Total War: Shogun 2 Complete Edition pulled after criticism: the original game returns

Total War: Shogun 2 – Complete Edition came out on October 13 as an updated version of the acclaimed strategy game set in feudal Japan, with improved textures, models, lighting and shadows, modern graphics options and new 2.5D-style campaign cutscenes inspired by Japanese ukiyo-e prints.

Within two days, however, user reviews on Steam collapsed. Players reported bugs and visual inconsistencies, such as a samurai's face merged with his helmet into a single metallic texture, and many accused the new edition of using low-quality AI upscaling. Another sore point was the decision to take the original game off sale, so anyone who wanted to play Shogun 2 had to get the new edition.

In a joint statement, Creative Assembly and Sega acknowledged that the Complete Edition does not meet either players' expectations or the companies' own standards. The two companies are working with the platforms to withdraw it from sale and make the original game available again while they investigate the problems. Those who have already bought it can keep playing it.

The team explained that it is working with the partner studio that handled the new version to identify the causes of the problems and improve it until it meets the standards of the Total War series. No date has been given for the Complete Edition's return.