Pokémon Conquest, released in 2012 for the Nintendo DS, represented a unique and ambitious crossover between the Pokémon franchise and Koei’s Nobunaga’s Ambition series. Set in the fictional region of Ransei, which is modeled after feudal Japan, the game merged Pokémon’s familiar creature-collecting mechanics with tactical strategy gameplay. Players took on the role of a young warlord who, alongside their partner Eevee, sought to unite the 17 kingdoms of Ransei while competing against other warlords and their Pokémon partners.
The game’s combat system departed significantly from traditional Pokémon battles, instead utilizing a grid-based tactical format where positioning and timing were crucial. Each warlord could form a special bond with Pokémon, known as a “Perfect Link,” which maximized their potential in battle. The game featured nearly 200 Pokémon from various generations, though it notably focused on the first five generations. Warriors and their Pokémon could also use special abilities called “Warrior Skills” that could turn the tide of battle.
The story was inspired by the historical period of Japanese unification, with many characters based on actual historical figures from Japan’s Warring States period. Each of these warlords had distinct personalities and Perfect Links to specific Pokémon that reflected their historical counterparts or personalities. For example, the game’s primary antagonist, Nobunaga, was paired with a powerful Zekrom, reflecting his ambitious nature and desire for unification through power.
The gameplay extended beyond simple battles, incorporating kingdom management elements where players had to develop their territories, forge alliances, and recruit new warriors to their cause. Each kingdom in Ransei specialized in different Pokémon types and had unique battlefield characteristics that affected strategy. Players could delegate warriors to develop kingdoms, train Pokémon, or search for wild Pokémon to recruit, adding layers of resource management to the tactical gameplay.
Despite being a spin-off title that significantly departed from the traditional Pokémon formula, Pokémon Conquest was well-received by critics and fans for its innovative approach to the franchise and deep strategic gameplay. The game offered substantial post-game content with additional scenarios that focused on different warlords and their stories, providing players with dozens of hours of extra gameplay beyond the main campaign. While it remains a unique entry in the Pokémon series, Pokémon Conquest demonstrated how the franchise could successfully expand beyond its traditional boundaries while maintaining its core appeal of collecting and battling with Pokémon companions.
The game also came with a special promotional Shiny Rayquaza Pokemon TCG Card as well.
