Total War: Three Kingdoms is a masterpiece that has quickly become my favorite entry in the Total War series, even outshining classics like Rome: Total War. With its intricate strategy, deep diplomacy, and richly detailed world, Three Kingdoms captures the spirit of ancient China’s epic conflicts with a unique blend of historical depth and thrilling gameplay. It’s an addictive, dynamic experience that breathes new life into the series, and I found myself completely hooked.
One of the things I love most about Three Kingdoms is its focus on character-driven gameplay. Unlike previous Total War games, where generals often felt like disposable units, Three Kingdoms makes each character feel like a true personality. Gongsun Zan, for example, became the center of my campaign strategy, and I took immense joy in forming a ridiculously large royal family around him. Watching my family tree expand as I strategically married off relatives and recruited loyal allies added an unexpected layer of fun and connection to the campaign. It’s not just about military victories—it’s about the legacy you leave behind and the relationships you build, which adds an emotional depth I’ve rarely seen in strategy games.
The game’s diplomacy system is a huge leap forward for the series. It feels much more dynamic and reactive, allowing for complex alliances, betrayals, and negotiations that feel authentic to the era. I found myself constantly re-evaluating my alliances and political maneuvers, as shifting loyalties and rivalries forced me to adapt and strategize. It’s a game where you’re encouraged to think long-term, and the ability to form coalitions and manipulate the political landscape made every campaign feel unique.
Of course, the battles in Three Kingdoms are spectacular. The game’s combat system strikes a perfect balance between tactical depth and cinematic grandeur, with every skirmish and siege feeling impactful. Leading my massive armies, composed of legendary heroes and balanced troop formations, across the sprawling battlefields of ancient China was a thrill I never tired of. Each general has unique abilities that can turn the tide of battle, adding another layer of strategy to the experience. There’s something immensely satisfying about seeing your carefully crafted strategies unfold on the battlefield, especially when it all goes according to plan.
Visually, Three Kingdoms is stunning, with a beautifully detailed map and atmospheric battlefields that bring ancient China to life. From lush green mountains to imposing city walls, every part of the world feels alive and immersive. The game’s attention to historical detail and cultural authenticity is impressive, and it’s clear that the developers put a lot of effort into making the Three Kingdoms era feel as vibrant and engaging as possible.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, Total War: Three Kingdoms sets a new standard for historical strategy games. It combines everything I loved about the classic Total War titles and elevates it with character-driven storytelling, advanced diplomacy, and a visually stunning world. The ability to create my own dynasty with Gongsun Zan, while pursuing my over-the-top “large royal family” strategy, was an absolute blast, and it’s the kind of personalization that makes this game truly special. For me, Three Kingdoms isn’t just the best game in the series—it’s one of the best strategy games I’ve ever played.
The Stroud Score:
Gameplay 4/5
Graphics and Visuals 4/5
Sound and Music 3/5
Story and Narrative 3/5
Fun Level 4/5
Overall Score 18/25