Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Perhaps Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIII's most lasting achievement will be once again proving that strategy games can work on consoles. And though it doesn't quite make the case for console strategy ever really being as good as PC-based efforts, the game is worth trying for anyone who can let their historical curiosity overcome their need for visual and interface flair.

It would be unfair to dismiss Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIII as yet another niche instalment in Koei's ageing series of war sims. There is real depth to city management and a refined complexity to the relationship system, bolstered by a welcome sense of fun. Some minor technical issues mar the battle scenes, but this is such a solid package overall that it's hard to grumble. There isn't much competition, but this is still the best strategy game on the PS4.

It’s not for everyone, and the action can be overtly simplified at times, but Koei Tecmo crafted an incredibly addictive experience.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIII is a decent game that simply tries too much. Mixing role playing and strategy aspects, though never the best at either, there's a lot to do. The other major issue is simply how ugly it looks outside of the drawn art.

Koei does an unrivalled job representing the complex history and characters of the period, but the lack of variety in the experience combined with a steep price tag makes it hard to endorse without reservation.Sean Martin

Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV still carries the hard tradition of strategic games on console. The game gives a great deal both on personalization and historical context, and tries to recover a more traditional conception, giving a better result on commanding in a strategic gameplay with a gamepad, instead of a mouse. However, even if the satisfaction of conquering and well-administrating land it's undeniable, this search for tradition pushes the game further towards only a specialized niche of public.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV is the most sophisticated one in the whole series. It not only follows the "easy to start, hard to master" formula but also identifies a lot of innovative gameplay.

There are also some nice touches to the game like the duels mini-game and the debates you can take part of. There is a lot on offer and a ton to learn from the main game, but if you're a fan of the series, then you're going to love Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIII. I am greatly enjoying my time with the game, so I can easily recommend it. And if you like the main game, then check soon for my review for the available DLC: the Fame and Strategy Expansion Pack!

Chinese Warring States period for the 13th time offers new experiences. Politics, economy and military operations makes this complex strategic game, where you can unite China on your own terms.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIII is a great and deeply strategic game, where the sword is not the only tool towards victory. Great importance is put on things such as economy and relationships in a way that might feel overwhelming at first, but that is slowly eased into thanks to the hero mode that basically serves as a tutorial. The lack of multiplayer is a downside, but the AI is enough to raise the replay value of the main mode.