Sega and Creative Assembly have withdrawn the "Total War: Shogun 2 - Complete Edition" from sale just days after its October 13 release, replacing it with the original 2011 version of the game. The decision follows significant player backlash concerning the graphical enhancements, which many identified as AI-upscaled assets leading to visual anomalies.
Players quickly documented instances of bizarre graphical glitches, including distorted character faces and extra fingers appearing in artwork. In response to the criticism, Sega stated, "We're aware that Total War: Shogun 2 - Complete Edition has fallen short of both your expectations and our own standards. We've seen your feedback, comments, and reviews. We agree that the current experience is not where it needs to be." The company indicated it is working with development partners to address the issues, though its statement did not directly acknowledge the AI upscaling concerns.
Beyond the AI-generated graphics, players have also raised concerns about legacy bugs persisting in the new edition, alongside the emergence of new ones. The user interface has also drawn criticism for its perceived clunky design. The game currently holds an "overwhelmingly negative" rating on Steam, with many reviews advising potential buyers to avoid it.
The price point of the remastered edition also contributed to player dissatisfaction. The "Complete Edition" was listed at $40, with an upgrade option from the classic version costing $10. Sega's involvement with generative AI extends to its upcoming title, "Crazy Taxi: World Tour," which reportedly uses AI for its background assets.