Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIII

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 22
  3. Negative: 2 out of 22
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  1. Digitally Downloaded
    Jul 5, 2016
    100
    With a comprehensive tutorial system, Romance of the Three Kingdoms is the best fit game for people new to the genre to wrap their minds around it. Equally, for more experienced strategy fans, the superb balance that made the historical events the game is based on so fascinating also make for the near-perfect strategy game.
  2. Vandal
    Jul 7, 2016
    82
    If you don't mind a quite challenging learning curve, Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIII is a great option for those who want to enjoy this genre on consoles. There aren't too many additions, but the game is very solid and engaging.
  3. Brash Games
    Jul 14, 2016
    80
    If you’re looking for something that’s a bit more mild as far as mechanics, but not necessarily as battle focused as Dynasty Warriors from the same studio, I would actually recommend Samurai Warriors 4: Empires which takes aspects from both franchises. But if you do want a fully thought focused war simulation game that will make you question every move and have noticeable future consequences set in a historically accurate Asian period, RTK13 is the only valid choice currently available.
  5. RPG Site
    Jul 8, 2016
    80
    It’s not for everyone. The action can be overtly simplified at times especially compared to earlier entries in the series. The game also struggles at times with its pacing, controls, and framerate. Still, I applaud Koei Tecmo for doing an impressive job in delivering a competent strategy gaming experience on the console.
  6. Push Square
    Jul 5, 2016
    80
    There isn't much competition, but this is still the best strategy game on the PS4.
  7. Multiplayer.it
    Jul 5, 2016
    78
    Beneath an amazingly intimidating shell, lies an amazingly complex, deep and satisfying strategy game. Few gamers will pass the first, really hard impact, but those few will be engaged and excited, and, eventually, happy.
  8. NZGamer
    Jul 18, 2016
    76
    While strategically deep; pacing and control issues prevent this game from being fantastic.
  9. Destructoid
    Jul 31, 2016
    75
    Perhaps Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIII's most lasting achievement will be once again proving that strategy games can work on consoles. And though it doesn't quite make the case for console strategy ever really being as good as PC-based efforts, the game is worth trying for anyone who can let their historical curiosity overcome their need for visual and interface flair.
  10. Areajugones
    Jul 5, 2016
    75
    Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIII is a very complete strategy videogame that features an absolute control over the elements such as the battles or the alliances. However, its graphics engine is not enough to keep the game running perfectly.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 40 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 40
  3. Negative: 6 out of 40
  1. ericlef81
    Jul 6, 2016
    10
    This game is great, I sat down for ten hours straight the first day.This is my first romance game, i struggled grasping the controls andThis game is great, I sat down for ten hours straight the first day.This is my first romance game, i struggled grasping the controls and mechanics,but after some grinding in hero mode it felt very fluent.… Full Review »
  2. megabear
    Aug 8, 2016
    6
    AI is so exploitable that I can conquer China with the worst character you can possibly create. For example I gave my guy 1 stat all aroundAI is so exploitable that I can conquer China with the worst character you can possibly create. For example I gave my guy 1 stat all around with no abilities whatsoever. No followers, families or affinities either. Threw him in hard difficulty mode as a free officers.

    It was ridiculous how easy it was for me to beat the game. It didn't even take that long. Worst offender is that you can abuse diplomacy to a point where you can expand as aggressive as you want without any fear of retaliation. Officers also just love you in general and you can recruit just about any random character that's not loyal bound by history without an issue. Basically you can just let them do your bidding so your own stats become nearly irrelevant. Combat, I don't even know where to begin. It's so ridiculously exploitable that I can send a small force against a force triple my size and still beat the crap out of it under manual control. Foreign policy options took a real beating. You can't get countries to fight each other (i.e. rivalry/rival tigers,), no marriage option between forces, "Hide", "Gossip", "Arson", "Snoop", joint invasion option, coalition is random and you can't form your own while they dog pile on top of you early in the game unless you maintain truce/alliance against them. The game is also missing many subtle additions that used to make the series great, such as traps, natural disasters, in-depth terrain advantages, wanderers, unique places, changing economy (i.e. varying prices of supplies and arms), ability to self impose an exile, etc.

    I can go on and on but it's so riddled with AI holes that I can't enjoy the game anymore. While there have been many improvements by adding visuals and audio, and I do love the new battle system minus the AI, this game has lost so much from its predecessors.    … Full Review »
  3. dallasnda614
    Jul 13, 2016
    10
    Amazing deep deep war strategy goodness...Great game for anyone who enjoys rpg mixed with strategy. Theres hundreds of fun hours this game canAmazing deep deep war strategy goodness...Great game for anyone who enjoys rpg mixed with strategy. Theres hundreds of fun hours this game can deliver.… Full Review »
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