Romance of the Three Kingdoms IX

Cheat Code Central

With an overhauled tutorial, user-friendly interface and straightforward goals, this is easily the most accessible game in the series.

GamingTrend

You never feel like things are dragging on and the next goal is always in sight.

IGN

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.

Deeko

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.

GameZone

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.

PSM Magazine

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]

Yahoo! Games

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.

GameSpy

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.

GameSpot

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.

Game Informer

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]

GMR Magazine

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]

GamePro

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.

Gaming Age

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.

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

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]

GamerFeed

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.

Edge Magazine

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]

games(TM)

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]