Within Empire Mode, there are War Councils which enable you to set the policy for your kingdom or the goals for your officer, and the Strategy Phase, where you control domestic governance as well as diplomacy with other kingdoms. You are also able to engage in a variety of battles and quests with neighboring kingdoms.
As you rise up through the game, it is up to you whether to pursue a path of virtue and seek promotion, or a path of evil as you continually betray others in the name of greed. You may also simply focus on yourself by perfecting your might and bettering your skills.
Depending on your style of play, you can create the world of the Three Kingdoms as you see fit.
*Japanese version screenshots are shown.
First, select a scenario in order to determine the locations of each kingdom at the start of the game, and then your playable character. There are scenarios from many different time periods, such as the Yellow Turban Rebellion or the Battle of Chibi, enabling you to begin the game from a starting point of your choosing. In addition to being able to pick your playable character from more than 800 famous or common officers, you can also use created characters that you made in Edit Mode.
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| 184AD Yellow Turban Rebellion: This stage starts off with multiple kingdoms eagerly vying for power in an attempt to conquer the land. | Depending on the officer you choose, you may start off as a Ruler, Prefect or Free officer. |
*Japanese version screenshots are shown.
War Councils are held once every few months, and are where the policy for your kingdom is decided. If your rank is that of Ruler, you will be able to decide the political actions your kingdom will take until the next War Council. If you are a subordinate officer, you will be informed of the orders for your kingdom. However, you can always suggest alternate proposals. Once the policy for your kingdom has been decided, the Strategy Objectives you must accomplish before the next War Council will be set.
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| Rulers are able to set the policy of their kingdoms by determining the importance given to personnel, resources, finances, diplomacy, or battles. | You can select a maximum of 3 Strategy Objectives, and you can earn rewards if you complete them before the next War Council. |
*Japanese version screenshots are shown.
During the Strategy Phase each month, you can search for new officers to join you, purchase weapons and items, or carry out various commands in regards to the military, finances or diplomatic relations of your kingdom. In addition, your "Virtue" rating will change depending on the commands you choose, enabling you to eventually select special commands as well.
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| Rulers are capable of carrying out a wide variety of commands in regards to finances, diplomacy or ploys, but Prefects can only execute commands within their own territory that act in service of their Ruler. | Free Officers are only capable of carrying out relatively few commands, although that number will increase if they join a kingdom or decide to form a vagabond unit. |
*Japanese version screenshots are shown.
There are many types of battles, such as invasions and defensive battles with other kingdoms, or quests where you participate in efforts to rescue people or infiltrate certain locations.
By winning battles against other kingdoms, or by completing quests, you will obtain a record of your achievements. Additionally, completing quests can allow you to obtain resources, weapons or items.
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| Invasions and defensive battles are large scale battles that are fought between kingdoms over the control of territory. | Meanwhile, quests are smaller battles that you can accept in each region. Completing them will help strengthen the bonds between you and the officers of the controlling kingdom in that region. |
*Japanese version screenshots are shown.
Various event scenes that help immerse you in the drama of the Three Kingdoms will be played within Empire Mode.
Performing well can help your officer be promoted, and if the Ruler of your kingdom retires, you may be named the new Ruler, or you may also be approached by other kingdoms asking you to join them.
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| Start off as an Officer, and work your way up the ladder to become a Prefect, Marshal or Strategist. | Other kingdoms may also be intrigued by your talent and look to recruit you. |
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| Become the successor to your kingdom if you are chosen to succeed as its ruler. | Embrace your ambitions and set out in order to conquer the Chinese continent. |