The Romance of the Three Kingdoms Series has been around for a long time. These strategy games will test any player willing to take them on. They incorporate the same characters from the Warriors games but in a more strategic way. These games provide a different perspective and are fun to play. The game itself split into seven different scenarios that include the Yellow Turban Rebellion and Chu Si Biao. But there are also what-if scenarios that change history and allow for other events to occur. It’s great when a game not only shows off history but twists it to give the player more content.

The history of this game is what makes it shine. This game aims to teach the player about a period they might not think to learn about. This era was a tumultuous time, and warlords used many different tactics to assure their victory. The scenarios also offer up cutscenes so players can see how intense the battles were, and that is also quite exciting. This game offers up over one thousand characters from history. Some of them are simply helpers, but over one hundred and fifty of them are usable in battle. This game aims to teach a little about these warlords, and it does so with aplomb. There is something about a game that teaches people things, and that warms my heart.

Players will need to choose the right warlords because they often have skills. These skills might help in battle and can even help with retreat. Sometimes the player will need to retreat from battle, so having a leader with that skill might not hurt. Players will also need to focus on what makes their players human. Character is everything in a game about ancient warlords. Players can even gift their warlord’s specialties; these specialties increase the army’s power as well as uniting the officers and their commander. It’s necessary to deal with them as humanly as possible but also by being strategic at every turn.

This game is one that has a lot of depth. There is a lot for players to take into consideration. It’s shocking how much there is to take on in this game. This series has been around for years; it is natural for a game to continue to grow. Players will often search the world for new characters. By using the search function, players can find different soldiers to join their cause. Even if they don’t find new officers, they might find other items that will help their kingdom. It’s necessary to search often as by the time war hits warlords must be ready for battle.

As players work to staff their army, they must be aware of their funds. Their officers each have skills and personalities that will activate when certain events occur. Some might take more money, and some might take less. These officers can drain the bank if the player doesn’t continuously take stock. Players will need them to protect areas and run their administrations too. Through it, all players will need to work on balance and keeping their officers in line. It’s tough work but, the warlord must do it.

Battles might seem quick to the untrained eye but, taking over the realms is a brutal business. Players will need to send out the best officers they have and look to the warriors. They will need to cut off supply routes and lead their forces the correct way. Formations are also necessary as they can guide the teams to victory or defeat. This game takes a lot of thought, so think every action through. Players will often see duels between their officers which, can also make or break an attack. These duels will wipe out whole groups of soldiers if they end in victory. It’s great when the player’s officer takes out an opposing officer but, players will need to take stock of the situations. Check on the tactics of the officers as tactics can destroy any chance of winning. The game also has multiple types of battles. Players can take on enemies on land which, might be a touch easier. But players might also need to battle on the sea depending on where they are fighting on the map. The ocean is a brutal place, and sea battle might be hard, but players will get through it.

Besides actual battle players, they might want to team up with other groups. Diplomacy is a necessary evil as it stops enemies from fighting if both sides are civil. Players will use diplomacy to unite enemies and allies. They might even create a plot to distract and rip apart enemies from within. Use it well, and the player might steal away a powerful ally from their enemy. This game might be a game of warlords, but they were people too. As players get further in campaigns, they will be able to expand their cities. Players should be wary of wild parties roaming the land as skirmishes could happen at random. This game is a wild one, and players need to be ready to battle at a moment’s notice. Having barbarians does throw a wrench in plans sometimes but, its best the player deals with them swiftly. Players will need to rely on buildings while in battle. They might build gates and stations to keep their soldiers as they wait for war. Players can now build military facilities to aid their armies or create obstacles for their foes. Players will need to pay attention to who they have on their side as officers can build certain things. It adds to the potential for victory so, it is a good thing; to keep an eye on.

This game also has DLC that adds to the experience. What if Scenarios are great add-ons to the game if the player has enjoyed the regular content. The season pass also rewards players with other upgrades like older game music and the option to change the game to veteran setting. It’s interesting, but if the player enjoys the series, they are sure to enjoy the extra content. Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV is a fantastic entry in a long-running series. This game is far more complete than others in its long history. New and old fans alike should appreciate all this game has to offer.

If the player enjoys history and warlords, they are sure to enjoy this game. Japanese warlords have a war on their hands, will the player lead one to ultimate victory?

Disclaimer: A review key was provided