The next Total War game’s campaign map has been introduced with the latest trailer from its publisher, Sega. Total War: Three Kingdoms, which comes out next year, is set during a highly contentious and bloody period in the history of China.
During this time (2nd to 3rd century China), Emperor Xian is a figurehead being controlled by warlord Dong Zhuo—and thus other warlords rise up to campaign against him. The new trailer particularly highlights one such warlord: Sun Jian, the head of the Sun family. Sun Jian is said to be descended from legendary strategist Sun Tzu. “Known for his courageousness, resourcefulness, and thrill seeking nature, he cuts a powerful figure as the head of the Sun family,” wrote Creative Assembly. “The Sun family played a vital role in the Three Kingdoms period by establishing the kingdom of Sun Wu, and this is where their dynastic journey began.”
Check out the full trailer below:
Total War: Three Kingdoms is coming in Spring 2019, and according to its developer, the game will offer a couple of different experiences for players. Two different game modes will be implement for players to explore. “We want to launch a game that’s both historically accurate and culturally authentic,” wrote game director Janos Gaspar. “Total War: Three Kingdoms will be based on the romanticised history by default, but there’ll also be a Classic Mode option before you start a campaign that makes the experience closer in execution to past Total War historical titles.”
The game’s default mode, by embracing the more dramatized version of events, will be more character-driven and fantastical, while Classic Mode handles things a bit more strategically. “In short: by default, characters in Total War: Three Kingdoms take centre stage in battle, helping to turn the tide with their flamboyant Wushu martial arts or strategic prowess,” Gaspar added. “But Classic Mode focuses more on historical troop manoeuvres, where victory is defined by superior army composition and battle tactics.”
Total War: Three Kingdoms will release in 2019 for the PC.