• Publisher: Koei
  • Release Date: Aug 13, 2003
Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. 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. Steep and deep. That means it's got a steep learning curve but the depth it reveals will be worth the effort.
  3. 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.
  4. 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. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Three Kingdoms fans will go nuts over all of the improvements. [Oct 2003, p.40]
  9. Won't win any new converts to the strategy genre, but it's a good game that ought to please devotees of the series.
  10. The sheer depth of your duties can leave you swimming. [Sept 2003, p.109]
  11. 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. So detail oriented and text heavy that it appeals to only the most diehard and, perhaps, anal-retentive. [Nov 2003, p.77]
  13. 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.
  14. Like the previous games, it'll satisfy fans of the franchise while being nigh-impenetrable to others. [Oct 2003, p.126]
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. TommiK.
    10
    Just awesome!
  2. LordDrake
    10
    This game will have you hooked for many, many, many nights as you plot and battle your way through anchient chinese politics to unite china. It is a Must-Buy title and deserves every penny. Just make sure you dont have a exam or something coming up. Full Review »
  3. JohnC.
    10
    A very good Game not only does it have the Raising of the army but the Economy of a city as well.