Summary

Release Year: 1989
Genres: Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
Platforms: Amiga, Apple II, DOS, MSX, PlayStation, Sega Saturn
Developers: Koei
Publishers: Infogrames, Koei

Bandit Kings of Ancient China: A Classic Strategy RPG

Bandit Kings of Ancient China is a turn-based strategy role-playing game developed and published by Koei for MS-Dos, the Amiga, and the Apple II in 1989. It was later ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System and a number of other platforms, including a re-release in 1996 on the Sega Saturn and Sony PlayStation.

The game is set in ancient China during the Warring States period (475-221 BC). Players take on the role of a bandit leader who must recruit and train an army, conquer territories, and eventually unify China under their rule.

Bandit Kings of Ancient China was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the most important strategy RPGs ever made. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, which combined elements of strategy, role-playing, and simulation. The game also featured a large and detailed world, with multiple factions and a variety of different unit types.

Gameplay

Bandit Kings of Ancient China is a turn-based strategy RPG. Players take turns moving their units around the map, attacking enemy units, and capturing territories. Units can be recruited from villages and towns, and can be upgraded by gaining experience in battle.

The game features a variety of different unit types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Infantry units are good at defending against cavalry, while cavalry units are good at attacking infantry. Archers can attack from a distance, while siege units can attack city walls.

Players must carefully manage their resources in order to succeed in Bandit Kings of Ancient China. Food is required to feed units, and gold is required to recruit new units and upgrade existing ones. Players must also be aware of the morale of their units, as units with low morale will be less effective in battle.

Setting

Bandit Kings of Ancient China is set in ancient China during the Warring States period (475-221 BC). This was a time of great political and military upheaval, as the Zhou dynasty collapsed and a number of independent states emerged.

The game features a large and detailed world, with multiple factions and a variety of different terrain types. Players can travel through forests, mountains, rivers, and deserts, and can visit cities, towns, and villages.

Factions

There are a number of different factions in Bandit Kings of Ancient China, each with its own unique goals and objectives. The player can choose to align themselves with one of these factions, or they can remain independent.

The main factions in the game are:

The Qin: The Qin are a powerful and ambitious faction that seeks to unify China under their rule. They are led by the ruthless king Ying Zheng, who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
The Chu: The Chu are a large and diverse faction that is home to a variety of different cultures and peoples. They are led by the wise and benevolent king Huai, who seeks to protect his people from the Qin.
The Qi: The Qi are a wealthy and prosperous faction that is known for its trade and commerce. They are led by the cunning and resourceful king Tian, who seeks to expand his kingdom’s influence.
The Yan: The Yan are a small but fierce faction that is located in the north of China. They are led by the brave and honorable king Zhao, who seeks to defend his kingdom from the Qin.
The Zhao: The Zhao are a powerful and warlike faction that is located in the west of China. They are led by the ambitious king Wuling, who seeks to conquer new territories and expand his kingdom’s power.

Reception

Bandit Kings of Ancient China was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, which combined elements of strategy, role-playing, and simulation. The game also featured a large and detailed world, with multiple factions and a variety of different unit types.

Bandit Kings of Ancient China has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, and it remains a popular game among fans of strategy RPGs. It is considered to be one of the most important strategy RPGs ever made, and it is still played and enjoyed by gamers today.

Legacy

Bandit Kings of Ancient China has had a significant impact on the development of strategy RPGs. It was one of the first games to combine elements of strategy, role-playing, and simulation, and it helped to establish the genre as a major force in the gaming industry.

Bandit Kings of Ancient China has also been credited with inspiring a number of other popular strategy RPGs, including Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Total War. It is a classic game that continues to be enjoyed by gamers today.