Romance of the Three Kingdoms IX

"Old Game Gets a Complete System Rehaul but Still Very Enjoyable"

Romance of the Three Kingdoms IX

RTKIX is a turn based historical simulation game with real time action phase created by KOEI in one of the longest running game franchise. This episode has a complete new system overhaul - making this a new approach from the RPG elements in part VII and VIII and from the old micromanagement system of parts I-IV and VI.

Game Idea - 7/10
History subject sure are better when they are game topics ;)

Game Balance and Mechanics 7/10
One of the major initial complaints from this game comes the fact that the whole system had a complete rehaul. As how VII and VIII were drastically changed, XI proved to be a simliar shock. However after running through the early tutorial system, we can figure that the game takes a more action-themed than the micromanagement and turn base of the early RTK series and away from the RPG elements of V, VII, and VIII.

RTK XI is a game system by itself. One of the points I figured is that they used some of the game mechanics explored in "Rise of the Pheonix" an earlier Koei game which used turn base to use order instructions on various legions we control all over the country of China to their objectives. After finishing the orders, the legions will march to their objective in real time fashion.

The difference with RTK2 is that when the army skrimishes, no longer does it go back to the familar turn base warfare, but continues on with real time skirmishes which is a strange new change. Instead of being limited to a one on one war, we can have multiple armies charging on the same target, adding dimension to warfare - which is rather limited in the earlier episodes unfortunatley.

Another major change is from the fact that all generals will have different war tactics which can be used during warfare - the percentage also depends highly upon what type of troop deployment used, and the generals in the army. Generals of similar skills work best together, and some army deployment are good against some troops and weak against others.

Also game duties are done in time fashion. Some examples include recruitment. For recruitment, it may take a short time for close personnel, but if you try to recruit a general from the north while you are the south

The game system also allows us to build fortifications such as camps, barracks in which we can can use it as a staging ground for extended warfare.

For fans of people who like micromanagement, this episode may be a disappointment as many of the micromanagement details are taken away, and replaced with a simpler game system that allows us to take on the big picture instead.

On the balance side, this game is rather difficult when we start, but once we get a sizable number of cities, it gets very easy to manage resources - or in otherwords, you'll earn more than you ever spend making macromanagement issues void.

Graphics - 7.5/10
The graphics for RTK IX is essentially the same as in parts VII and VII but more refined. All the character portraits basically get a facelift and more refined outlook. Other than the beautiful character portraits, there are many refined painting style drawings that are used in various cut scenes are done well. However as RTK games aren't known for its graphic or any ingame animation, there isn't much more to comment here.

Music/Sound Effect - 9/10
My biggest complaint in the old series in VII and VIII that the music, though done by a symphonic orchestra, the theme itself sounded more Gothic and European than chinese. However in this time around, the compositions were done in more chinese favor and played by The Moscow Symphony Orchestra. The title track is majestic and also builds on the theme well. The rest of the sound track are quite refined and isn't as obstructive like the previous two installments that sound completely out of tune with the game concept of China :P

Replayability - 9/10
As in all RTK games, there is high replayablity value from short scenarios to full campaigns. This game can keep you entertained for months :)

Reviewer's Tilt - 8/10
As an RTK fan, I'm not disappointed with this new episode of RTK and adds something new to the RTK series. What I would like to see in the next episode is a continuation of this new direction this series is added to weed out some of the old game mechanics problems and issues that were raised.

Overall - 8/10
A nice change of direction in this gaming series has certainly invigorated this whole franchise up, a highly recommended game :)

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/07/04