As the popularity of "Wolong: Fall of Heaven" continues to grow after its release, the theme of the Three Kingdoms has once again shown strong vitality. In addition to the well-known film and television dramas and the classic "Romance of the Three Kingdoms", there is also no shortage of high-quality works in the field of video games. For example, the childhood memories of the arcade "Swallowing Heaven and Earth", the unparalleled classic "Dynasty Warriors" series, the board game derivative "Three Kingdoms" and so on.
Taking this opportunity, today we will introduce 10 Three Kingdoms game series, and by the way, recommend the versions worth buying on the Steam platform. If there are works that you have not yet included in the database, you might as well take this opportunity to check and fill in the gaps. Without further ado, let’s get started right away.
If I were looking for a game that started my gaming career, my memory would instantly be taken back to an arcade filled with the smell of sweat and cigarette smoke. With the "Swallowing World" series, Capcom stole the last game coins of many friends. This series is an absolute classic in both the horizontal action field and the Three Kingdoms theme.
The "Swallowing Heaven and Earth" series is to some extent the first comic adaptation work we have come into contact with. The game character design comes from the comic book of the same name by Motomiya Hiroshi, so there is Zhang Fei without a beard, Wei Yan with a big bald head, and Zhao Yun in blue armor. Wait for the classic image.
Although there are also first-generation works in this series, the one we were exposed to more when we were children was "Swallowing Heaven and Earth II: Battle of Chibi". The three-piece set of attacks, jumps, and ultimate moves in this game are designed extremely well. There is also a mount system during the horizontal version. Players have two completely different attack modules on and off the horse.
The process also adds interesting mini-games such as eating buns to adjust the player's mood. Apart from a little waste of the life of the joystick, it can be said that there are basically no shortcomings. In fact, there is no need to introduce it too much. Just mentioning this name, I think the game picture has already appeared in your mind.
Then let's go directly to the Steam recommendation link. "Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle" not only includes "Swallowing World II: Chibi Battle", but also "Famous General", "Fighting Tornado", "Armored Warrior" and so on. 7 famous side-scrolling action games are very affordable to replenish your childhood when they are on sale.
"Wolong: Skyfall" has just been released, and the popularity of the game is obviously high to the naked eye. This work is based on the culture of the Three Kingdoms + gods, ghosts and monsters, and constructs a logical and self-consistent world view. The dark killing style is particularly attractive. The action system that Ninja Group is proud of also performs well. Regardless of the defusing, momentum, and morale systems, it adds new gameplay to the action game. It should be said or not, it is fun to play the knife for a while, and it is always fun to "strike iron".
In addition, the enemy design of "Wolong" is also particularly good. Whether it is humanoid monsters such as Lu Bu and Zhang Liao, or monsters such as Zhu Yan and Feng Xi, they all provide players with BOSS battles that are full of a sense of accomplishment. If you like Ninja Group's "Nioh" series, or are interested in the Souls Next Door series, then "Wolong: Skyfall" is definitely one of the best high-difficulty works in recent times.
Although Steam reviews have been mixed due to problems such as PC optimization and keyboard and mouse adaptation, the developer has launched multiple patches and will continue to update and fix it in the future. Problems such as crashes, flickering screens, and mouse dragging sensations that have been most reported by players have been properly resolved. The quality of the game is now very different from the original. If you like action games, it is still worth trying.
If you are still undecided, you can also check out Shanguo’s previous review videos/articles, which provide a more detailed analysis and interpretation of the game content.
Since the launch of the first "Three Kingdoms" in 1985, as of "Three Kingdoms 14" released in 2020, this historical strategy simulation game series has experienced a history of 35 years. If you want to participate in domestic affairs, military, diplomacy, strategy and other national strategies in every detail, and ultimately realize the ambition of unifying the world, then this series should be the best choice.
In terms of gameplay, a wide variety of fortifications, tactics, stunts and strategies and tactics... bring countless possibilities to players. Everyone can find their own way to pass the level. This is why many friends still miss this series. .
Although I would rather recommend you to try out the 11th generation with elements such as 3D large maps, duel duels, and historical modes, or the classic 9th generation that adds real-time strategy gameplay for the first time, but unfortunately only "Romance of the Three Kingdoms 14" is available for purchase on Koei Steam. Friends who want to fall into the trap have no choice.
Although the 14th generation is the latest in the series, the gameplay has been simplified. The most obvious one is the "one-click" internal affairs system. In addition, the playability of other elements has also been reduced. It is indeed easier for new players to get started, but the unique strategic nature of the "Three Kingdoms" series has been damaged as a result, and the final reputation is somewhat polarized.
Of course, the 14th generation is not without its merits. The map strategy war chess and the general RPG system are organically combined, and the screen expression can be regarded as a masterpiece. If you are interested in historical simulation, or want to experience the experience of governing a country with Fang Qiu, then this game is still worth buying.
The above introduces the Three Kingdoms series produced by three Japanese developers. We also have recommended works in the field of domestic games. Yujun Aoting's "Heroes of the Three Kingdoms" series is definitely a classic in the hearts of many friends. The first work was released in 1998, which is 25 years old.
The gameplay of "Heroes of the Three Kingdoms" is not complicated. The basic logic is to capture cities and seize territory on a large map. The time concept of real-time strategy and the unique internal affairs system ensure the game's features. Capture and surrender of enemy generals were definitely the most talked about at the time. topic.
When two armies confront each other in the game, players need to consider factors such as the conflict between arms, terrain location, general skills, etc. I vaguely remember that long weapons can defeat short weapons, long-range weapons can defeat long weapons, and short weapons can defeat long-range weapons. Each battle must be adjusted according to the enemy's troops. lineup, and transported troops and supplies from other cities in advance, which fully reflected the strategy.
It is worth mentioning that the skills of various military commanders in this series are somewhat fantasy-like, but this also greatly enriches the playability of the game. Subsequent works will also basically feature real-time battles, with both sides taking action and fighting at the same time. The general process of the game is from "internal affairs management mode" to "land strategy mode", then to "war occurs", and then to "internal affairs management mode".
Although the "Heroes of the Three Kingdoms" series is a stand-alone game, the AI IQ is not low. I believe that you will definitely not have that leisurely and leisurely feeling when playing. Even if you put aside the childhood filter, this is still a high-quality strategy game.
All works 1-7 of "Heroes of the Three Kingdoms" have been put on the Steam platform. If you want to repay your tickets for your feelings, I will definitely not stop you from packing them away. If it is recommended to try it, the 2nd and 5th generations should be considered as the masters of the series. At the same time, the 7th generation is more modern in terms of system and graphics and is well worth a try.
Thriving! Don't rush to scold me when you see this. Although "Three Kingdoms" once won the title of the worst game on Steam, as a derivative work of a tabletop game, the most traditional gameplay system is obviously worthy of praise, otherwise it will not last for many years. Never fade.
The card system of "Three Kingdoms" is not complicated. Players need to randomly select hidden identities. The lord and loyal ministers are in the same camp, while the rebels and traitors form their own factions. Characters are composed of general skills, health, weapons, mounts and other elements. During the game, each player takes turns playing cards. To put it simply, you can win by killing all the enemy camps.
"Three Kingdoms" on the Steam platform is available for free, but in addition to the above-mentioned basic card gameplay, it also has a large number of krypton gold systems, military commander upgrades, guild systems, paid military commanders, and so on. And it is no exaggeration to say that this is a game with a very poor financial experience. If you want to experience it, it is not impossible, but looking at the negative reviews in the comment area, you really don’t need to spend money!
The "Dynasty Warriors" series is perhaps the most well-known Three Kingdoms-themed game. The concept of "one man is invincible, and ten thousand men are invincible" throughout the game has brought joy to countless players over the years. In the game, we need to control different characters from the Three Kingdoms period and defeat the defense line composed of countless ordinary soldiers and generals.
The 3D action system of this series is not as complicated as other games. For specific operations, it is basically enough to remember running, cutting, and ultimate moves. Although "mowing the grass" is a joke, it also proves that it is really very simple, and even novice players can easily Master it quickly. The experience of operating the characters of the Three Kingdoms to quickly eliminate a large number of enemies, and fight against thousands of enemies on the battlefield, continuously outputs positive feedback, and has received numerous praises over the years.
The "Dynasty Warriors" series has been making steady progress over the years, or in other words not much has changed except for the improvement in picture quality. The 7th generation is perhaps the game with the most obvious improvements. Each general has a unique weapon module. At the same time, the "IF route" was introduced to enrich the plot and story. In the end, the evaluation of the "Legend of Heroes" version reached a new peak.
Of course, Steam also recommends "Dynasty Warriors 7 with Legend of the Warriors". Although the Warriors series has always been about buying new ones rather than old ones, the picture quality of the 8th generation has only improved so much, and the complete set of the 7th generation is still better.
The "Total War" series is also a veteran IP. "Total War: THREE KINGDOMS" (Total War: THREE KINGDOMS), as a 2019 work, presents a very high level in terms of picture quality and character modeling.
In the game, we can play the role of princes from the Three Kingdoms period and try to unify the world. The campaign map reproduces many historical stories. The relationship mechanism provides the game with greater playability, and the diplomacy system allows you to outwit your opponents through bluffing, army oppression, etc.
Of course, combat is still the highlight of the game. Turn-based campaign + real-time strategy complement each other. Unit restraint and march route are important factors in determining victory or defeat. No matter which gameplay you are used to, you can find fun in this game.
It is worth mentioning that the MOD environment of this game is very optimized. In addition to regular operations such as replacing portraits and adding generals, there are also many new battles and new gameplay. Although the development team has stopped updating, as far as the current content is concerned, buying it during the Steam discount is not as unbearable as imagined.
If the previously recommended games can be classified as realistic works that restore history, then "Fantasy Three Kingdoms" is a representative of a different approach.
This series is a story-driven RPG game. The graphics use an art style that combines cartoons and landscape paintings. Although it is slightly outdated as time passes, it is not unbearable. The development team combined war, history, love, immortality, martial arts and other elements to reinterpret the charming history of the Three Kingdoms.
I prefer "Fantasy Three Kingdoms 2" on the Steam platform. Not only is it full of childhood memories, but objectively speaking, the RPG gameplay is basically mature. The Emperor Garden system provides functions such as decomposition, synthesis, BUFF, enchantment, etc., and the Jingyuan system , "Crystal Soul" mosaic and equipment system ensure the fun of character development.
The battle mode can be freely set to turn-based or semi-real-time. Different generals have various characteristics, and the formation arrangement will also provide special skills, which improves the strategy to some extent. Only by properly matching your team and adjusting your strategic thinking in a timely manner can you pass the level calmly. Although the battle involves many elements, the difficulty of this game is actually not high. If you are a plot partyer and are rash, you will not get stuck.
The plot of Generation 2 is the best in the series. The main historical event of this work is the Battle of Guandu. Our protagonist Chu Ge came to the unfamiliar Chang'an in order to find traces of his companions, but he accidentally rescued a princess of the Han Dynasty and became involved in the Han Dynasty. In the final flames of war. Needless to say, even if you look at it from the current perspective, the script of this work is worthy of praise. The sweetness between the couple of CPs is guaranteed to make you live and die.
The "Fu Jia Tian Xia" series is particularly special among all Three Kingdoms games. It combines Monopoly-style dice-throwing gameplay. Players need to build various facilities to increase tax revenue and expand territory, while recruiting talents, recruiting troops, and matching one-on-one and field battles. Three combat methods: siege and siege, and finally achieve unification of the world.
It is worth mentioning that due to the existence of various random events, there is basically no certain routine that is the optimal solution. The suspense of each game can be maintained until the later stages, which provides this game with strong replay value.
The Steam platform recommends the classic "Fu Jia Tian Xia 3", which provides two game modes: "Domination of the World" and "All Heroes Join Together". The former focuses on plot stories. Players choose one of the three protagonists Cao Cao, Sun Quan and Liu Bei from the Three Kingdoms of Wei, Shu and Wu to play the game. Each of the three protagonists has different plots and levels.
The "Heroes Join Together" mode is more like a traditional Monopoly game. Players can customize the victory conditions, the number of participants, and the victory conditions. The gameplay of annihilating other opponents, occupying all cities, or competing for points within a limited time provides a steady stream of fun. Although it only provides local connection, it does not prevent it from becoming an excellent party game.
At the end of the article, I want a series that cannot be sold on the Steam platform. In the process of launching a total of 14 main stories in the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" series, there is also a side story for sale in parallel. This series has released a total of three works, "The Legend of the Heroes", "The Legend of Kong Ming" and "The Legend of Cao Cao". They focus more on strategic RPG gameplay than the main story, and the importance of character development and plot stories are the focus of the game.
The first side story "The Heroes of the Three Kingdoms" was released on September 10, 1995. This work is still a work in the context of the Three Kingdoms with the ultimate goal of unifying the world. Players need to control different characters to conduct strategic operations. However, compared to the main story, there is no internal affairs system in this game. The driving force of the plot is the excitement that drives players to pass the level. There are three stages in the game: Liu Bei, Cao Cao and Sun Ce. Different choices of players will affect the direction of the story.
Then in April 1996, the sequel "The Legend of Kong Ming in the Three Kingdoms" was officially released. This work takes Zhuge Liang as the protagonist, and follows the plot of "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms", depicting the story from his fledgling life to his fate in Wuzhangyuan, including 15 chapters and 50 major and minor battles. It is worth mentioning that we can also complete the Northern Expedition and achieve the hypothetical ending of HE. The gameplay of this game is generally consistent with that of the previous game, and the principle of mutual complementation and mutual restraint of arms in the game still applies.
On January 15, 1999, the third sequel "Three Kingdoms: Cao Cao" was released. This game can be said to be the master of Gaiden. The game weakens the RPG system and adds a unique "weapon growth" system. Players control the weapons and armor equipped on their characters, and their levels can be upgraded with the frequency of use. By selling higher-level equipment, you can obtain fruits that improve various abilities and attributes, which can be used to enhance the combat effectiveness of our army. The player's focus will be drawn to the campaign plot, character development and treasure collection. At the same time, every command in this game has a detailed explanation, so friends who have not understood the series can easily get into the game.
