Here you conquer regions, which constitute provinces. This is also where do you do a lot of your nation-building. All of these details are beautifully represented in the tiniest details (provided you have the graphics card to run the game at ultra settings). There are natural mountainous chokepoints, deep valleys, open plains, and winding rivers to use strategically. I dare say it has more beauty or depth than the Old World, the jungles of Lustria, and Ulthuan combined. The campaign map of China is unbelievably detailed and gorgeous. Then throw in a little of the new spying mechanic because who doesn’t love dismantling enemies from within? I’m looking at you, China The best way to do that? As usual – a healthy dose of war, duels, and diplomacy. Proclaim yourself Emperor and unite China under your banner, eliminating any other claimants to the throne. What is the goal of this Total War game? Simple. He’s the real tyrant in this game!īut let’s take a step back. I wanted nothing more than to capture and execute Cao Cao, another faction leader in the early coalition after he incited multiple proxies against me at critical points in the game. It’s by and far the most appealing facet of the title, and it’s damn infectious. This focus on character development in Three Kingdoms is about as immersive an experience as I’ve ever seen in a Total War game. You’ll feel each in-game choice as these personalities across China attempt to unravel your plans at every turn. These internal conflicts (or alternatively – epic friendships) imbue campaigns and battles with an overarching narrative that really nail immersion turn after turn. It’s akin to a time saving general speech from the first Rome, but without the gravitas. Pre-battle loading screens now feature a woke diss battle between the competing warlords. In pre-battle loading screens, they’ll also trigger each other, instead of your enemies. Soon they might develop a rivalry or outright hostility, and will start triggering debuff events for you on the map or in battle. How does it shape the battle or campaign experience? Let’s say you’ve put two generals who hate each other together in your army or government. Each has unique traits and personalities that shape the way they interact with the world and other characters in China. Your starting faction leader, their family members, and associated characters can serve as powerful generals on the battlefield or as members of your government. Each faction has its own roster of unique characters to use during your journey to wrest control of China from enemy warlords. You are immediately thrust into this conflict as one of twelve starting factions.
Across China, warlords formed alliances and rose up to challenge the tyrant. What do you do when a child Emperor is Taken and you don’t have your own Liam Neeson? Blind panic. The ancient Han dynasty is on the verge of collapse and Dong Zhuo, half despotic warlord and half bleeding psychopath, has stolen away the child Emperor in a bid to unite China under his banner.
I highly suggest Romance mode as it fits the period so much better, with specialised mechanics that complement immersion in a uniquely satisfying way. You can play in Romance mode (epic, larger than life characters) or Records mode (historically accurate/realistic with removed features). Enter the Three Kingdoms period of China, circa 190 CE. How do you marry the success of the fantasy titles with the simulated realism of ancient history? Well, you do both – at the same friggin time.
#TOTAL WAR THREE KINGDOMS REVIEW SERIES#
For others, it was a departure from the grounded mechanisms that made the Total War series tick.Īs such, a return to a bland historic setting was always going to be fraught with peril. For many fans, the Warhammer titles were a breath of fresh air that the series desperately needed. These have featured epic fantasy lore, gargantuan monsters, powerful magics, and legendary lords. Much of the developer’s focus in the last few years has been on the hugely successful Warhammer titles.
It’s also the first major return to a historic setting since Total War Attila released in 2015 (if you exclude the light dose of Thrones of Britannia). Total War: Three Kingdoms is the latest instalment in Creative Assembly’s epic turn-based series of strategy games.