Warlords

The game is set in Ransei, a land divided into seventeen countries, each ruled by a mystical castle.

The main objective is to conquer all castles and unite the land under the protagonist's rule.

Gameplay is divided into Unification and Battle stages.

In Unification stages, players manage their territory on a map of Japan, planning troop movements. Each character has one action per turn (one month). A maximum of six characters can be stationed in a castle. AI can manage armies in conquered castles, but the protagonist always requires manual control.

Characters build compatibility, or "Link", with Pokémon by visiting castle towns or fighting wild Pokémon.

Wild Pokémon can be tamed in a mini-game sequence, allowing characters to switch or obtain multiple Pokémon Links. Compatibility is shown by bronze, silver, or gold medals; an 'X' means no Link is possible. Each character has a "Best Link Pokémon" for 100% linkage.

Pokémon evolve, and some use Evolutionary Stones. Characters can also change appearance based on their Link percentage with their Pokémon partner. The protagonist has three forms based on strength. Warlords have two or three ranks.

Battles occur on specialized castle battlefields using a 2D square grid. Up to six generals/Pokémon per side can fight.

Characters use "Warrior Skills" (once per battle) to aid their Pokémon. Equipment can provide supplementary assistance.

Pokémon special abilities and elemental weaknesses from the main series games apply. Group attacks can hit allies. Stage gimmicks, treasures, and bonuses can aid in winning battles.

A Pokémon's "Energy" (willpower) affects performance, indicated by colored arrows (bright red-orange is best, dark blue is tired). Low energy can be restored by rest or eating ponigiri.