The series’ 40 year history
Note: Release year for Japanese version.
1980
- 12/1985
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS
- The first “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” title was a simulation war game set in mainland China. Players would become one of the three heroes from the Three Kingdoms era: Wei, Wu and Shu and work out the best strategies to unify China. The key to this game's strategy is to make allies with officers with the most diverse personalities and understand how they can serve you as your “retainers.”
- 12/1989
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS Ⅱ
- The plans of a breathtaking strategist... Several tactics used in the “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” novel, such as “Hidden Poison” and “Unattended Home” were introduced in this title. In addition to daunting “duels” and surprising the enemy with an “Ambush State,” diplomacy elements were also introduced, such as “Aid” and “Cooperative Battles.” This allowed players to enjoy a more strategic playstyle. Lastly, this was the first title in which players could create their own officer.
- 02/1992
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS Ⅲ
- China's unification, from the country's to the city's borders. Aim for the unification of the 46 cities, while efficiently managing and appointing your subordinates. Players can enjoy a variety of battlefields, in which the battle situation is deeply connected to the “Morale” of the foot soldiers, cavalry and archers, as well as the passing of time and even weather conditions. In addition to the improved graphics, the use of “Historical Mode” and “Fictional Mode” was this title's signature.
- 02/1994
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS Ⅳ
- Around 450 unique officers make their debut. Each officer's strengths, “Traits,” and a “Parliament” that will listen to the commanding officer's opinions were added, making putting the retainer's talents to good use the key for the game's progression. Additionally, “Neighboring nations” have been added as a diplomacy element. In addition to final battles being held within the castles, it also became possible for players to utilize “Siege Weapons” such as rams and catapults during the castle sieges.
- 07/1994
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS Ⅳ Power Up Kit
- 02/1995
- Sangokushi Eiketsuden
- A simulation RPG in which the player gets involved in fierce battles as Liu Bei, one of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms heroes, in order to restore the Han. The game's progression is centered around the battlefield map. Players would go from one map to the next, satisfying the victory conditions in order to progress through the story.
- 12/1995
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS Ⅴ
- A title that focuses on the population which sustains the Romance of the Three Kingdoms society. With the “Reputation” element, the number of actions available to the rulers changed based on how much public support they had. All 12 “Formations” have been added to the battles and the correct use of them can bring advantages in the battlefield. There is also a wide variety of “Skills” for officers who control battle. The “Yellow Turban Rebellion” has also been added to the game's scenarios.
- 04/1996
- Sangokushi Koumeiden
- 07/1996
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS Ⅴ Power Up Kit
- 03/1998
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS Ⅵ
- This title gave each officer their own humane traits, turning it into a long-term, dramatic event intertwining their lives. It features more detailed strategy, focused on making good use of the locational advantage to choose where to build a castle, farms, or commerce for economical purposes. With both allies and enemies acting at the same time, players could enjoy a fast-paced strategy.
- 08/1998
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS Ⅵ Power Up Kit
- 12/1998
- Sangokushi Sousouden
- 04/1999
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS Internet
- A historical simulation game with online battles. Players could face other rulers (players) online, while sticking to the basic Romance of the Three Kingdoms system. In the card battles, it's possible to completely turn the situation around by utilizing diplomacy and other tactics such as “traps,” “bluffs,” and fire attacks. As the opponents were real humans, players could engage in a true battle of wits.
- 02/2000
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS Ⅶ
- Alongside innovative graphics and original officers, one of this title's signatures was the overseer system. Players could have free rein and dedicate themselves to expand their influence, improve themselves, or change their actions and objectives according to the position of your chosen officer. Events from the original novel were also added and different events such as going up the ranks, revolting, wandering and tales made it a dramatic interpretation of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms world.
- 07/2000
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS Ⅶ Power Up Kit
- 06/2001
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS Ⅷ
- With over 650 officers in total, two new statuses were added: “viceroys” and “vagrant armies.” Equipped with 51 years worth of scenarios, several relationships between the officers, such as sworn siblings, rivals, sworn enemies and marriages were represented, creating a deep and diverse human drama. Additionally, “Tactics” were also introduced. Intertwining “Plotting” and “Strategy,” each battle becomes even more tactical.
- 01/2002
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS Ⅷ Power Up Kit
- 02/2002
- Dynasty Tactics
- 08/2002 Service started
- Sangokushi Battlefield
- 05/2003
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS Ⅸ
- With a system divided into “Strategy Phase” and “Advancement Phase” and including all of China in a single map, the strategies and battles were unified. By requesting aid from other countries, players could not only attack their enemies from the back, but also set up military installations and obstacles on the map, turning the game into a never before seen experience. Officer's traits could stand out through many different military tactics.
- 08/2003
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS Ⅸ Power Up Kit
- 07/2004
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS Ⅹ
- All officers became playable. The placements would change according to, not only the officer's status, but also their abilities and experience. Each event brings forth a new one, weaving a dramatic hero's journey. With the addition of “duels” between leaders, the “Debate” system was also implemented, allowing for “Tacticians” and “Civil Officials” that can face each other. Players aimed to expand their influence in one go by deploying a “military campaign,” a massive battle taking place in a land relevant to several different cities.
- 01/2005
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS Ⅹ Power Up Kit
- 03/2006
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XI
- The first entry in the series to introduce a unified 3D map and a turn-based system combined. Players strived to expand their influence by earning “Technical Points” in battles and internal affairs. In the battlefield, “Tactics” such as thrust away and pull in could be used freely, and by combining levees and fire traps it was possible to defeat a large army, even with a small number of soldiers. The “duels” also evolved with the impressiveness of 3D graphics and changing officers mid-battle also became a possibility.
- 09/2006
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XI Power Up Kit
- 02/2008 Service started
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS Online
- 10/2009 Service started
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS TOUCH
- 10/2010 Service started
- Hyakuman nin no Sangokushi
- 04/2012
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS 12
- The introduction of “Secret Plan,” a large-scale scheme which allowed for a massive turnaround that would make history. Players strived for a dramatic victory, earned from obtaining a deep understanding of the state of war through the exciting “real time battle.” The episodes featuring the heroes with unique personalities were splendidly reenacted in graphics filled with energy and voice acting, overflowing with realism. Additionally, in the “Online battle” mode, players could face opponents from all corners of Japan.
- 02/2013
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS 12 Power Up Kit
- 09/2013 Service started
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS 12: Taisenban
- 2014
- The Japan Anniversary Association officially registers December 10th as “Historical Simulation Game 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms'” day.
- 12/2015
- Romance of the Three Kingdoms Maker
- 01/2016
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS 13
- A title to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.” Following the concept of “This is Romance of the Three Kingdoms. A drama about the rise of many talents,” in this title players can freely participate in all settings. They play as a hero who lived through “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” and, as the history's protagonist, spin the story as they wish, while both cooperating and competing with astute strategists and heroic warriors.
- 04/2016 Service started
- Yo-kai Sangokushi
- (Released by LEVEL-5)
- 02/2017
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIII Fame and Strategy Expansion Pack
- 01/2018 Service started
- Yo-kai Sangokushi Kunitori Wars
- (Production/Distribution by LEVEL-5)
- 01/2020
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS 14
- Following “Romance of the Three Kingdoms 9” and “Romance of the Three Kingdoms 11,” this title also features a single map while recreating the expansive Chinese mainland with a detailed aggregation of territories. Conquer territories and fly your colours across the entirety of the Chinese mainland. This simple, yet complex gameplay was a success, selling over 300,000 copies worldwide.
- 03/2020 Service started
- Three Kingdoms HEROES
- 09/2020 Service started
- Romance of the Three Kingdoms Hadou
- A title to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.” Following the concept of “Take over the world!,” this MMO title allowed players to join forces with other rulers (players) and scramble for lands, treasures and glory. During fights, each player's troops and their thousands of units clash in real time. The commands are directly connected to the outcome of the battle, raising the tension as it unfolds.
- 12/2020
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV: Diplomacy and Strategy Expansion Pack
- 10/2024
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS 8 REMAKE
- The largest remake in the “RTK” series with the addition of new features, and the largest number of officers and scenarios to date. Retaining the popular “Scenarios across all eras” feature from 8, “Destiny” can dramatically change the story's development based on the relationships amongst officers. Players can also choose unique developments and stories through the “Tales” function. Additionally, battles have been recreated, improving in balance and tempo.
- 01/2025 Service started
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS HEROES
- 01/2026
- ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS 8 REMAKE:
Diplomacy and Strategy Expansion Pack -
Rulers, viceroys, governors, tacticians, common officers, chieftains and free officers. Depending on the status, players can earn a variety of different actions and “treasures” that will alter the growth of their character. Meanwhile, the “Turning Points” allow for a complete change in the army’s situation or stalemates, depending on the “momentums” and the passage of time, disasters and world context. Additionally, many updates have been included, such as new “traits,” new events, parliament and city commands, 5 new fictional scenarios, enhancement of in-game editing, Chinese dubbing, etc. These changes are sure to make the players’ experience limitless.
