Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 Remake English Review after 100+ Hours

[@DamionXavier]

"Social RPG" - you said the words I was looking for, prepurchase time

[@toedpens4954]

Yeah it's a shame about the AI but I'm here for this first 😅

[@MidnightBlackandVictoria]

@@toedpens4954 This one has the best "bond" system I think they have done in the series. Characters who have synergy are absolute monsters together on the field.

[@rivus3358]

One of the better aspects of 8 in my opinion was the games longevity; the gameplay loop was better balanced and there was a lot more back and forth between the AI because of how difficult it was to invade certain corridors. In 10 and 13 the campaign would generally snowball and be over before 10 years passed in game. And the characters in 8 would grow a lot faster; average characters would eventually grow and become great characters with higher stats and they would repeatedly defend or invade and struggle. I also liked how the officer creation system was more limited, the player couldn't make a perfect officer, but you could eventually become one by playing the game, which is far more interesting gameplay wise. In fact, any character could train and eventually become a formidable officer given enough time. Basically the strength in 8 was, longer campaigns, more character growth and development, less snowballing, ect

[@MidnightBlackandVictoria]

Having finished 2 campaigns (one on normal, one on hard) I can say from my own opinion this is the same, as in snowballing isn't as viable late game as most games in the series. This is 8 but improved and so far I am very pleased with it. The things I don't like are- 1) That same damn series of tutorials and quests each time you play, with the same :"tales" tutorials. The rewards are nice, but when you reload and try this and that, it can get really annoying.... 2) You can only knock up each wife one at a time, and no more until the kids they have are grown. I always loved this alternative way of creating new officers, but here its kind of slow and spread out to much,....13 had a better "house" set up to raise like 9-12 at a time I believe, though the :rearing: in this one is more often and more enjoyable/ as well as more engaging..... Other than these nitpicks its great. One thing thats the best they have ever done is officer bonds. Now you can get them "Synergized" and "devoted" to you, which you can do to as many officers as you please....Its kind of like having unlimited sworn brotherhood in a way. Its slightly less potent but not by much.....When your in battle, the links you have with characters makes ALL the difference, and THEY can do the same to you, making tight-nit forces like Wu Wei or Shu FAR more dangerous than ever.....Even Yuan Shao and Ma Tengs forces can be kinda scary due to their synergy bonds.... IMO this is one of if not the best!

[@terry-vu3lb]

Yea agree KOEI's AI has always been their weakness.

[@SeiryuTheBlueDragon]

Thank you for taking your time with the review!

[@LuBuFengXian]

I know this review sounds really negative (and also very rough) but I am saying these things because I wanted Koei to improve and push out a better product, the other things like tales and such are very simple, and much of the game really is just a graphics novel, even event cutscenes and such are really watered down compared to 13, with only 5 actual cutscenes (you'll see if you look at the "gallery" no art, no music player, just 6 videos (the last one is a credits video) I don't plan on piling on negativity for things that don't really matter so I didn't talk about it all that much

[@rivus3358]

Koei has always been a company that cuts corners, they have always made that games were just almost perfect.

[@MidnightBlackandVictoria]

There is a LOT less unlockable content than Koei usually does....I suspect they plan a PUK whether they are admitting it or not....And I'm fine with that. But I hope if they do they add a bunch of NEW officer portraits for original officers. And not the anime ones or the joke ones but actual new thematic portraits we havent seen....Hell, they could even redo portraits from older games CAW updated to fit this new artstyle and I would be happy with it. I will say the new ones we got are top quality. I LOVE their style, and I just want more of such a good thing!

[@sorgialfalan6512]

IMO, RTK8R is still a much better game than RTK13. I hope it will getting better and better with DLC (abilities/traits/skills/items editor, etc.) and PUK. RTK8R is almost at par with my all time fave, RTK14. Btw, I'm okay with KOEI cutting corners since RTK series is not a big budget game from the get go.

[@jake4179]

Tbf there’s additional unique scene art (not cutscenes) that just aren’t in the gallery for some reason.

[@dassbear]

They already announced no dlc is planned unless this is very successful at reception. They also stated this was created instead of working on 15 and reception of this will effect 15.

[@LuBuFengXian]

oh god really? That's even worst, making a game to test the waters

[@whitecheeze_rf]

@@LuBuFengXian DW 9 flashback

[@BBC_guy]

DLC has been released for this game

[@soran62]

Hello there Feng Xian, hope you're doing well! Thanks for the review, though honestly this didn't add a lot of detailed information [besides the AI]. Would have liked sections about various game mechanics, how diplomacy works and how it compares to other ROTK titles, or technology. That sort of thing. But gameplay footage gave a good idea of combat as well as your words. Much appreciated. I think it might be enjoyable for me with you categorizing it as a 'social RPG' I'm even more excited. Definitely taking tomorrow off haha. I hated needing to micro everything in 14, made me give up on every campaign mid-game. I don't think I came across a fun mid-game three kingdoms game that can compete with total war three kingdoms sadly. I enjoyed city building a lot in it.

[@LuBuFengXian]

you know, I wish I can tell you more about how diplomacy works, but it is really the same barebones one, if they had done something like Total War did I would've mentioned it, but really if I said more it'd just be doing the game a disservice, because I only speak the truth.

[@soran62]

@@LuBuFengXian Fair enough. I didnt mean to be too critical or rude by the way. Hope it didn't come across as such!

[@089Stargazer]

this game makes me appreciate 13 more. I feel like this game has serious flaw, I played as Li Dian in Cao Cao Forces, and at some point i've become Viceroy controlling 3 Cities and busy fighting Ma Teng and Liu Biao, but my Ruler Cao Cao who got so many resources (8 cities, +100 officers, & fairly large amounts of troops) couldn't even record a single win againts Liu Bei who only got 1 City initially, Liu Bei attacked and took Cao Cao city of Ji An (east of Pu Yang) from Ping Yuan ( Now Liu Bei got 2 Cities and 12 Officers), and then once in a year or two, Cao Cao tried to retook it but ALWAYS FAILED wtf

[@LuBuFengXian]

this game favors defense heavily, some of the cities are much harder to take because only a single path can lead to them

[@TheZillionX]

Thanks for the review! I've never played a game from this series before and was wondering if this would be a good one to start with. If not, could you recommend a different one?

[@FengXinFengWanren]

from my POV after a few hours playing it : Pros : this game is easier out of all of ROTK series even in the hardest mode the relationship features, families, sword siblings, nemesis, rivals & childrens makes this game more exciting specialty owner are according to their historical records makes us works hard to make them become ours (players) & gives more purpose & after we got it its so rewarding Cons : doesnt have 3rd models for created officers (for duels & debate) doesnt have chincese voice acting eventhough its from chinese historical event repetitive events that feels like a chores

[@snoredizzle]

Love this review thanks, subbed

[@ChuckieQi]

You know when the updates are out November update?? and they need too add events editor in edit mode for all the events so we can add extra outcomes like what they did in the other rttks. for me specifically too add my cac's into them that be cool

[@LuBuFengXian]

I am waiting for the update myself but I have no idea when it will be a thing

[@monsterfurby]

Koei has long had an issue with actual simulation - as in: the logic and math behind their game design never really evolved out of the early DOS era. The same goes for AI. I don't think they invested much effort into developing anything more advanced than the same logic RTK 1, 2, or 3 used, at any point in the series' lifespan. Nobunaga's Ambition seems to get a tiny sliver more attention, but often suffers from the same problems: the AI is always predictable, and due to the equally predictable "big number beat small number" mathematical system behind it, things that should have some potential for surprise and cool moments (such as battles) end up being a chore. Interestingly, imho, this mirrors also the way they've been running the Warriors franchise for most of its existence.

[@kaijudirector5336]

If this does well I hope we can get IX, X, and XI remakes...

[@jasonblythe5233]

Thank you so much for the review!! I have been trying to decide on getting this. I have a question about the voice option. are you able to just turn it off?

[@LuBuFengXian]

yeah you can just mute it in the sliders

[@michaellim4241]

How to get science text poin?

[@Janembu]

Do you think you may be presuming a PUK is happening because previous games that weren’t remakes tend to get them?

[@trymv1578]

Assuming non-created character stat customization isnt in the launch, do you think if they add that later a massive fan-edit setting where most characters to have maybe at least 1-2 bonds (leaving room for the player character if they so wish) would give some of the AI a bit more oomph now that they can have the bonus damage as well? Edit: I guess this could be tested with a full custom kingdom if you can set them up at the start, make sure they're decently bonded together and see if it causes some momentum swings in combat.

[@MidnightBlackandVictoria]

I have a feeling a PUK is coming down the road.....It might be good to let Koei know the AI needs tweaked before then so it can be included with it. (Come on, we ALL know its coming),

[@Anon-yz1xr]

Honestly most strategy games have pretty poor AI, I'm not surprised. For me, the all time worst KOEI AI was Rotk X. I'll have to play this one to find out how it stacks, but I do hope they tweak it to make the AI more reactive.

[@ShinOrashi]

Question? When creating custom characters, can you choose the 3D models like in ROTK 11?

[@Tigereye085]

I haven't played 8 but the fact that they made a remake gives me hope that they'll remake 10.

[@YUEYINGDRAGONWIFE]

I was so hyped about this game, but I might need to lower my expectation now😢

[@LuBuFengXian]

I was hyped as hell for this game but I still tempered my expectations (especially reinforced by all the other ROTK games I played and the BS I found in them)

[@TheYakuza808]

They need to have the Chinese language and it will be perfect

[@Geist363]

AI, its always the AI. Was afraid this would be the problem again, and here we are.

[@wolfgooner2321]

I've only played 11 and 14 which is ruler-only, and never played one where I can be any officer. I have two questions, one, if I didn't choose the ruler as my character, does that mean I can't wage war myself and have to wait for the AI ruler to wage war, and then only able to be involved if he chose me to go to war? And two, will I only be able to play the duel/debate of my character? Example, if I chose Zhuge Liang, does that mean I won't experience the duel system? (I mean of course technically I can put Zhuge Liang in a duel but I'll die).

[@AquaticIdealist]

Yeah that is the case in 13 for example, and since Koei tends to do the same thing with various games I'd be shocked if you can show initiative and declare war or do diplomacy as even Viceroy. Not sure about duel/debate, but if the character was toggled to never duel, then you'll never see duels

[@wolfgooner2321]

@@AquaticIdealist thanks for your reply. Then I guess 8 remake is not for me. I've also started to play 14 again because 8 remake came out, and I find myself enjoying it again. I guess I'll just stick with 14 until they release a ruler-only rotk again.

[@jordanmayfield9357]

@@wolfgooner2321 To be fair, you can also just play as the ruler in the other games for a more classic approach to the gameplay anyways. If the officer play isn't to your liking, you can just decide to only play as the ruler.

[@Monsteretrope]

I just want the original translated to english (with the power kit) tbh...

[@GappyHilmore18]

Waiting on that Rat Emperor Yuan Shu playthrough!

[@duydome]

is there any chance they will fix the AI in the Power up kit?

[@LuBuFengXian]

probably not, that has not been their strong suit, but at the very least hopefully they will at least have the AI use the tools that are given to them

[@Streifer]

been playing this game since the Snes ive love all aspect of it but i love it more when its not a pure Strategy game(yes i prefer being a officer than a ruler), though the last one i played was 11 and havent played 12 to 14 My question is, is this a wort buy now or wait it to be patch? do Konami patch their games? i dont remember this part.

[@LuBuFengXian]

lmao Konami, well they do patch their games for all that's worth, it just takes awhile sometimes

[@Streifer]

@@LuBuFengXian i couldn't resist i just bought it played it for 8 hours in a row today lol trying to make 3 kids ahahahah

[@violovecraft12]

ROTK 8 and 7 were great games and special to me as well. Im really enjoying the remake so far but, I think alot of it is nostalgia as well. I think 10 and 13 have the best rpg and battle elements, ROTK X will always be my favorite. I think there are different metrics by which you can rate the different ROTK games. Some excell more at the RP whereas some have a better balance of battle elements.

[@Kyriosv2]

Is this game worth it if you wanna do custom officers and your own dynasty? Thats how I used to play the ps2 ones

[@LuBuFengXian]

I mean if you have prior experience then it will be like that, maybe a little bit better

[@ominousflames14]

What is your favourite ROTK game so far?

[@LuBuFengXian]

11 probably

[@hery_1527]

Is the switch version has the same graphics quality as ps5 version ?

[@deiansalazar140]

All I want is more character creation slots. That's all I need lol(and more Tales)

[@blonddali]

Play as Yan Baihu, Han Xuan, or Yang Song and see if the game is still easy. Most people who complain about AI play as Guan Yu or Cao Cao some big force already under their control.

[@ГеоргиТрайков-ш5е]

Very good job by KOEI I don't regret buying the Deluxe version of the game at all and I can't wait for them to release it .

[@robertgrewe702]

very addictive game. what triggers more duels-brave or reckless?

[@LuBuFengXian]

Reckless generally is the go to for duels

[@Janembu]

Do you think this game is getting DLC or another PUK?

[@S1lvermoon]

So our hope lies with the power up kit for the ai to get better (which ain’t happening) Or maybe koei gonna be not lazy and give us patch

[@mikehunt9884]

see, the thing with the original was how beautiful the game was, the artwork in it was truly amazing, 2d graphics at its best. Koei decides to get rid of all that, modernize it, put in 3d models.. etc. Added a couple QoL thing, and released it to the public. But watching this reminded me how 8 original wasn't perfect either, the military combat and the duels was probably the game's weakest points. It seems like the "modernized" remake version seem 100 times better. 8 and 10 (original) had the most beautiful artwork in the entire series.

[@amirhosseinhezarjaribi6258]

Well I always have problems with rotk's combat and ai, for me the best combat was rotk 11. This game looks ok and with everything you said I'm gonna get it, but really though I was looking forward toward this game's combat since I enjoy tactical grid based games like fire emblem :(

[@kelvinteo6681]

Is it better to buy English or Chinese version ?

[@LuBuFengXian]

no difference between the two

[@TheYakuza808]

Wish they had there chinese languages would make the game alittle more better like they did it for there other games why not this one just copy and paste 1🤷

[@MrJickDiniels]

A baibai was born to Bai Bai and Lu Bu

[@whitecheeze_rf]

i just hoped they remake ROTK 11 instead, because that one is my favorite ROTK

[@1HistoryDragon]

As my experience with old version, they should keep combat like old version when we can stand on the wall and throw hot oil on our opponent. Many things make the fight become epics was took out of this game.

[@ZelgadisEddy]

Now the most important question for me: Can we finally marry the ultimate waifu Cai Yan in the remake?

[@LuBuFengXian]

Cai Yan has her own event to recruit her, which I thought was surprising because she is no longer a special traveler in this game so didn't expect the special treatment But yes, that means you can marry her

[@ZelgadisEddy]

@@LuBuFengXian The ultimate Waifu is available! Thanks!

[@indraregar4979]

RTK 11 is my favorite

[@mikehunt9884]

me too, the gameplay was really addictive. Some people didn't like 11. Its too bad we never got to see RTKXI in its entirety, with the powerup kit, in english :(

[@Dre2Dee2]

Modern KOEI sucks because everything needs PUK to be decent 😒

[@dassbear]

This as all the PUK that was in the original

[@regularbozos9164]

the battle should have been made to be like the older rotk 8, rotk 14 even uses a variation of that, but need to be less sucky. but the combat that we got is just a worse version of 13, like i dont know why they try to make things always different each game, why not improve something that is good and already proven

[@LuBuFengXian]

standard koei MO, they do this almost all the time, now instead of realizing that error they just release work half-baked, saving the best for DLCs

[@JeSuisKomé]

dont think this is better than 13 except for a better looking ui. now im thinking getting a refund and wait for pk for 8remake or a 15 (whichever comes first)

[@MrBadGamer519]

I bought it, lauched it, couldn't find Chinese voice audio, exited the game and hit the refund button, but that's just me.

[@dassbear]

Review game only talks about battles and ai.

[@LuBuFengXian]

not much else to talk about, the game isn't that deep bro, you repeatedly talk to the same person and gain stats for the sake of battle

[@風上-l8y]

我注意到有些角色的圖像設計使用了AI生成……

[@LuBuFengXian]

that's what I think too, when their face and mouth moves it just doesn't seem natural at all

[@qtr2962]

ROTK 11 still da best.

[@kaitkait2838]

i understand u feel , but it still 8 not 15 , link forged system it broken so this game is easier,😓 try do not use it maybe it will harder. for me wait for 20 year to see 8 remake again it not bad at all.

[@DeathVortex]

Koei games always had terrible AI unfortunately lol mind you ive still been playing them since the RTK1 days haha

[@Tenzou988]

don think i will get this game, the art work is kinda let down , character design is not bad but overall graphic....i dont know... never play rotk 8 before. I am rotk 11 kind of guy, if they manage to add more stuff on rotk11 with add on pack english I am happy to pay $60 for it

[@timothykugan9625]

Lol so the ai a let down. I sure hope they upgrade it

[@Exmond]

The start of this review is cringe

[@samfish5500]

Man they just need to remake 9. The very best in the series.

[@trymv1578]

Or just pay for an english patch on the older pc games that are already on steam.

[@samfish5500]

13 was awful... Hopefully this plays nothing like it

[@amirhosseinhezarjaribi6258]

Well I always had problems with rotk's combat and ai, for me the best combat was rotk 11. This game looks ok and with everything you said I'm gonna get it, but really though I was looking forward toward this game's combat since I enjoy tactical grid based games like fire emblem :(

[@dassbear]

The only good koei ai game was dynasty tactics 2 ai be chaining for days

[@whitecheeze_rf]

ROTK 11 is hands down the best on combat experience