Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Koei
  • Release Date: Aug 13, 2003
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. IGN
    90
    Better than any previous title in the Romance series, easily eclipsing the "Dynasty Tactics" and "Kessen" franchises, and trampling all over the "SimCity" and "Civilization" ports, KOEI's excellent simulation of Ancient Chinese diplomacy and warfare is worthy of every compliment we can shower upon it.
  2. Cheat Code Central
    90
    Steep and deep. That means it's got a steep learning curve but the depth it reveals will be worth the effort.
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  3. Yahoo!
    90
    Remember this is a die-hard, slow-paced, no-nonsense strategy title, and chances are you'd be better served with one of Koei's Dynasty games if you're not prepared to invest plenty of thought and patience into building an empire.
  5. GamingTrend
    90
    If you like to be immersed in a wonderfully historic world of political intrigue and epic battles with the added touch of some great role-playing elements there is no reason for you not to go out and buy Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII right now.
  6. GamingWorld X
    88
    The series is definitely in peak form here, with near endless amounts of options and gameplay tweaks that add to an already addictive and playable formula.
  7. GameZone
    84
    Not the most visually stunning turn-based combat game on the market, on any platform. But the lure of this game is much more insidious. The game has depth of play that few can equal. This is more about entreating the brain as opposed to the eyes or ears.
  8. GameSpy
    82
    Definitely not a game for everyone... but it's an intensely satisfying and mind-bogglingly replayable game for those gamers willing to wallow in Asian history and pure strategy.
  9. PSM Magazine
    80
    Three Kingdoms fans will go nuts over all of the improvements. [Oct 2003, p.40]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. GameSpot
    72
    Won't win any new converts to the strategy genre, but it's a good game that ought to please devotees of the series.
  11. GamePro
    70
    For Romance followers, this addition to the series is the best yet. An unlimited number of accounting practices combined with more depth to the lives that you control can be an overwhelming if not humbling experience for wannabe rulers of the land. Just make sure you’re up for a long lesson in advanced bookkeeping.
  12. Game Informer
    70
    The sheer depth of your duties can leave you swimming. [Sept 2003, p.109]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    60
    Like the previous games, it'll satisfy fans of the franchise while being nigh-impenetrable to others. [Oct 2003, p.126]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. G4 TV
    60
    Heavy on the text, and some of it is dry and repetitive. There's great depth and nearly endless variety, but only a certain type of gamer will make a match with Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII.
  15. GMR Magazine
    60
    So detail oriented and text heavy that it appeals to only the most diehard and, perhaps, anal-retentive. [Nov 2003, p.77]
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

78
#78 Best PS2 Game of 2003
95
#95 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
30
#30 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 2 out of 20
  1. Truth_
    Feb 19, 2014
    9
    A fantastic strategy game with solid RPG elements as well as a perfect period piece. RotTK8 has good stylized graphics, a great and memorableA fantastic strategy game with solid RPG elements as well as a perfect period piece. RotTK8 has good stylized graphics, a great and memorable music score, and deep strategy elements on many levels (character, city, empire). Although the others in this series are good as well, the scope of VIII is greater than all others as you work your way up as a lowly rank 9 officer to anything you desire - warlord, viceroy, or emperor. Character-building, social relationships, city-building, economy, diplomacy, intrigue, tactical warfare.... There is nothing like it.

    In all areas the game could be more complex and more deep, however, it is in a snug place. Also, grinding your way up through the ranks or ordering around your minions can become tedious. And although there are random events to keep things interesting, other events or options or systems could be in place to tide the tedium or boredom, although with that also comes more micromanagement, the love and bane of different groups of gamers everywhere.

    The major fault in the game is with a new player's ability to immerse themselves in the grand adventure that is RotTK8 should they have not played a previous installment or the much more accessible series Dynasty Warriors. Although there is some story-telling in the beginning of each map campaign and even an in-game encyclopedia for nearly everything, more could have been done in this regard if the developers had wanted the game to appeal to a wider audience of Three Kingdom's newbies.    … Full Review »
  2. PreWarp
    Apr 26, 2013
    9
    This game opened my eyes not just to this genre of gaming but to history itself. Opened a whole new world of imagination at a very young age.This game opened my eyes not just to this genre of gaming but to history itself. Opened a whole new world of imagination at a very young age. I very much appreciated this game.… Full Review »
  3. TommiK.
    Jul 6, 2005
    10
    Just awesome!
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