Romance of the Three Kingdoms (1985)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Romance of the Three Kingdoms (1985): A Classic Strategy Game

Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a turn-based strategy game developed by Koei and released in 1985. The game is based on the historical novel of the same name, which tells the story of the Three Kingdoms period in Chinese history. Players take on the role of a warlord and must conquer China by defeating their rivals.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms was a groundbreaking game for its time. It was one of the first strategy games to feature a large-scale map of China, and it allowed players to control multiple armies and generals. The game also featured a deep and complex diplomacy system, which allowed players to form alliances, declare war, and negotiate peace treaties.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms was a critical and commercial success. It sold over 1 million copies worldwide and spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs. The game is still considered one of the greatest strategy games of all time.

Gameplay

Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a turn-based strategy game. Players take turns moving their armies and generals around the map of China. Armies can be used to attack enemy armies, capture cities, or defend territory. Generals can be used to lead armies, govern cities, or perform special tasks.

The goal of the game is to conquer China by defeating all of your rivals. This can be done by capturing their cities, destroying their armies, or forcing them to surrender.

Diplomacy

Diplomacy is an important part of Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Players can form alliances with other warlords, declare war on their enemies, and negotiate peace treaties. Alliances can be used to coordinate attacks on common enemies, while peace treaties can be used to end wars and prevent further bloodshed.

Diplomacy is also important for managing your own territory. Players can appoint governors to their cities, who will collect taxes and recruit new troops. Governors can also be used to improve the loyalty of the population and prevent叛乱.

Characters

Romance of the Three Kingdoms features a large cast of characters, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most famous characters in the game include:

  • Liu Bei: A virtuous and仁慈的warlord who is supported by the common people.
  • Cao Cao: A ruthless and ambitious warlord who is determined to conquer China.
  • Sun Quan: A young and capable warlord who rules over the southeastern part of China.
  • Zhuge Liang: A brilliant strategist who serves as Liu Bei’s chief advisor.

Legacy

Romance of the Three Kingdoms has had a profound impact on the strategy game genre. It was one of the first games to feature a large-scale map, multiple armies and generals, and a deep diplomacy system. The game’s success has inspired numerous sequels and spin-offs, and it is still considered one of the greatest strategy games of all time.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms has also been praised for its historical accuracy. The game faithfully recreates the events of the Three Kingdoms period, and it provides players with a unique opportunity to learn about this fascinating period in Chinese history.

Conclusion

Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a classic strategy game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s deep gameplay, complex diplomacy system, and large cast of characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a history buff or simply a fan of great strategy games, Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a game that you should definitely check out.

Additional Information

  • Release Date: 1985
  • Developer: Koei
  • Publisher: Koei
  • Platforms: MSX, PC-88, X68000, Famicom, NES, Super Famicom, PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, iOS, Android
  • Genre: Strategy
  • Setting: Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history
  • Number of Players: 1-8

Review Scores

  • IGN: 9/10
  • GameSpot: 8/10
  • PC Gamer: 9/10
  • Metacritic: 87/100

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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