Total War: Three Kingdoms
By David Chapman,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Fantasy meets history in complex strategy for older gamers.
Add rating
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this game.
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Total War: Three Kingdoms
Community Reviews
What’s It About?
In TOTAL WAR: THREE KINGDOMS, the fate of ancient China lies in your hands. Set in the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history, the game tasks you with controlling the forces of one of 12 legendary warlords, using a combination of strategy, diplomacy, and brute force to overwhelm your enemies and unite the nation under your rule. Players can choose how they want to experience the Three Kingdoms saga. In Romance mode, you'll live the legend as warriors of mythic power, following the fantasy born from the tales of the battlefield. In Records mode, you'll step behind the curtain of myth, directing the course of history not through the lens of fanciful story, but through the clear focus of reality. Whichever path you choose, whatever stories your people tell, it's up to you to carve out your own dynasty and earn your legacy.
Is It Any Good?
The Total War franchise has never been one to shy away from exploring the art of war from all angles and any setting. With Total War: Three Kingdoms, though, the series blends history and fantasy together as an epic retelling of the most pivotal and bloody moments in ancient China. One of the game's more interesting options is to play the campaign in either Records or Romance mode, each based on stories of the era. Records mode is a more standard and realistic approach, with a more historically authentic representation. Here, generals are just men like any other, relying on little more than their skill and cunning to rule. Romance mode, on the other hand, takes its cue from the classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms story, in which the warlords were more superhuman figures of myth, possessing almost godlike powers and wielding sacred artifacts as they battled. By giving players both options, the game adds a unique level of perspective and understanding on how reality and perception can influence history and mythology.
The Total War series has never been known for easing newcomers into the experience, and Total War: Three Kingdoms is no exception. In fact, the game's probably the most complex entry in the franchise to date. There's a massive amount of micromanagement to keep up with at any given time as you also try to account for the actions and events that might be going on elsewhere between other factions. Three Kingdoms also expands on the "diplomacy" options, recruiting spies to sow the seeds of discord while still adhering to your chosen general's distinct beliefs and moral code. It's a constant balancing act that feels like it could (and often does) collapse at any moment. Unfortunately, the game's tutorials still feel like an afterthought, leaving most players to learn important tactics through trial and error. It's a steep learning curve to say the least, at times overwhelming and frustrating. But the game is also a rewarding experience that leaves you with a real sense of victory earned on the battlefield.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in video games. Is the impact of the violence in Total War: Three Kingdoms affected by the fact that little blood or gore is shown in combat? Is the impact lessened when fantasy elements are introduced in the game, which reduces its realism?
What are some of the ways that historic events can become the basis for myth? What are ways to discover the factual basis behind certain legends or myths?
Game Details
- Platform: Windows
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Sega of America
- Release date: May 23, 2019
- Genre: Strategy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Book Characters , History
- ESRB rating: T for Violence
- Last updated: January 16, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Play
Our Editors Recommend
Games That Teach History
Great Games That Teach Strategy
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate