FOTS: Which would you say is easier, Imperial side or Shogunate side?

[Mad_House]

I feel like the Imperials have the short end of the stick here; the West of Japan is pretty much fought over harshly, while the East consolidates rather quickly into Shogun territory. Half-way through a game I'm still fighting some Shogun symps around Hiroshima, while Tsu is trying to make a last stand against a red wall to the east.

Historically, the Imperial side pretty much steamrolled the Shogunate.

I guess the downside of the Shogunate is all of the necessary in-fighting between even major power-players.

Anyone else have similar experiences playing? Have you found either side to be easier playing?

[Egro]

Nah, Historically speaking the shogunate had the upper hand until the Imperial have their paws on some cannons..lot of them actually.
Any way they are about the same but because most of the shogunate clans are traditionalist, it make siege battle against shogunate a paint in the neck..

[Fromage]

Republic or GTFO

I've never actually choosen a side before lol, always gone for independent.

[Scifitytan]

I personelly prefer the Imperials due to their units....If I may. I found that it was easiest to stay alive/win by building up my empire to where I had max military tech as soon as possible. once this was done I am usually attacked by EVERY clan that is loyal to the shogun. If you are skilled in Advanced Napoleonic tactics then this next part will be easy. Build a small but sturdy fleet that will carry one of your generals(along with a small army.) to the small island to the southwest of Japan.( I forget its name but it only has one city on the island.) Next make sure that your Daimyo has an army made up of the latest tech with at least 30 cannons. (around 8 units seemed to work best for me.) Get the Imperial infantry to fill up the remaining slots for your army and proudly fight your way free of the tightening noose that is you empire. For the next 100 turns you will do nothing but fight city by city burning and razing a path across Japan. With each raze I got 20,000-60,000 gold each city and it took me on average 2 turns to reach my next city. With your overwhelming artillery it will be easy to pound your enemy to dust while they cower within their Stronghold. Fire your artillery with skill. in short group them and order them to fire at the walls when the enemy is using the cover therein or the gates and towers if they are still standing. if the stronghold is basically rubble then target the ground either on the opposite side of your enemy from your guns(if using regular shells) or the same side as your guns(if using shrapnel) This will make ALL of your 30+ guns fire at the same target instead of firing at random enemies. This is VERY useful in plains battle when faced with several calvary units. Keep your infantry between the enemy and your cannons and remember-Infantry is easily replaced on the move.....cannons aren't. Use the gold you have pilllaged thus far to buid up your one stronghold to be whatever you desire. I advise building a british port (or whatever country you prefer.) so that you might build the mighty Warrior class vessel to defend your island. It's nigh indestructable if you control it yourself and makes it easy to capture enemy vessels for your own navy. As you burn your way across Japan do not bother trying to defend your conquered castles. Instead crank the taxes all the way up while keeping a sizable army in your island stronghold to keep the revolutions minimal. This will force the conquered cities to rebel in one turn. Let the rebels take the mainland strongholds. This diverts the armies of the clans chasing you because now they have a new enemy to face. They must now conquer a new and somewhat strong clan instead of a few measily units you decided to spare for that fortress. Because you will likely be the only Imperial Clan by this point everyone will be trying to kill you.....However this also means they will be infighting for control of Japan. Target the Largest and most Prosperous clans and watch them crumble from a three pronged attack by You, Thier Rivals, and the New Clans your careless conquests have created. I personally never held all of Japan. (I was having too much fun burning it.) But I made Millions in gold and Slaughtered hundreds of units thus destroying many mighty clans. Remeber to return occasionally to your island fortress to replace losses and have fun with it. Use the Warrior to return to the mainland by the shortest route. So......Sorry about the long reply but I got excited while telling you my strategy.....sorry for talking your ear off.