The Artist Formerly Known As Shogun 2: Total War

No longer shall the second Shogun game be known as Shogun 2: Total War, say Creative Assembly – it will henceforth go by the title Total War: Shogun 2.
In itself, this isn’t terribly exciting or interesting news. Lucky, then, that the team has also spent some time discussing how naval encounters will work in the forthcoming game.
There will be five types of ship: light, medium, heavy, cannon and (presumably not taking part in fighting) trade vessels. Cannon ships will only be available in the late-game stages, for fairly obvious gunpowder-related reasons.
The “big is best” mantra that dominated naval warfare in previous Total War games may no longer apply, as designer Gabor Beressy explains: “Certain ship types are still better in attacking others, just as before – but every ship has a counter unit.  For example: light ships used properly in small numbers are designed to be able to take down heavy ships.”
“Fire arrows and firebombs” are promised as attack options, which should result in some pretty devastating damage against wooden boats.
Total War: Shogun 2 is due for the PC in March 2011.