Introduction
The Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD) is one of the most romanticized and celebrated eras in Chinese history. It was a time of chaos, warfare, and political upheaval, but also of legendary heroes, brilliant minds, and enduring cultural icons. This tumultuous chapter in China‘s past has captured imaginations for centuries, spawning countless works of literature, art, theater, and more recently, films, television series, and video games.
One of the most ambitious and successful adaptations of this history into interactive entertainment is Creative Assembly‘s Total War: Three Kingdoms. Released in 2019, this award-winning strategy game combines turn-based empire management with real-time battles to immerse players in the military, political, and social world of 3rd century China. But how accurately does the game represent the actual history of the Three Kingdoms period? Let‘s take an in-depth look from a historian‘s perspective.
Historical Background
The Three Kingdoms period began in 220 AD after the long-reigning Han dynasty collapsed due to a combination of internal strife, natural disasters, and external threats. The last Han emperor, Xian, was forced to abdicate by the warlord Cao Cao, who had risen to power amid the turmoil. However, Cao Cao‘s ambitions were challenged by two other powerful figures, Liu Bei and Sun Quan.
These three men and their successors divided China into three competing states: Wei (led by Cao Cao‘s son Cao Pi), Shu (founded by Liu Bei), and Wu (ruled by Sun Quan). For the next 60 years, they and their subordinates engaged in constantly shifting alliances, rivalries, and battles for control of territory and resources. The period ended in 280 AD when the Jin dynasty established by the Sima clan conquered Wu and reunified China.
Total War: Three Kingdoms allows players to take control of any of the major factions during this time, from the height of Cao Cao‘s power in 190 AD to the final years leading up to Jin‘s unification in 280 AD. The game‘s main campaign map covers a vast swath of China, from the Yellow River Valley in the north to the Yangtze River Delta in the south. Players can choose to start at different key moments with various warlords in power and territories already claimed.
Recreating the Armies and Battles
One of the key aspects of any Total War game is the depiction of military units and combat. In Three Kingdoms, the designers went to great lengths to research the weapons, armor, tactics, and army compositions of the period. The game features over 80 different unit types, from lowly peasant conscripts to heavily armored elite cavalry, each with historically accurate equipment and abilities.
According to an interview with the game‘s art director Kevin McDowell, "We actually tried to find references for every single item of clothing and all the weapons and make sure everything was as authentic as possible" (Gamecrate, 2019). The team consulted with historical experts, studied archaeological finds and ancient artwork, and even visited museums to examine real artifacts up close.
The result is a visually stunning and historically grounded portrayal of warfare in ancient China. However, the game does take some liberties for the sake of gameplay balance and variety. For example, while the crossbow was a key weapon of the period, it is not as dominant in the game as records suggest, with archers and trebuchets playing a larger role (Leif, 2020).
In terms of army sizes and compositions, the game also makes some concessions. Historical sources indicate that armies of the Three Kingdoms period could number in the hundreds of thousands, with the famous Battle of Red Cliffs involving as many as 800,000 soldiers according to the Records of the Three Kingdoms (de Crespigny, 2007). However, the game limits army sizes to around 6,000 men for performance reasons.
The composition of armies is also streamlined, with most factions having access to similar unit types rather than the more specialized regional troops that existed historically. For instance, the soldiers of Shu were known for their skills with the crossbow, while the warriors of Wu were famed for their naval prowess (Graff & Higham, 2012). These nuances are largely absent in the game.
Depicting the Characters and Politics
Beyond the battlefield, Total War: Three Kingdoms also attempts to capture the complex web of personalities and political machinations that defined the era. The game features over 100 unique characters, from the major warlords like Cao Cao and Liu Bei to lesser-known but still significant figures like Diaochan and Zhuge Jin.
Each character is brought to life with distinct traits, abilities, and interpersonal relationships based on their depictions in historical records and folklore. For example, Cao Cao is portrayed as a cunning strategist and ruthless tyrant, reflecting his mixed reputation in sources like the Records of the Three Kingdoms and the Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel.
The game also simulates the complex political landscape of the time through a system of diplomacy, espionage, and court intrigue. Players can forge alliances, arrange marriages, hire advisors, bribe enemy officers, and engage in various behind-the-scenes schemes to gain an advantage. While not always entirely historically accurate, these mechanics do capture the fluid and treacherous nature of statecraft during the Three Kingdoms period.
However, some experts have criticized the game for oversimplifying certain political realities. For instance, the game tends to present the conflict as a straightforward three-way struggle between Wei, Shu, and Wu, when in fact there were many other factions and power blocs involved. The game also downplays the role of the imperial court and bureaucracy, which still held significant influence even as warlords seized control (Lewis, 2009).
Social and Cultural Dimensions
Total War: Three Kingdoms also makes an effort to represent the social and cultural landscape of 3rd century China. The game‘s campaign map is dotted with famous landmarks, cities, and regions that reflect the geography and architecture of the time. Players can construct various buildings that provide economic, military, and cultural bonuses, from simple farms and markets to grand palaces and temples.
The game also includes events and decisions that touch on aspects of daily life, such as managing the population‘s happiness, dealing with natural disasters, and promoting education and the arts. While these elements are somewhat abstracted and simplified compared to the historical realities, they do help to create a sense of the broader social and cultural context.
However, some scholars have pointed out that the game could do more to explore the complex class and gender dynamics of the period. For example, the game largely ignores the role of merchants and artisans in the economy, focusing instead on the landed gentry and military elite (Yao, 2019). Similarly, while the game does feature several prominent female characters like Zhurong and Sun Ren, it tends to present them as exceptional figures rather than reflecting the broader experiences of women in society (Ng, 2020).
Legacy and Significance
Despite some historical inaccuracies and simplifications, Total War: Three Kingdoms remains one of the most comprehensive and engaging depictions of the Three Kingdoms period in popular media. The game has been praised by scholars and history enthusiasts alike for its attention to detail, immersive atmosphere, and nuanced portrayal of the era‘s key figures and events.
More importantly, the game has helped to introduce this fascinating chapter of Chinese history to a wider global audience. The Three Kingdoms period is not only significant for its military and political developments, but also for its lasting impact on Chinese culture and identity. The stories and characters of this era have been celebrated and reimagined for centuries in literature, opera, film, and other media, shaping the way Chinese people understand their past and present.
As historian Rafe de Crespigny (2017) notes, "The Three Kingdoms is a major cultural icon in East Asia, and especially in China. It forms part of the education and general knowledge of every Chinese, and is an important element in their self-image and view of history" (p. 1). By bringing this iconic period to life in an interactive and engaging way, Total War: Three Kingdoms has the potential to spark new interest and appreciation for this vital part of China‘s heritage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Total War: Three Kingdoms is a remarkable achievement in historical gaming that offers a richly detailed and immersive simulation of one of the most important eras in Chinese history. While not without its flaws and limitations, the game succeeds in capturing the complex military, political, and cultural dynamics of the time, drawing on a wealth of historical sources and expert research.
For anyone interested in experiencing the drama, intrigue, and grandeur of the Three Kingdoms period firsthand, Total War: Three Kingdoms is an excellent starting point. But it is also an invitation to delve deeper into the actual history behind the game, to separate fact from fiction, and to appreciate the enduring significance of this tumultuous but captivating chapter in China‘s past.
References
- de Crespigny, R. (2007). A biographical dictionary of Later Han to the Three Kingdoms (23-220 AD). Brill.
- de Crespigny, R. (2017). Fire over Luoyang: A history of the Later Han dynasty 23-220 AD. Brill.
- Gamecrate. (2019). Total War: Three Kingdoms interview – Art director Kevin McDowell. Retrieved from https://www.gamecrate.com/total-war-three-kingdoms-interview-art-director-kevin-mcdowell/22727
- Graff, D. A., & Higham, R. (Eds.). (2012). A military history of China. University Press of Kentucky.
- Leif, J. (2020). Total War: Three Kingdoms – How historically accurate is it? Retrieved from https://www.historytools.org/total-war-three-kingdoms-how-historically-accurate-is-it/
- Lewis, M. E. (2009). China between empires: The northern and southern dynasties. Harvard University Press.
- Ng, E. (2020). Women of the Three Kingdoms: Rewriting history in Total War. Retrieved from https://unwinnable.com/2020/05/11/women-of-the-three-kingdoms-rewriting-history-in-total-war/
- Yao, X. (2019). Commerce and managerial innovations during the Three Kingdoms period. Chinese Business Review, 18(3), 137-142.
