The latest in Creative Assembly's long-running Total War series shifts the focus and setting to second century China, with a romantic depiction of the Three Kingdoms era. Where larger than life leaders by the dozen all play a role in shaping the future of the country.

The end result presents a sizable leap forward for the series when comes to diplomacy, as you manage relationships both near and afar.

There’s a cohesiveness to Total War: Three Kingdoms design and setup where every element feels natural and not simply there to pad out or fit into an existing mould.

Of course, these elements of diplomacy and even managing your faction’s hierarchy have appeared in some form or another in previous Total Wars, but never in ways that truly felt integral to the overall experience. Or, as engaging emotionally. In Three Kingdoms looking after your own council and family tree and managing their relationships with one another or what they think of your own leadership is as important as signing Non-Aggression Pacts with neighbouring factions. Agreeing to a marriage proposal not only has immediate ramifications in terms of solidifying a partnership or coalition but could potentially alter the course of history far into the unforeseeable future.

Click Here to Read Our Full Total War: Three Kingdoms Review