And for the first time in a historical Total War release, the main inspiration is a work of fiction. Where here it's Luo Guanzhong's 14th century historical epic 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms', which has been used in mainland China epics and cinema for quite sometime. Total War: Three Kingdoms takes this romanticised version of 2nd and 3rd century China to deliver a breathtaking new entry in the series.

Which thanks to the following in-engine cinematic gives us a good look at the actual game - sans campaign interface.



Janos Gaspar, game director for Total War: Three Kingdoms said, "The popular modern view of these events is formed around Asian media, which largely draws on Luo Guanzhong’s 14th century epic. Although based on history, the events of the period in the Romance are pitched in vivid narrative detail and packed with drama, flavour, and explosive deeds of an almost superhuman nature. For a more realistic view of the period, we look to Chen Shou’s 3rd century text, Records of the Three Kingdoms, which offers a much more down-to-earth account of the period with lists of army compositions, tax levies and such."

Adding, "As a western studio retelling stories of such cultural importance in much of Asia, we have to be sensitive when handling the source material in Total War: THREE KINGDOMS. In many respects, we have to hold ourselves to as high a standard for cultural authenticity as we do for historical accuracy."

In addition to the new approach, in-game generals in Total War: Three Kingdoms will come equipped with powerful abilities that in some cases will allow them to take on scores of enemies on their own and shift the tide of battle. Which will also play into the campaign. Very Total War: Warhammer. But, the good news is that there will be a Classic Mode that offers a more grounded, historically authentic Total War experience.

Unfortunately today's reveal also shifts the planned release date to Autumn 2019.