Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. Cheat Code Central
    90
    With an overhauled tutorial, user-friendly interface and straightforward goals, this is easily the most accessible game in the series.
  2. You never feel like things are dragging on and the next goal is always in sight.
  3. 87
    If you're new to the series or the genre and have ever wondered what it would be like to conquer ancient China, we can't think of a better introduction than this.
  4. When you're screaming and yelling at the game, wishing that the enemy will fall, you'll find it nearly impossible to put the controller down and walk away.
  5. 85
    A game that will quickly be embraced by fans of the original series; fans of VII and VIII, however, might feel a bit alienated by all of the changes that have been made.
  6. 80
    Sports not only improved visuals and a fantastic jazzy soundtrack, but the real changes lie in streamlined gameplay and a very different perspective. Unlike the other eight before it, this title follows the events depicted in the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" novel.
  7. PSM Magazine
    80
    It may not be the most advanced sequel, but for fans of hardcore number crunching and statistic-laden simulations, still among the best strategy titles available for PS2. [Apr 2004, p.38]
  8. 75
    If you're a series veteran, or found yourself wishing the previous PS2 entries had less number-crunching and more action, you'll probably love RTK9. I'm squarely in [this] category, but not because I disliked 7 and 8's RPG elements; I just appreciate KOEI's willingness to keep tinkering with a 15-year-old franchise.
  9. Romance IX manages to make a few improvements to the interface and systems from the previous games while still retaining the core of what made them good. Ultimately, it's more of what you already love.
  10. 70
    Although it includes new welcome features like expanded character training and a single map, its conventionality in all other areas fails to make the game stand out.
  11. Even though the game is amazingly deep and intricate, it doesn't change the fact that it's also rather dry. [Mar 2004, p.107]
  12. If it weren't for an enhanced combat system, it would be a definite step down from "Kingdoms VIII" - ultimately, it's more of the same. [Apr 2004, p.92]
  13. I’ve always enjoyed the series’ simple, yet addicting premise, and hopefully you will to. That, my friends, is the only true recommendation I can give.
  14. The sheer amount of ways you can put your officers and troops to use in each turn is extremely daunting at the start, but if you're the type that gets sucked in by these types of titles, you'll be ruling China before you know it.
  15. While Romance IX is a more newbie-friendly game, it still has a bit of a learning curve, and the absense of tactical control prevents it from being a breakout strategy title. [Apr 2004, p.100]
  16. Edge Magazine
    60
    Only the most ardent grognard will do more than dent the surface of this enormous strategy game, which rather diminishes the overall impact for the rest of us. [Mar 2004, p.110]
  17. games(TM)
    60
    Those able to get a feel for the menu-heavy gameplay will revel in the kind of breathtaking depth and infinite scope you simply won't find in any other console title. [Apr 2004, p.120]
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Jun 23, 2020
    6
    Nice attempt adding strategic mode, but this doesn't fit well with Mussou games.
  2. FengxianL.
    May 24, 2005
    10
    This game is the bomb, because you can capture enemies and even steal their item! Yeah! Even Part 10.
  3. RTKFan
    Mar 17, 2005
    7
    The game is ok. You don't have as much control as you did in RTK 8. Plus, in RTK 8, you could actually interact with your officers andThe game is ok. You don't have as much control as you did in RTK 8. Plus, in RTK 8, you could actually interact with your officers and stuff. Also, experience in different skills, like they did in 8, would have been good too. I like the idea of building things. It beats just having guys attack just your city. The problem is you can't control those guys. I think RTK 8 was better. Full Review »