For some people, gaming is all about value: they want a ton of cOnTeNt in a game so that it can be played to death. And for those people, Koei Tecmo is promises that Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 Remake will have “the greatest amount of content in series history.” While I’m not thrilled with this marketing angle, I do acknowledge that it did catch my attention as I’m sure it will others. Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 Remake is based on Romance of the Three Kingdoms VII with Power Up Kit, including both the All Officers Play and All Period Scenarios feature. Plus new content. The game’s new features and enhancements include new officers, scenarios, visuals, voices, and more. More is more, right?
The number of officers has been increased from 600 to 1,000, plus there are newly added officers and forces not in the original game. There are new events and relationships between the officers to create a more authentic experience. The All Periods Scenarios feature has been updated to include more than 55 scenarios, including fictional ones. That’s the most in series history. Players can choose any officer and any period from the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty to the final age of the Three Kingdoms period, allowing for numerous playthroughs that will vary dramatically.
New voices and visuals have been added to “enhance” the experience. The game combines 2D and 3D graphics, retaining the original game’s atmosphere while also being renewed. The battlefield mixes 2D and 3D: distant landscapes resemble ink paintings while the battlefields use 3D technology. The number of voices have been increased due to new officers. There are animated movies that feature full voices being used for important events.
Combat remains turn-based, but the system has been fundamentally restructured due to knowledge gained since the original game’s release. The rules remain simple for beginners. The map combines field and siege battles, and terrain matters. But in addition to all that, the tempo and balance have been greatly improved. New features such as Link Forged allows players to discover easy-to-play yet highly tactical combat.
The new Tales feature allows players to check the conditions, outcomes, and branching of different events so they know how to trigger what they want or avoid what they don’t. Historical and general events are displayed, allowing beginnings to check the conditions when they’re unsure what to do next.
Officers can be linked through Destiny, either Symbiotic or Antagonistic. Symbiotic makes it easy to have a good relationship, while Antagonistic is the opposite. Non-historically related characters can be linked by Destiny then Link Forged will occur in battle and missions as relationships deepen, providing significant benefits. To keep track of Destiny, a Relationship Chart feature has been added to keep tabs on rivals, friends… anyone, really. By working with characters they are close to, players will obtain greater achievements and contribute to the protagonist’s growth. Relationships lead to events that become turning points in officers’ lives, such as sworn siblings, marriage, and child rearing.
Developed by Kou Shibusawa and published by Koei Tecmo, Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 Remake will be released for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch in early 2024.
