Today, KOEI TECMO announced the release date of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 remake. The game will be released digitally on October 24 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
It is a remake of 2001’s PlayStation 2 game with Power Up Kit features, the “All Officers Play” and “All Periods Scenarios” features, and a host of new content. There are now a thousand playable officers, up from 600, while the All Periods Scenarios feature now offers 55 scenarios (some of which are fictional), the most ever in the franchise.
Through the enhanced “All Officers Play” feature, players will be able to take control of the powerful rulers and the officers who serve them or be a free officer and join a roving army. This allows players to explore the Three Kingdoms with a fresh and unique experience every time, thanks to the new features and the variety of associations formed both on and off the battlefield, highlighted by “Symbiotic” and “Antagonistic” relationships.
“Symbiotic” relationships are formed when the player interacts with other officers through situations such as commands or events, and a certain number of “sympathies” occur. When a player is in a “symbiotic” relationship with another officer, the officer will join and help the player in many situations, including domestic tasks, councils, and battles. On the other hand, if the relationship is “Antagonistic,” the officer will not accept visits from the player and may even hunt them on the battlefield.
The variety of relationships built throughout Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 remake will now be dramatically on display. Players will be able to monitor the ever-changing dynamics of each relationship through the Relationship Chart, which not only displays relationships such as “Sworn Siblings” and “Spouses,” but also special relationships such as “Destined Partners,” “Rivals,” and “Sworn Enemies,” as well as the various “Symbiotic” and “Antagonistic” connections. As relationships with others deepen, Linked Forge can even occur during battles and missions. These special links allow for a better performance beyond individual capabilities in various situations.
Moreover, many in-game events, from major historical events to officer anecdotes, may now be initiated by officers through “Tales”. This feature allows players to selectively participate in events of their choice. Some events even offer choices, and the player’s choices will dynamically change the lives of the officers and the Three Kingdoms.
The Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 remake also introduces a new strategic element called “Traits.” These are abilities possessed by certain officers with extraordinary achievements or memorable anecdotes in history. For example, Cao Cao can act twice in the Council, and Liu Bei is able to meet with officers without fail.
This will be the latest franchise installment following Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV, launched in 2020 to fairly positive reviews.
