Play Sankokushi Online

Capcom released Sankokushi in arcades in 1987, a time when strategy games were still finding their footing outside of home computers. It's a historical simulation set in the Three Kingdoms period of China, placing you in the role of a warlord vying for control. The game stands out for blending action with tactical decision making, offering a different kind of challenge compared to the pure beat 'em ups and shooters common in arcades then.

You control a single warlord on a strategic map, moving your character screen by screen to conquer territories and engage enemy forces. The main objective is to unify China by defeating rival lords, which involves both real-time combat and strategic planning. Signature mechanics include leading small groups of soldiers into battle, where you must actively dodge projectiles and attack enemy troops, and managing alliances and betrayals through a menu based diplomacy system between fights. The pacing is deliberate, with bursts of action followed by careful planning, and the difficulty is steep, punishing rash decisions. It feels like a constant, tense juggling act between the immediate chaos of battle and the long game of conquest.