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Friday Fun Thread for August 9, 2024

Be advised: this thread is not for serious in-depth discussion of weighty topics (we have a link for that), this thread is not for anything Culture War related. This thread is for Fun. You got jokes? Share 'em. You got silly questions? Ask 'em.

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I've been really enjoying Total War: Three Kingdoms, and naturally, it got me interested in the historical period. I'm even thinking about trying one of Koei's games. Are they worth playing?

Also, is the actual novel (Romance of the Three Kingdoms) worth reading? I'm a bit concerned it might feel too simplistic or one-sided by today's standards. I'm more interested in the politics, economics, culture, and social context than the actual events themselves.

The Dynasty Warriors games are a perfectly fine entry point, easy to play and typically with big encyclopedias available so you can always dive into write-ups instead of following along the campaign modes. Don't get 9, just go straight for 8.

The actual RoTK games aren't actually ideal for getting to grips with the story, though the strategic aspects would naturally appeal if you're interested in politics, economics, culture, etc.

But in both cases, you are playing an adaptation of a fictional novel. While RoTK doesn't invent wholesale, it is very much a novel and not something good for those parts you are interested in. I can recommend it as a novel (I read the less accessible Brewitt Taylor translation) but it should be approached as fiction