With the series hitting peaks in excellence in both ROTK VII and ROTK IX, it's rather curious that the one falling between the two is so subpar. However, there are several features that will likely displease series' fans, and hold-back newcomers. First of all, the map system and battle system are rather simplistic and take much of the control out of your hands, greatly at odds with every other installment in this series. It greatly de-emphasizes the warfare, which is so integral to the gameplay. Second, the map is rather more difficult to maneuver than many of the other entries into the series, and certainly pales in comparison to ROTK IX's comprehensive battle/world map system. It limits the amount of control one feels over the situation. Graphicly, this game fits in well with the series, featuring 2-D cutscenes, artistic renderings of events, and so forth. Overall, I'd recommend it only if you are a fan of the series, and a completionist.Read full review
I bought this game expecting a crisp, satisfactory, and enjoyable Strategy game from the acclaimed RTK series. Without a doubt, I feel that this has met my expectations. What I enjoy about this game is the varying depths of gameplay different statuses can take depending upon the player's preferences. If you want to wander around a feuding China, be a renowned Ronin. If you want to be the single handed leader to sweep over China in a complex series of military and political gambits and trials, then it is your decision (or funeral). Visuals: 8/10 - The game, in the crossing phase between the PS1 and PS2 consoles, features top notch visuals for a PS1 console, but below average 3D visuals for a PS2. However, the 2D Animation and Art Design is great and invokes a mystical atmosphere. Gameplay: 8/10 - I really love what the game did for the Sub-Ruler classes. The game truly brings out a sense of competition and rewards the players for contributing to their respective leige through a merit based quota system. It also allows the player to experience the consequences for placing work over relationships and ethics in a small way as well. Voice Acting: N/A - Everything is entirely text based. (Aside from the intro animation) Story: 9/10 - Albeit the same scenario, this game, in the line of RTK's, really innovated itself when it came to scenario selection and extremely expanded its story animations to suit individual characters' scenarios. (Ex. Liu Bei's Cherry Blossom Oath, He Jin's political schemes, etc.) Not to mention the free-for-all scenario that allows the player to experience a free fight scenario that can truly bring a different feel to the gameplay. Mechanics: 7/10 - This is where the game has it's weak points. The design of the actions has taken a step back from RTK7 with an overcomplexified action system. This is not a good game for a player just coming around to RTK's gameplay. Albeit that this was my first entry to the series, the game was unnecessarily complex. Total: 8/10 - While the mechanics were fairly user-unfriendly, this game packs much more depth than its previous titles and really allows the player to view specific roles from specific titles. Trust me, no playthrough is ever the same. Expect very high replay value.Read full review
Think strategy with a hint of "the sims" build in. play as any character was introduced with this installment, allowing the player to be any officer in the game as opposed to being 1 of the rulers only previously. They improved on this feature in the 10th installment, but this one is very enjoyable on its own merit. Improving upon your character's strats, building relationships with other officers in the game, performing tasks and increasing your rank in the army you serve in as well as your reputation in the country. Not my favorite of the series, but it did introduce several features which were later improved upon in IX and X
Everything went smoothly and uninhibited. The game plays flawlessly, and the graphics are fine, they display as they should for that time era.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
It may not be one of the new ones but 8 is still a fun game with challenging scenarios and with 40 different endings, it has tons of replayability.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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