Koei, the undisputed masters of releasing the same game ten times over (with incremental updates), has gone ahead and released the same game for the eleventh time (also with incremental updates). The ancient civilization sim Romance of the Three Kingdoms series hits the big "one one" on the PlayStation 2. If you're into deep, strategic and cerebral gameplay then you'll have a ball with this game. If you require eye candy and need high-impact stimulus every three seconds, then don't even think about buying this one... and maybe think about some Ritalin.

Playing as a feudal leader during the Han Dynasty, you control all aspects of your fiefdom. There are dozens upon dozens of commands to select in this turn-based game. Maintaining order, maximizing trade, making strategic allies, vanquishing enemies, building new structures and training your army are just some of the things you'll have to do. Militant masterminds who enjoy deliberate and thoughtful gameplay will feel right at home.

Modern gamers, on the other hand, aren't likely to be impressed. The graphics are the best the series ever had, which is to say they look two generations behind most other games being released today. While the visuals might win some points for style, the technical deficiencies will turn off pretty much anyone that's not into the genre. The 3D, real-time graphics featured in the debates and duels won't exactly wow anyone either. Combine this with the fact that the game still has a pretty high entry barrier (you'd think Koei would have found a way to appeal to newbies after the eleventh installment) and you have a game that's only fun to a very small audience.