Summary
The grand strategy genreis, in many ways, the perfect blend of roleplaying and strategy gameplay, allowing players to see the personal or more intimate effects of large, sweeping changes to a realm or organization. Many games in Koei Tecmo’s popularRomance of the Three Kingdomsseries have combined strategic elements with roleplay concepts, butRomance of the Three Kingdoms 8,in particular, allows players to experience this era of China’s rich history with a level of dramatic flair like never before, forming bonds and drama with 1000 different available officers, all of whom are playable during their period of activity within the Three Kingdoms timeline.
This is a gamewith a historical basis, even if it very proudly wears its dramatic liberties on its sleeve, and players who are a fans of theCrusader Kingsseries will feel right in their element here. However, this game, and specifically its remake, differs from other Grand Strategy andRomance of the Three Kingdomstitles in several ways, and there are a fewimportant tips that players new to the genre should know when starting out.
7Focus On Well-Rounded Characters
Having Key Skills Is Important, But Lagging In Another Area Is Dangerous
Similar to the custodial skills of things like Stewardship and IntrigueinCrusader Kings 3,Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 Remakehasfive key officer abilitiesthat define their competency in various areas. These skills areLeadership, Strength, Intelligence, Politics, and Charisma.These abilities can be trained at various points in the game to enhance their effectiveness.
Having one or two skills that really shine is certainly a good way for Officers to thrive, but this is not a game for min-maxing, and training sessions should also be used to shore up those abilities that are lagging a bit behind. Forgetting to do so can be costly.
6Play Through The Tutorial
Some Games Have Very Negligible Tutorials. This Is Not One Of Those Games
The tutorial in this game is among the best in anygrand strategy title, with a dedicated character that very patiently walks players through the beginnings of the game, including what role they wish to fill as a starting character.
It’s a good idea to play through this tutorial several times over, focusing on different officer roles each time (though some aren’t available in the tutorial). Xiaoling, the game’s guide, will give players a smooth ride through the early sections of the game as much as they need, and will provide a very clear understanding of the game’s many systems.
5Rely On Forged Bonds
Keeping A Cohort Of Strong Allies Makes The Game Easier
Throughout the game and many of its iterative story events,bonds can be forged with other officersof varying ranks to develop a network of relationships, focusing on everything from admirers to sworn confidants.
Similar to RPGs, having a network of companions who like the player’s character can be essential, especially in more difficult fights where forged bonds can produce effects on the battlefield with immense power.
4Don’t Begin With A Ruler
The Tutorial Suggests Officers Of All Classes, But It’s Good To Start Out Small
For the player’s first run of the tutorial, it’s recommended that they steer away from any options that would slot them into a Ruler officer role. Many of the principles that guide Ruler gameplay can be gleaned fromselecting lower tiers of play, such as Viceroy or Governor,without the same amount of pressure.
This puts a lot less on players' plates while they’re still learning about the game’s fundamentals, ensuring that they can learn about resource management and army training without many of the unique burdens that come with being a Ruler.
3Development And Science Are Essential
Don’t Dismiss These Resources In Any Part Of The Game
Every settlement inRomance of the Three Kingdoms 8 Remakehas a variety of resources that measure its overall success and output. These areDevelopment, Commerce, Science, Defense, and Public Order.All of these resources need to be managed, but in the early game and beyond, ensuring the city has food to survive is essential—and that comes from development.
Science is necessary to further enhance players' tactics on the battlefield, and getting a good stockpile of strong tactics early in the game can make those initial fights much easier, while towns and cities can focus on the other resources.
2Utilize Tactics In Battle Whenever They’re Available
Tactics Are Essential Tools In Any Strategy
Tactics are incredibly powerful skillsthat can turn a battlefrom incredibly difficultto a well-earned victory. Upgrading tactics through their three tiers of effectiveness takes resources, but will reward units who are able to use them in battle.
Tactics all have types, and some of the strongest tactics in the game will only be available after all other tactics of that type have been upgraded to level three, so it’s important to get an early start on them.
1Keep Units Close To One Another
A Coordinated Attack Is More Rewarding
One of the reasons why this is a solid grand strategytitle for beginnersis that combat can be grasped fairly easily,and is as much a game of numbers as anything else early in the game. However, this is still a game that can punish wrong moves.
When playing either offensively or defensively, players must still keep units in close proximity to each other, which makes it harder for the enemy to single out individual units and destroy them. This keeps more units alive for longer, which in turn swings battles in favor of the larger or healthier army.
