Bandit Kings of Ancient China

Koei

Industry	Video game development and publishing
Founded	1978
Headquarters	Japan
Products	Bandit Kings of Ancient China

Bandit Kings of Ancient China, released in Japan under the title , is a turn-based strategy title developed and published by Koei. Initially launched in 1989 for platforms such as MSX, MS-DOS, Amiga, and Macintosh, it later appeared on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990. A remake with upgraded visuals and rearranged music was issued by Koei in 1996 for the Japanese markets on the Sega Saturn and PlayStation.

Gameplay

Set against the backdrop of Emperor Huizong’s rule during the Song Dynasty in ancient China, this game draws inspiration from the 14th-century literary work Water Margin. Players command the Bandit Kings, a group of ten outlaws, opposing Gao Qiu, the corrupt Minister of War. The core strategic challenge involves assembling and managing forces to defeat Gao Qiu before the Jurchen invasion scheduled for January 1127.

Players are responsible for developing character traits such as strength, dexterity, and wisdom, while also handling taxation, troop conditions, equipment upkeep, environmental factors, and morale to avoid desertions. Combat unfolds on hexagonal battlefields where units navigate diverse terrain types. Players can engage using melee weapons, bows, magic spells, dueling swords, or even ignite tiles to gain an advantage. Successful encounters allow players to recruit captured foes, imprison them, exile, or execute as deemed necessary. Each campaign imposes a 30-day limit to subdue enemy forces or capture key commanders; failure to do so by January 1127 results in game over.

The empire is depicted through a map consisting of 49 prefectures; invasions can be launched only into neighboring regions with the exception of Gao Qiu’s stronghold (commonly Kai Feng). To assault the capital city itself, players must achieve enough popularity to secure an Imperial Edict from the emperor that grants permission for such an attack.

Reception

Paul Mason reviewed the game in Games International (February-March 1990), commending the manual for its thoroughness and clarity and labeling the graphics as effective. However, after extensive playtime, he found obtaining the Royal Edict to confront Gao Qiu challenging. He also pointed out that in multiplayer sessions only one player can acquire this Edict, making it apparent early who stands a chance to win and diminishing enjoyment for others. Mason awarded gameplay a score of 7/10 and graphics an 8/10, concluding that despite its difficulty level, it performs better as a single-player experience.

A critic writing for the Austin American-Statesman described it as "the richest, most complex role-playing game ever published," though noted that its depth could be overwhelming and confusing regarding objectives.

Johnny L. Wilson from Computer Gaming World observed that Bandit Kings of Ancient China appeals widely except to those favoring arcade-style games, praising its addictive nature that kept him engaged late into the night.

PC Magazine offered a favorable review, calling the title "addictive" due to its computer-controlled characters, cultural authenticity, vast strategic options, and unpredictable gameplay elements.

In ratings by Computer Gaming World, the game received three stars out of five in 1990 and two stars in a 1993 reassessment.

The NES adaptation garnered mixed reactions from Nintendo Power, which acknowledged that while some players might find its pace slow compared to action-oriented titles, others would value its complexity and detailed design.

Compute! magazine acclaimed it as "one of the most complete and entertaining role-playing simulations available," granting it an honorable mention within their 1991 War/Strategy category.

Several Amiga-focused publications also provided positive evaluations of the Amiga release.

In 1994, reviewers Jay & Dee from Dragon (#211) awarded it 3½ out of 5 stars.

By 1996, Computer Gaming World ranked antagonist Gao Qiu as the twelfth most memorable villain in video game history.

External links

• Official site