Info about ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV: Official game description: Edition Comparison ================== ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV: Diplomacy and Strategy Expansion Pack - Digital Deluxe Edition ================================================================================================= \[Content included with this product\] \- "Diplomacy and Strategy Expansion Pack" content \- Season Pass 2 Note: The "ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV" game software is required separately. Note: The game software, Season Passes, and each DLC item are also available for individual purchase. Be careful to avoid making a redundant purchase. ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV: Diplomacy and Strategy Expansion Pack Bundle - Digital Deluxe Edition ======================================================================================================== \[Content included with this product\] \- "ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV" game software \- "Diplomacy and Strategy Expansion Pack" content \- Season Pass Note: This product is recommended for those who do not yet own the "ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV" game software. Note: The game software, Season Passes, and each DLC item are also available for individual purchase. Be careful to avoid making a redundant purchase. ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV: Diplomacy and Strategy Expansion Pack Bundle =============================================================================== \[Content included with this product\] \- "ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV" game software \- "Diplomacy and Strategy Expansion Pack" content Note: This product is recommended for those who do not yet own the "ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV" game software. ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV - Digital Deluxe Edition ========================================================== \[Contents included in this product\] \- Game software \- Season Pass This product allows you to purchase the game "ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV" and Season Pass for a cheaper price than purchasing them individually. Note: The game software included in this content is also available individually. Be careful to avoid making a redundant purchase. Note: The Season Pass included in this content is also available individually. Be careful to avoid making a redundant purchase. About the Game ============== Triumph over the land, take charge of the fate of China! Conquer territories and fly your colors! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A struggle for land where new strategies are born: from points to planes! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The vast land of China is represented a single realistic map, with the characteristics of the land replicated beautifully in CG. The vast map is comprised of 46 cities and approximately 340 regions. The regions are collections of detailed territories, and the struggle for land is intuitively expressed through a color scheme. Players can conquer territories to unite the land and fly their colors more elaborately and more freely. New strategies created by supply lines and maintaining the front line --------------------------------------------------------------------- When troops are on the march, and the march origin city is connected to land controlled by the players’ forces, the supply lines will be maintained and troops can battle with ample supplies provided to them. However, if the connection with the march origin city is cut, the troops will lose their supply lines and will be weakened and fall into a disorderly state. Securing the supply lines is an integral part in maintaining the battle front. Administration changes completely by doctrine and a unique policy! ------------------------------------------------------------------ Players can organize the administration, the center of power, as an element that expands the player's strategy. Administration is shown in an organization chart, and as retained officers are added to the organization, various commands and effects are obtained. It is important to make administration that suits your own strategy. More than 150 “characters” and over 1,000 officers – the most in the series! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- More than 1,000 unique officers, which is the largest in the series, are in the game, and each officer is given a “character” (trait). There are more than 150 characters, with some being useful in battle, some in administration and so on. Some officers possess a powerful and unique character, and arranging the right officer in the right place will help in shortening the path to conquering territories. Release date: Jan 15, 2020 Categories: Grand Strategy, Turn-based Strategy, Real-time Strategy, Territory Management, Historical Strategy, Diplomacy, Chinese Mythology Theme, Officer Management Feature scans: - MTX: score 30; verdict: Buy-to-Play with Aggressive DLC Gating; summary: The dataset for Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV is dominated by DLC monetization concerns. Reviews repeatedly allege that base-game features (Editor, Super, BGM editing, dynamic features) are withheld and sold as separate paid DLC, that the game feels unfinished without an additional $40+ in DLC purchases, and that loyal customers who bought all prior DLC receive no discount. Base-price and nostalgia-pricing complaints also appear. Counterbalancing this, one review explicitly confirms the title is a complete buy-to-play game with no strength-related gacha, and no review describes real-money loot boxes, currency obfuscation, pay-to-win power, or an in-game cash shop. The monetization is therefore best characterized as aggressive DLC gating rather than predatory casino-style monetization. - Steam Deck: score 85; verdict: Broken on Steam Deck - Severe Stability, Performance, and Readability Issues; summary: User reviews reveal severe technical barriers for Steam Deck play. The game suffers from frequent crashes on Windows 11, update-triggered crashes, and widespread instability. Performance is heavily criticized with severe frame drops and stuttering even on high-end hardware, and one review specifically states that background music stutters. On the Steam Deck itself, optimization is described as very poor, and the font is so small that it causes eye strain, making the UI functionally unreadable on the handheld screen. Controller support is also incomplete, with console-style controls not working as expected and certain actions requiring alternate keys. These combined issues place the experience in the Broken category, with unreadable text and frequent crashes confirmed by multiple users. - Hardware Profile: - Summary: Across the provided Windows cohorts, evidence is sparse: the 8-11GB VRAM cohort is positive, the 12-15GB VRAM cohort is mixed, and the <8GB and 16GB+ VRAM cohorts are negative due to crashes and blurry 4K presentation. - Sample size: 51 (5% coverage) - Audience skew: Review sample is heavily weighted toward Windows PCs with 10GB+ VRAM. - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (mixed, 17 reports): One included user recommends the game, while another reports blurry fonts at 4K, giving limited mixed evidence. - Windows <8GB VRAM (negative, 16 reports): The only included report is negative and describes the game crashing. - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (positive, 11 reports): The sole included report recommends the game and does not report hardware performance problems. - Windows 16GB+ VRAM (negative, 7 reports): The only included report is negative, complaining that the 4K image looks blurry or smeared. - Caveats: 51 of 931 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is heavily weighted toward Windows PCs with 10GB+ VRAM. Feature extractions: - Community Price: - Community fair range: $20.00 - $30.00 - Reasoning: Reviewers repeatedly reject the current base-game price as excessive, with one explicitly criticizing a price over 300 RMB (about $42) for a rushed, turn-based strategy title. The positive price comparison points to an older entry with a reasonable price, and the strongest anti-price reviews say the game is not worth its current cost. This suggests the community's fair base-game range is well below the current premium price, clustering around $20-$30. - Playtime Metrics: - Game completion: 50.0h - Story completion: N/A - Session length: N/A - Endgame: 1000.0h - Reasoning: Game completion is supported by a direct report of finishing one playthrough after 50+ hours, and the 156-hour three-playthrough report implies roughly 52 hours per run, so 50 hours is a practical main-completion estimate. Story completion is left null because no review gives a distinct story-only completion time. Session length is left null because the available playtime comments describe total play or long-term play rather than a reliable average session length. Endgame is supported by a player reporting over 1000 hours with 95% of that time spent creating new officers, indicating long post-completion/endgame sandbox play; the 270+ hour comment is additional evidence of extended late-game play. - Time-to-fun: - Summary: Positive reports describe the game as becoming more addictive with play, especially after enduring a steep learning curve and initial frustration, while negative reports emphasize repetitive UI, micromanagement, and boring systems. The strongest supported profile is 'clicks after', with no explicit timing cue for when enjoyment begins. - Stance: Clicks after - Anchor: Enduring the steep learning curve and temporary early frustration - Time to anchor: N/A - Friction: Steep learning curve and unhelpful tutorial; Temporary early frustration; Tedious micromanagement of officer loyalty and repetitive rewards; Repetitive UI and excessive clicks for simple actions; Boring diplomacy and internal systems; Late-game logistics and food management pressure - Unlock drivers: Enduring the temporary frustration from the steep learning curve; Playing more over time, which increases addiction; Growing a small city into a major power for a sense of achievement; Clearing scenarios or difficulties for achievement and immersion; Using AI macromanagement to automate tedious work - Conditions: Prior experience with earlier Romance of the Three Kingdoms titles; Tolerance for a steep learning curve and unhelpful tutorial; Willingness to endure repetitive micromanagement and UI clicks; Interest in strategy, territory management, and logistics; Tolerance for late-game administrative chore or grind feeling; Use of AI macromanagement to automate repetitive tasks; Acceptance of a bit of grind - Player Archetypes: - DLC-Backlash Series Veteran (deep sale) - Motivation: Support and replay a long-running series they already know while getting fair value for prior purchases. - Playstyle: Compares each entry to earlier titles, plays long campaigns, tracks DLC value, and waits for discounts before buying. - Experience: veteran - Purchase stance: deep sale - Labels: old player; loyal old player; RTK old player - Reference games: Romance of the Three Kingdoms IX; Romance of the Three Kingdoms X; Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI; Romance of the Three Kingdoms XII; Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIII - Alt-History Officer Collector (buy) - Motivation: Collect officers and reshape historical scenarios to keep favorite characters alive or create personal what-if stories. - Playstyle: Uses historical event controls, builds officer relationships, pursues unique generals, and role-plays alternate history. - Experience: veteran - Purchase stance: buy - Labels: old fan; RTK11 old fan; old player - Reference games: Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI - Grand Strategy Crossover (sale) - Motivation: Min-max empire building and experience a Three Kingdoms setting through familiar 4X or grand strategy systems. - Playstyle: Optimizes strategic layers, map painting, officer and general skills, and accepts auto-battle or simplified internal management. - Experience: familiar - Purchase stance: sale - Labels: RotTK series fan - Reference games: Civilization V; Hearts of Iron IV; Total War: Three Kingdoms - Cautious Newcomer (sale) - Motivation: Enter the Romance of the Three Kingdoms strategy series through an accessible but deep campaign. - Playstyle: Learns complex systems over long sessions, follows veteran advice, and often tries earlier or discounted titles first. - Experience: newcomer - Purchase stance: sale - Labels: newbie; newcomer; first-time player - Reference games: Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category. Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews. What players like: - Fun and engaging gameplay (weight 0.23): Many reviewers find the game fun, addictive, and deep. The gameplay is entertaining and keeps players engaged, making it a positive experience overall. - Strong Three Kingdoms theme (weight 0.2): The game strongly appeals to fans of the Three Kingdoms setting and Chinese war chronicles. It is considered one of the best Three Kingdoms-themed strategy games. - Superior to previous entries (weight 0.13): Reviewers find it better than Romance of the Three Kingdoms 12, 13, and 8 Remake, and more fun than entry 13. It is also compared favorably to Romance of the Three Kingdoms 11. - High replayability and durability (weight 0.09): The game is highly replayable and durable, offering long-term value. Many scenarios and factions provide different perspectives. - Supply line tactics (weight 0.07): A notable feature is the implementation of supply lines on the battlefield, which allows for strategic tactics. This adds depth to the gameplay. - Deep strategy gameplay (weight 0.07): The game offers strong overall strategy with considerable depth. The strategy aspect is playable and engaging for fans of the genre. - Improved AI (weight 0.05): AI improvements are noticeably good, enhancing the challenge and overall experience. This is a positive change from previous entries. - Reduced micromanagement (weight 0.05): The series has reduced extreme micro-control and heavy time consumption of turn-based gameplay. This streamlining makes the game more accessible. - Satisfying combat (weight 0.05): Combat is highly satisfying and maximizes fun. Players enjoy the combat mechanics. - Novel gameplay experience (weight 0.05): The game feels novel as you keep playing, maintaining a fresh experience. This novelty adds to its appeal. - Alliances with foreign tribes (weight 0.05): Forming alliances with foreign tribes is appealing and recruiting them is interesting. This adds a diplomatic layer to the game. - Simplified internal affairs (weight 0.05): The internal affairs system is simplified and efficient. This reduces complexity and streamlines management. - Fun with minor factions (weight 0.05): Playing minor factions against strong AI is very fun. It is a top choice for players who enjoy challenges with weaker factions. - Appealing character portraits (weight 0.05): Character portraits are strong, mostly beautiful, and have a unified style. They are satisfying to look at. - Return to simplification (weight 0.05): The game returns to a simplified style reflecting the original NES era. This is appreciated by some players. Common complaints: - Old Players Must Repurchase (weight 0.26): Players who already bought previous versions or season passes must repurchase identical content in new editions. This makes old players pay more for the same content. - High Price Concerns (weight 0.2): Many players find the game too expensive, especially at full price, and feel it is not worth the cost. The price is a common complaint across reviews. - Lack Of Content (weight 0.17): The game and its DLC are criticized for having insufficient content relative to the price. Players feel the amount of gameplay does not justify the cost. - DLC Split Editing Functions (weight 0.14): Editing functions are sold individually as DLC, with one function split into four DLCs. Players find this segmentation excessive. - Old Players Treated Unfairly (weight 0.13): Old players feel they are not treated fairly and are mistreated by the company. Koei ignores loyal fans after earning their money. - Confusing Edition Releases (weight 0.13): Multiple season passes and enhanced versions create confusion and make players feel toyed with. The selling mechanism is seen as stupid and stingy. - Power-Up Kit Sold Separately (weight 0.13): A Power-Up Kit is sold separately, containing editing, difficulty, and settings. This makes the base game feel incomplete. - Repetitive Late Game (weight 0.12): The late game feels repetitive and grindy, becoming boring. This reduces long-term enjoyment. - Region Lock Issues (weight 0.1): The full version is region locked and unavailable in English markets. This prevents players in certain regions from accessing the complete game. - Overpriced And Unfinished (weight 0.1): The base game price is steep for how unfinished it feels. Players feel it does not deserve its price, especially for a rehashed game. - Slow Pace And Tedious Management (weight 0.09): Movement speed is very slow and micromanagement can be tedious. This makes the game feel sluggish. - Uninteresting Gameplay (weight 0.09): The game is very uninteresting and actually playing it is boring. This is a common complaint. - Poor AI (weight 0.07): The AI is considered too dumb and severely lacking, almost animal-level. This affects gameplay quality. - No English Support (weight 0.06): The game lacks official English language support, and also no Korean language support. This limits accessibility for non-Japanese players. - Alliance Intelligence Issue (weight 0.05): Players cannot gain military intelligence from allies, and being forced into alliances creates a vicious cycle. This limits strategic options. - Poor Remake Quality (weight 0.05): The Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 Remake is heavily criticized as garbage and poorly made. It fails to meet expectations. - Performance Issues After DLC (weight 0.05): The game becomes very laggy after buying DLC or updates. This affects playability. - Outdated Systems (weight 0.05): Overall systems are outdated and too basic. This makes the game feel old. - Worse Than Previous Games (weight 0.05): The game is considered not as good as Romance of the Three Kingdoms 11, with less gameplay content. It fails to live up to the series' standards. Gameplay feedback: - Internal affairs management (weight 0.24): Internal affairs systems are present but described as simplified in some areas, with options for automation and point allocation, and are closely tied to diplomacy and combat. - Diplomacy and intelligence systems (weight 0.21): Diplomacy features forced alliances, prisoner release, and interaction with military intelligence, while separate intelligence, spy, and reconnaissance systems add depth to strategic planning. - Supply line and encirclement mechanics (weight 0.21): Supply lines can be cut when routes are disconnected from the home base, and encirclement strategies that sever supply are key tactical elements in both battlefield and logistical contexts. - Turn-based gameplay core (weight 0.2): The game is fundamentally turn-based, with multiple sources highlighting the turn-based system layered over real-time strategy elements, ten-day turn intervals, and a semi-real-time style similar to Romance of the Three Kingdoms IX. - Real-time strategic combat (weight 0.17): Combat is a central mechanic featuring real-time engagements with tactical options such as flanking, and it is supported by formations, duels, and AI-driven opponents. - Officer traits and tactics (weight 0.16): Generals possess unique stats, abilities, traits, and tactics that significantly affect battles, including a tactics learning system with nine tactics per general. - Scenarios and tutorial levels (weight 0.14): The game includes multiple scenarios and a Yellow Turban Rebellion scenario, along with in-game tutorial levels to guide new players. - Three Kingdoms historical setting (weight 0.14): The game is set during the Three Kingdoms period on the Chinese continent, and this setting is repeatedly emphasized as the central theme of the strategy experience. - Territorial conquest and city capture (weight 0.13): Territorial expansion and city capturing are core mechanics, requiring players to manage conquest and assign officers to govern captured prefectures. - Formations and soldier models (weight 0.1): Soldier formations and models are used in battles, with formations affecting combat effectiveness in both siege and field engagements. - Minor faction gameplay (weight 0.09): Players can choose to play as weak minor factions, and small factions with unique gameplay options are present in the game. - Scenic spots and poetry system (weight 0.09): The game includes a scenic spots system with leveling and a poetry system, adding cultural and exploration elements. - DLC editor and difficulty settings (weight 0.08): Editor functions and difficulty settings are sold as separate DLC, which may be seen as additional paid content. - Officer personality and recruitment (weight 0.08): An officer personality system, traits, and a recruitment system allow players to manage and acquire officers with distinct characteristics. - Hexagonal grid map (weight 0.05): A hexagonal grid map with varied terrain types, such as mountains, forms the strategic battlefield layout. - Simplified design reminiscent of early series (weight 0.05): The game features a simplified design that reflects the style of early titles in the series, including a streamlined interface and mechanics. - Tile coloring mechanic (weight 0.05): A tile painting or coloring mechanic is present, likely tied to territorial control or map influence. - High difficulty and learning curve (weight 0.05): A top difficulty mode offers a very high learning threshold, appealing to players seeking a challenging experience. - No deputy commander concept (weight 0.05): Units do not have deputy generals or a deputy commander concept, which may affect unit composition and tactics. Performance notes: - Game Crashes and Startup Failures (weight 0.12): The game crashes on startup, after updates, or during play, sometimes returning to the main screen. Many users report being unable to launch the game at all. - Severe Performance and Frame Drops (weight 0.1): Multiple reviews report severe frame drops, stuttering, and choppy performance that render the game unplayable. Issues persist even on high-end PCs and after settings adjustments. - Lag and Stuttering Issues (weight 0.1): Players frequently experience lag, stuttering during turn processing, and extreme lag after DLC installation. These issues significantly impact gameplay. - Optimization and Hardware Demands (weight 0.08): Reviewers criticize poor optimization and high hardware requirements. The game is incompatible with new graphics cards and drivers, preventing launch for some. - 4K Resolution and Display Bugs (weight 0.07): At 4K resolution, fonts appear blurry, and borderless mode has a resolution bug that requires triggering a duel for proper clarity. Some users want high refresh rates but lack hardware support. - Steam Deck Compatibility Issues (weight 0.06): The game is not currently supported on Steam Deck, and optimization for the platform is very poor. Users request better compatibility. - Freezing and Cursor Issues (weight 0.06): The game freezes upon entering, similar to previous entries, and the cursor forcibly moves during gameplay, preventing progress. These issues disrupt the user experience. - BIOS Update Required to Launch (weight 0.05): Some users must update their motherboard BIOS to start the game, which may cause the screen to go black multiple times during the process. This is a significant barrier. - Frequent Bugs Reported (weight 0.03): Users encounter frequent bugs during gameplay. These bugs contribute to an unstable experience. - Audio Stuttering Problems (weight 0.03): Background music stutters and cuts out intermittently. This audio issue detracts from the overall experience. - Troop Movement Stutter Fixed (weight 0.03): Troop movement stutters by default, but setting the game to 60 FPS resolves the issue. This is a workaround for a specific performance problem. - Third-Party Tool Resolves Launcher Issue (weight 0.03): Running a tool to remove security programs (HoaxEliminator) resolved the launcher issue for at least one user. This suggests conflicts with security software. - Frame Rate Improvement Noted (weight 0.03): The frame rate has been upgraded from 30 FPS in the 13th entry to a maximum of 60 FPS. This is a positive change appreciated by some players. - Windows 11 Runs Without Issues (weight 0.02): One user reports that the game runs without issues on Windows 11, indicating that the problems may be system-specific. Recommendations: - Monetization Practices Spark Boycotts (weight 0.7): Many players express strong frustration with Koei Tecmo's pricing and monetization strategies, including season passes, legacy editions, and DLC discounts, vowing to never buy at launch or at full price, and some even recommending pirated versions. This sentiment is widespread across multiple clusters, indicating a significant backlash against the company's approach to selling the game. - Mixed Feelings on Game Quality (weight 0.28): Opinions on the game's quality are divided, with some calling it a must-play and others finding it lacking. Many acknowledge it as a decent strategy game but not without flaws, and some consider it only worth playing for hardcore fans. - Recommended for Three Kingdoms Fans (weight 0.25): The game is highly recommended for fans of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms series and those who enjoy historical strategy games set in that era. Many reviewers highlight its appeal to enthusiasts of Chinese history and turn-based strategy. - Wait for Complete Edition (weight 0.25): A common recommendation is to wait for the complete or legacy edition before purchasing, as it offers the full experience at a better value and avoids the need to buy multiple versions or DLCs. This advice is given by many players who feel the base game alone is incomplete. - Piracy Recommended by Some (weight 0.25): A notable number of reviewers explicitly recommend pirating the game instead of purchasing it, as a protest against the publisher's monetization practices or because they feel the game is not worth the money. This is a strong negative sentiment that appears across multiple clusters. - Buy Only on Discount (weight 0.2): Many reviewers advise purchasing the game only when it is on sale, as they consider the full price too high for the content offered. This is a frequent recommendation across various clusters, reflecting a consensus that the game is overpriced at full retail. - Avoid for Veteran Players (weight 0.2): Veterans of the series are often advised to avoid this game, as it may not meet their expectations or respect their loyalty due to pricing and design choices. Some suggest that older titles like Romance of the Three Kingdoms 9 or 11 offer a better experience. - Good for Beginners in Series (weight 0.16): The game is recommended for newcomers to the series, with some suggesting it as a starting point due to its accessibility and simplified design compared to older entries. However, a few advise playing older classics first. - DLC Enhances Experience (weight 0.07): Some players note that the game becomes significantly better with the addition of DLC, particularly the Power Kit or season pass, which elevates the overall experience. However, others criticize the need to buy extra content to enjoy the full game. - Console Version Preferred (weight 0.02): At least one reviewer recommends the console version over the PC version due to usability issues, suggesting that the PC port may have problems. This is a niche but specific point of feedback. Other player notes: - Multiple editions confuse buyers (weight 0.54): The game is sold in numerous editions including Power-Up Kit, Season Pass 1, Season Pass 2, Legacy Edition, and Digital Deluxe, often requiring separate purchases for each component. This fragmented structure creates confusion and perceived double-dipping. - Frequent comparisons to prior series (weight 0.36): Reviewers constantly compare this game to earlier Romance of the Three Kingdoms titles, especially IX and XI, as well as to Nobunaga's Ambition and other strategy games like Hearts of Iron and Civilization VI. Opinions vary widely on whether it improves upon or falls short of its predecessors. - High pricing and aggressive monetization (weight 0.29): Many reviewers criticize the game's high price point and Koei Tecmo's aggressive DLC model, which sells core content like difficulty settings and editing options as separate paid additions. The total cost of the base game plus all DLC is considered excessive. - DLC and season pass saturation (weight 0.27): The game features a large number of DLCs, including season passes and scenario packs, with some reviewers noting that DLCs are sold separately and often at high prices. The Legacy Edition bundles much of this content. - Legacy Edition bundling criticized (weight 0.18): The Legacy Edition is sold as a bundle that repackages previously released content, requiring players to repurchase components they may already own. Some reviewers find it cheaper, but others see it as a forced upgrade. - Series fans and future hopes (weight 0.11): Reviewers who have played most entries in the series express hope for a next installment, while worrying about Koei's business practices. Some also show interest in Nobunaga's Ambition due to enjoying this game. - Difficulty sold as separate DLC (weight 0.1): Difficulty settings are monetized as a separate purchase, which many reviewers find egregious. This is part of the broader criticism of aggressive monetization. - PK version planned or released (weight 0.09): A Power-Up Kit (PK) version is either planned or already released, and some reviewers have only played that version. It adds editing functions and settings. - Reviewers purchased multiple editions (weight 0.08): Some reviewers report owning the base game, Power-Up Kit, Season Pass 1, and Season Pass 2, indicating a pattern of repeat purchases. Others bought the 8 Remake or Legacy version. - Mixed feelings on series direction (weight 0.08): Some reviewers worry that Koei is money-grubbing but still hope for a next series installment. Others are interested in Nobunaga's Ambition after enjoying this game. - Digital Deluxe missing Season Pass 2 (weight 0.05): The Digital Deluxe edition does not include Season Pass 2 or several other DLCs, which is seen as misleading. Buyers expect a complete package at that price point. - DLC scenarios sold separately (weight 0.05): New scenarios are sold as DLC, expanding the game's content but adding to the overall cost. This is part of the broader DLC strategy. - Remake of earlier numbered entry (weight 0.05): This game is a remake of an earlier title in the series, which affects expectations and comparisons. Reviewers often evaluate it in that context. - Legacy Edition includes new elements (weight 0.05): The Legacy Edition (传承版) is a specific release by Koei Tecmo that includes new content beyond previous bundles. It is part of the game's multiple paid iterations. - Game released in 2020 with updates (weight 0.05): The game was released in 2020 and has since received Power-Up Kits, season passes, and additional content. This ongoing support is noted by some reviewers. Emotions: - Frustration (weight 0.2): Players are frustrated by severe technical issues such as crashes, lag, and frame drops that make the game unplayable. They also cite tedious internal affairs, forced alliance mechanics, and poor AI that break strategic depth. Monetization practices like selling difficulty settings as DLC and forcing repurchases add to the frustration. - Disappointment (weight 0.17): Disappointment stems from the game feeling incomplete, with simplified systems, outdated graphics, and a lack of depth compared to previous entries. Many are unhappy with high prices, region-locking, and DLC that splits content. The game fails to live up to expectations set by earlier titles and Total War: Three Kingdoms. - Anger (weight 0.12): Anger is directed at Koei Tecmo's monetization strategy, including multiple paid versions, forced repurchases, and region-locking that disadvantages loyal players. Poor AI, broken systems, and missing features also provoke anger. Many feel betrayed and disrespected as long-time fans. - Enjoyment (weight 0.09): Players enjoy the strategic real-time combat, territorial conquest, and diplomacy systems. The game satisfies emperor fantasies and offers fun new general creation and challenging gameplay. Many find it deeply engaging, especially after mastering the mechanics. - Satisfaction (weight 0.05): Satisfaction comes from the improved Power-Up Kit Complete Edition, which enhances strategic depth and immersion. Capturing cities and cutting supply lines feel rewarding, and the simplified internal affairs suit modern pacing. The game is seen as a return to form for the series. - Annoyance (weight 0.04): Annoyance arises from repeated expansions, forced camera movements, and notification spam. Slow unit movement and cumbersome supply lines disrupt pacing. The aggressive DLC model and duplicate purchases also irritate players. - Disgust (weight 0.03): Disgust is primarily aimed at monetization practices, such as selling editing functions as DLC and forcing players to rebuy content. The Legacy Edition is seen as a rip-off for existing owners. Poor map and formation design also contribute. - Boredom (weight 0.03): Boredom sets in due to repetitive scenarios, lack of mid-to-late game content, and slow turn pacing. The game becomes uninteresting after initial phases, with repetitive tasks and aimless progression. Conquering every city feels tedious. - Dissatisfaction (weight 0.02): Dissatisfaction is caused by issues like collaboration portraits not matching the art style, scenarios that cannot be completed, and slow supply transport. Duels lack impact, and many generals lack unique models. The high price and split features add to the dissatisfaction. - Appreciation (weight 0.01): Appreciation focuses on the simplified internal affairs, land occupation mechanics, and thoughtful map design. The supply line system and character individuality are praised for delivering a realistic strategic experience. The general portraits are also well-liked. - Excitement (weight 0.01): Excitement comes from the PK version's improved AI and many generals, making the game highly fun and addictive. Achieving national unification and creating custom officers add to the thrill. The grid-painting system and supply line cutting are highlights. - Regret (weight 0.01): Regret is felt by players who cannot refund after hours of play, or who bought multiple editions at high prices that later dropped. Some feel previous purchases were wasted. Initial boring experiences also lead to regret. - Admiration (weight 0.01): Admiration is expressed for the game being a masterpiece comparable to the 11th entry, fusing the essence of previous games with bold innovation. Good illustrations, immersive BGM, and deep internal affairs are praised. Evaluation based on generals' individuality is wonderful. - Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is expressed for future improvements, such as Steam Workshop support, a 15th installment, and continued grid-painting gameplay. Players look forward to the next Romance of the Three Kingdoms game. There is also hope for future Chinese strategy games. - Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise comes from improved graphics compared to previous titles and unexpected gameplay outcomes, like appointed Cao Cao declaring independence. Some initially thought the game was bad but discovered it is a masterpiece after playing longer. The AI taking over the map also surprises players. - Sarcasm (weight 0.01): Sarcasm is directed at Koei's pattern of releasing multiple enhanced versions of the same game. The excessive number of edition names over decades is mocked. Reviewers predict yet another enhanced version. - Indignation (weight 0.01): Indignation arises from old players being forced to rebuy identical content, and the full price including a power-up being unreasonable for the content. The pricing and DLC model feel unfair and exploitative. - Contempt (weight 0.01): Contempt is felt for monetization practices described as unseemly, treating customers like fools. The developer's tradition of overpricing and company behavior are looked down upon. These practices are seen as disgraceful. - Interest (weight 0.01): Interest is sparked by the presence of powerful generals and traits that add depth. The final mode, Hero Assembly, is considered interesting. Some find the game somewhat interesting overall. - Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Nostalgia is evoked by memories of playing Romance of the Three Kingdoms 11 in college dorms and renaming generals after friends. Playing the series since the beginning and familiar gameplay in a classic work bring back fond memories. Some desire to return despite flaws.}