While the novel follows hundreds of characters, the focus is mainly on the three power blocs that emerged from the remnants of the Han dynasty, and would eventually form the three states of Cao WeiShu Hanand Eastern Wu. The product of writing can be seen everywhere in Total War games, fIt is set in the turbulent years towards the end of the Han dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period in Chinese historystarting in AD and ending with the reunification of the land in The story - part historical, part legend, and part mythical - romanticises and dramatises the lives of feudal lords and their retainers, who tried to replace the dwindling Han dynasty or restore it. How does Classic Mode differ?Īny other big changes? Total War: THREE KINGDOMS – Working with Romanticised History Historical authenticity is clearly important for this title - what steps are you taking you ensure you achieve that? His expertise has provided us with as authentic a view of the events of this period as possible. In Classic Mode, the historical Records of the Three Kingdoms text will form the basis for these narrative events. But Classic Mode focuses more on historical troop manoeuvres, where victory is defined by superior army composition and battle tactics. Janos: A big difference is how these iconic heroes behave on the battlefield.īy default, we adhere to the romanticised view: these characters can hold their own against hundreds of rank-and-file warriors. In many respects, we have to hold ourselves to as high a standard for cultural authenticity as we do for historical accuracy. How does this popular or romanticised view of events differ from the history books? Although based on history, the events of the period in the Romance are pitched in vivid narrative detail and packed with drama, flavour, and explosive deeds of an almost superhuman nature. The modern interpretation of the Three Kingdoms period is a far more romanticised version of events than you might find in the history books.
Ultimately though, the clincher is the individual bravado and personalities of the characters involved in this period. It launches in Spring The period is brimming with tales of brotherhood, rivalry, treachery, civil war, and conquest, and that makes it the perfect setting for a historical Total War game.