use political savvy to negotiate with other leaders, and inevitably battle to take over other regions. There’s an incredible amount of detail here, as you can do everything from spreading rumors about officers to building irrigation canals and putting forth new proposals. The more you’re down to get into the nitty-gritty, the more this will be your jam.

While there is a very nice tutorial option that goes over many of the game’s mechanics and how to play, it can be overwhelming at times due to the sheer number of options at your disposal. One nice thing is that the game does support mouse support, which streamlines a lot of the issues. It’s still very playable with a controller, but it takes some time to get used to all of the menus. Either way, expect a learning curve unless you’ve played the base version of Awakening already.

While Oda Nobunaga is the namesake, you can choose from many different lords and scenarios. Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition has an incredible amount of content, as it includes all of the previously released content, alongside six new scenarios. These range from fictional situations, such as one where the Onin War never occurred, to real ones. While the three new fictional ones are quite fun, I got a real kick out of playing as Nobunaga’s father, Nobuhide, in the new 1534 scenario and enjoyed the history lessons that you can glean from the real ones.

The most exciting gameplay addition to Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition is the decisive battles that can occur between large clans. These are do-or-die battles, as winning allows you to take over all domains of the enemy and can quicken up uniting Japan. These feel truly epic in scale, as you have time to prepare and can gain an edge by winning two opening assaults before the main battle. It’s a thrill to see all your hard work pay off in such grand fashion, and it’s a great addition to the game.

Other new features include more than 10 new traits for your generals, allowing more freedom and options for players. There’s truly a ridiculous amount of replayability here with all of the added content. The PS5 port also features 4K resolution support, which helps deliver a sharp image. The graphics and character models have also been enhanced, although the game isn’t a graphical powerhouse.

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition Review: Final Verdict

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition adds even more scenarios and depth to Koei Tecmo’s already-winning strategy game. Whether you’re a newcomer or a series veteran, you’ll find a lot to like here with its enhanced graphics and new additions. Strategy fans will have a blast trying to unite Japan.

Layered strategy and simulation
Decisive battles deliver spectacle
A ton of scenarios to choose from
User interface takes some time to get used to
Sheer number of options can be overwhelming to newcomers

Disclosure: The publisher provided a digital copy for our Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition PS5 review. Reviewed on version 1.000.000.

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