Three Kingdoms X (三國志X) is the latest in the series of strategy games based on the turbulent post-Han dynasty period known as the Three Kingdoms (220 AD to 265 AD) during which time the country was torn apart and warlords and despots reigned supreme.
A mish-mash of historical fact and mythical fiction, Koei's previous Three Kingdoms games have proven hugely popular with both fans of real-time strategy and tactical wargamers alike and the latest version should prove no exception to this rule. Along with a host of new characters, designers have added plenty of fresh and enchanting locales to keep gamers happy and as is the norm with Koei games the graphics are stunning and a joy to look at.
Picking up nicely where the last instalment left off, Three Kingdoms X (
Players have to establish political infrastructures, manage and tend basic resources such as water and crops and, of course, turn the army into the strongest and toughest one in China. The final outcome is decided when only one fiefdom remains and China is once again united.
Unifying China is no easy task and the game's complex and lengthy learning curve will take those unfamiliar with the previous games quite some time to master. It is worth sticking with it, however, as it's incredibly gratifying to conquer China.
Soccer fans may have had to wait a couple of months before catching up with this year's FIFA action, but the timing couldn't have been better for basketball buffs. As with the beginning of the new NBA season two weeks ago comes EA Sports' most recent addition to its long line of basketball franchise games, NBA Live 2005.
The crux of the basic on-court techniques and game interfaces are much the same as last season's edition, but EA Sports has tweaked a number of the game's more popular features and added a few nifty new touch controls that enhance gameplay and allow players to pull-off some dizzying moves.
There's a new All-Star weekend, which gives gamers the opportunity to play four events from the real-life NBA All-Star weekend including the rookies versus sophomores game, a real All-Star game, a three-point shootout and a slam-dunk contest. The popular "Dynasty Mode," which gives basketball fans a chance to manage their own team, has been slightly changed and is now more realistic and user friendly.
The biggest change to the game and one that basketball fans will no doubt be cheering for the loudest is the special invitational championship, which takes place a week before the PC/console NBA gaming draft. Here gamers invite players for a workout with their team, where they can play one-on-one games against any of their own players and see first-hand how well they perform before making contractual agreements.
-- Gavin Phipps
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