It’s all about the

characters

The focus is wholeheartedly on character as

a driving force for the action. The large-

scale, real-time combat and turn-based

tactical strategy that the series is famed

for is still in place, but now all of that is

driven through unique personalities and

the relationships that they force along

the way. It’s been a challenge for Creative

Assembly to find the right balance between

these elements. “In a way, this is the first

Total War title that is focused on very

strong characters. We’ve had previous

titles, like Attila and Napoleon – that have

taken on a character’s defining moment in

history – but Three Kingdoms is trying to

bring multiple characters to life,” Stewart

considers. “This whole period isn’t defined

by one person; they are all competing to

16

Built on the

foundation of

Warhammer

Much like in the fantasy games Creative

Assembly has recently been working on,

you’ll be selecting just one character (and

a handful of retinues) to play across the

campaign rather than an entire faction.

These legendary figures can die if you

aren’t careful too, with the dynasty passed

down to an heir of your choosing. Walter

is also keen to note that any iterations

made to the systems and engine through

Warhammer’s development will also be

utilised here. “The main engine is developed

in a modular way and each project, which

basically takes the torch forward,” he says,

adding, “there’s an exchange of ideas and

expertise [between the teams]. We’re

looking at what Warhammer is doing, and

building on those ideas.”

15

TOTAL WAR