Taiko Risshiden (series)

Taiko Risshiden (太閤立志伝, Taikō Risshiden; Translation: "Epic of the Grand Regent") is a historical simulation series first released by Koei in 1992. Being the fourth entry of the Rekoeition line-up, both its namesake and theme glamorize Hideyoshi and his gradual ascension as one of the most powerful men of his time.

Although the first Taiko Risshiden shares many parallels with one of its predecessors Inindo: Way of the Ninja, later installments add unique changes to distinguish the series as a whole. It offers scenarios and events that match history or popular folklore more closely, adds characterization for historical figures, and adjusts character classes and attributes.

Since Eiji Fukuzawa devised this series with the intent to "focus on the stepping stones to success", it tends to censor the harsher realities of the era except for punishing the player's actions or to reenact a famous historical event. Christian persecution and any sort of trip outside Japan such as the Korean Invasions have been omitted.

Overview

Each game provides a presentation different from the last, but they retain a set of key gameplay elements. The player's character starts at entry level for their career. To progress within the story, they are expected to complete different tasks in order to build both rank and prestige. Upon promotion, their available commands, residence, and even portrait may change to reflect their current progress. Male protagonists can also choose their wife, concubine, or mistress as they rise up in rank.

Earlier titles tend to restrict the player character to Hideyoshi and begin his story by calling him by his earliest name, Tokichiro Kinoshita. Succeeding titles include a secondary protagonist who can be unlocked after completing Hideyoshi's story. The fourth and fifth titles have different story paths based on the protagonist's chosen career path with the latter offering eight different roles.

Players can freely roam the castle, the city, and other districts as they wish in order to improve their avatar's stats. They can train in a dojo, learn the tea ceremony and so on. Ninja villages are added in the last two entries. Story missions are given at set intervals for the protagonist to fulfill, and the player is free to juggle their time between building their protagonist and completing these missions. The first title is strict and unforgiving if the player fails to complete them within the given time limit. Other titles are more open about judging the player character's actions and success. The in-game time follows a daily cycle based on their actions, and historical events trigger automatically based on their progress.

Excluding the first title, the player's character can serve under any clan or faction they should desire. They may do so by traveling to their location and establishing friendly ties with them. Similar to the Ishin no Arashi series, each character has a different method for building their affinity. If positive relations are high, additional events and bonuses can be unlocked for the protagonist. The higher these relations are, the more likely the player will be promoted or taught new skills.

The fifth title includes over 750 figures in the era. The main goal in most titles is to aim for complete unification under one clan; either the protagonist can serve the winning clan directly or arrange for it through diplomacy. Because of the game's high degree of freedom, there is often several pathways for players to achieve their ultimate goal.

Uncharted Waters characters crossover into this series as foreign merchants. The fifth title's visuals and characters are reused the most in Nobunaga's Ambition and Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The series also served as the basis for Nobunaga's Ambition: Sphere of Influence - Ascension.