Koei actually took the hint! We don't care about the Romance of the Three Kingdoms anymore! The Chinese warring states no longer satisfy our button-mashing needs! Dynasty Warriors is old news (though... still fun... if you want to waste a bit o' time). We've got some news to dish out on Koei's next-gen game, Bladestorm which takes place during the Hundred Years War in the 14th century. Some basics on the game itself -- each stage (gigantic they shall be... probably) will have 20 different kinds of strongholds, including castles, churches, etc... and there will be quite a few historic faces making their appearance. You can expect Joan of Arc, Prince Edward, the Black Prince (my 14th century history is rusty... is Prince Edward the Black Prince? Something says yes), and many, many others.

What of the game itself? What's the scoop? You take control of a mercenary army and choose whatever side you wish to assist (again, veterans of history, we challenge you -- what sides were there?). From there you have to manage your resources, recruit new members (possibly some of the "famous" folk as well) and kick some bum. There are a multitude of different units to check out and hire and each have their respective strengths and weaknesses -- imagine the Sword > Axe > Spear > Sword cycle from the Fire Emblem games, but not quite as obvious in execution. It's looking pretty cool, so we'll keep you up to date with this title as news becomes available.