Summary
- Release Year: 2001
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy, Tactical, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable
- Developers: Koei
- Publishers: Koei
Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII: A Sprawling Epic of Strategy and Conquest
KOEI’s Romance of the Three Kingdoms series has been a staple of strategy gaming for decades, and the eighth installment in the series, released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2, is widely considered to be one of the best. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous end of the Han dynasty in second-century China, Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII tasks players with reuniting the sundered nation, taking on the roles of legendary characters such as Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and Sun Quan.
Gameplay
At its core, Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII is a turn-based strategy game. Players take control of a faction and must manage their resources, build up their armies, and conquer new territories. The game features a wide range of strategic options, including diplomacy, trade, and espionage. Players can also form alliances with other factions or declare war on their enemies.
One of the most unique features of Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII is its character system. The game features over 700 characters, each with their own unique stats, skills, and abilities. Players can recruit new characters to their faction by completing quests or defeating them in battle. Characters can also gain experience and level up, making them more powerful and versatile.
In addition to the main campaign, Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII also features a number of side quests and scenarios. These scenarios offer players a chance to experience different historical events or play as different characters. The game also includes a robust editor that allows players to create their own custom scenarios.
Graphics and Sound
For a PlayStation 2 game, Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII has impressive graphics. The character models are detailed and expressive, and the battle maps are large and varied. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, featuring a mix of traditional Chinese music and more modern orchestral pieces.
Story
Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII is set during the end of the Han dynasty, a period of great turmoil and upheaval in Chinese history. The dynasty had been in decline for decades, and the central government was weak and ineffective. This led to the rise of regional warlords, who carved out their own kingdoms and fought for control of China.
The player takes on the role of one of these warlords and must fight to reunite the country under their rule. The game features a branching storyline that changes depending on the player’s choices. Players can choose to follow the historical record or forge their own path.
Reception
Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII was a critical and commercial success. The game received praise for its deep and engaging gameplay, its large cast of characters, and its beautiful graphics. The game sold over 2 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling PlayStation 2 games of all time.
Legacy
Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII is considered to be one of the best strategy games ever made. It has been praised for its depth, its replayability, and its historical accuracy. The game has also been credited with helping to popularize the Romance of the Three Kingdoms story in the West.
The Romance of the Three Kingdoms series continues to be popular today, with the latest installment, Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV, released in 2020. However, Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII remains a fan favorite and is still considered by many to be the best game in the series.
Conclusion
Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII is a sprawling epic of strategy and conquest that offers players a chance to experience one of the most fascinating periods in Chinese history. With its deep gameplay, its large cast of characters, and its beautiful graphics, Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII is a must-play for any fan of strategy games.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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