News: Koei's long running strategy RPG continues with an 11th entry.
Koei has announced that the next game in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms series, Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI, will ship on February 6, 2007. The game will be coming exclusively to the PS2 and it will be rated Everyone 10+.
According to Koei, this will be the "most stunning edition of Romance of the Three Kingdoms to date." It is set near the end of the Han dynasty in the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D. Here's what else they had to say about RTK XI:
RTK XI presents the most visually captivating evolution ever seen in the history of the series. Featuring an artistic style evocative of classical Chinese ink-paintings, and with debates and duels now rendered in real-time 3D animation, RTK XI pushes the boundaries and blurs the line between video games and art in this stunning recreation of the mood and feel of ancient China.
Players will need to dig deep within to prove themselves adept at both the military and political arts in order to bring China under one rule. Domestic affairs, diplomacy and warfare are all conducted on a single vast 3D relief map, dramatically bringing to life the epic scale of the adventure that lies before them.
As the ruler of a kingdom, each player will have complete control over their territories. More than 40 base commands give players the power to govern cities, manage their personnel, practice diplomacy, and much more. Complete freedom to develop markets, shipyards, outposts, forts and military units expand on the already substantial benchmarks established by previous editions of the series. Finally, players will watch the era come to life through the unique individual personalities of the more than 780 officers and supporting characters that they will meet and interact with while engaged in one of RTK XI's ten gripping scenarios.
For improved control over each military campaign, RTK XI's turn-based game play allows the player to plan their movements without undue time constraints, and then execute their battle tactics when ready. RTK XI also introduces an entirely new system for researching military techniques, as well as an Advanced Tactics System that allows players to drive or lure enemies into devastating ambushes. Skilled players will be able to link together tactics for maximum damage.
The game will feature a multiplayer mode that allows up to eight players to compete in challenges. It will also include the following features:
Features:
Vivid 3D scenes inspired by classical Chinese ink paintings
10 scenarios, plus 10 preset scenarios and 8 special challenges
Newly-revamped debate system
100 officer skills from which to choose, including УDivine FireФ and УEntrapФ
Create-an-officer mode with 24 customizable unique character attributes
For the first time, English and Chinese Voice Options
Step-by-step tutorials for beginners
Stirring original score composed by Yoshihiro Ike
Once again, Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI is coming in February of 2007. But if you want to get a good look at the game now, check out these 55 screenshots.