THE BUZZ: Clearly, Pokémon Conquest is the strangest concept ever conceived for a game in the series. Some wondered if it might be too strange for release in North America—but today’s announcement proves that that isn’t the case.

EGM’s TAKE: So, Pokémon Conquest brings together two worlds: Pokémon and Nobunaga’s Ambition. Soooo… Pikachu and historical Japanese warlords. Samurai and Squirtle. Black-clad ninjas and pink-colored Jigglypuffs. Somewhere, all of Japan’s legendary heroes are rolling in their graves.

But, you know what? Sure. It’s a crazy idea, but sometimes crazy can be boatloads of fun. Or, maybe in this case, Pokeballs of fun.

“Pokémon fans are always interested in playing in new environments and experiencing new adventures,” Nintendo of America executive vice president of sales and marketing Scott Moffitt said in today’s announcement. “Pokémon Conquest gives them an entirely new way to enjoy this beloved series, with exciting new settings, fierce battles and nearly 200 Pokémon to team up with.”

Pokémon Conquest will be hitting the Nintendo DS on June 18th.