Romance of the Three Kingdoms II (1990)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Romance of the Three Kingdoms II (1990): A Classic Strategy Game

Romance of the Three Kingdoms II is a turn-based strategy game developed by Koei and released in 1990. It is the second game in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms series, and is based on the historical novel of the same name by Luo Guanzhong. The game was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the greatest strategy games of all time.

Gameplay

Romance of the Three Kingdoms II is a turn-based strategy game in which the player takes control of a master, a general capable of commanding as many states as he can acquire. The goal of the game is to unify China, and the player can do this by conquering other states, forming alliances, and developing their economy.

The game is played on a map of China, which is divided into a number of states. Each state has a governor, who is responsible for managing the state’s affairs. The player can interact with the governors of other states to form alliances, declare war, or trade resources.

The player’s master can command a number of armies, which can be used to attack other states or defend the player’s own territory. Armies are made up of units, which can be infantry, cavalry, or archers. Each unit has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the player must carefully consider the composition of their armies before going into battle.

In addition to managing their armies, the player must also develop their economy. This can be done by building farms, mines, and workshops. The player can also trade resources with other states to get the resources they need.

Scenarios

Romance of the Three Kingdoms II features five chronologically arranged scenarios. The first scenario has China in its most disorganized period, and the last has virtually all of China controlled by one of three generals. The precise requirements for success in each of these scenarios differs, but in all cases the goal is to rule as many states as possible.

The player may start the game at any scenario. However, it is recommended that new players start with the first scenario, as it is the easiest to learn.

Reception

Romance of the Three Kingdoms II was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its deep gameplay, historical setting, and replayability. The game was also a hit in Japan, where it sold over one million copies.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms II has been ported to a number of platforms, including the PC, PlayStation, and Sega Saturn. The game has also been re-released on a number of compilation discs.

Legacy

Romance of the Three Kingdoms II is considered to be one of the greatest strategy games of all time. It has been praised for its deep gameplay, historical setting, and replayability. The game has also been credited with popularizing the Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel in the West.

The Romance of the Three Kingdoms series is still going strong today, with the latest installment, Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV, being released in 2020. However, Romance of the Three Kingdoms II remains one of the most popular games in the series, and is still enjoyed by fans around the world.

Conclusion

Romance of the Three Kingdoms II is a classic strategy game that remains one of the best in the genre. Its deep gameplay, historical setting, and replayability make it a must-play for fans of strategy games. If you have never played Romance of the Three Kingdoms II, I highly recommend checking it out.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.