Kingdom Heroes 8

58%
Game Brain Score Based on 322 reviews
  • graphics
  • gameplay
  • optimization
Kingdom Heroes 8 Game Cover
Starting at $20.99Buy now
Get on Steam

Heroes of the Three Kingdoms 8 is the eighth installment in the Heroes of the Three Kingdoms series of strategic war games based on the classic Chinese novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The first main-line sequel in over 13 years, the game gives the series a new look while staying true to its core formula.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

58%
Audience ScoreBased on 322 reviews
replayability2 positive mentions
graphics4 negative mentions
  • The graphics have significantly improved, with well-designed character models and beautiful skill animations.
  • The addition of English support is a major plus, making the game more accessible to non-Chinese speakers.
  • The game brings back nostalgic elements for long-time fans of the series, providing a familiar yet updated experience.
  • Gameplay and skill systems have been downgraded, with fewer skills available for generals and the removal of special paired skills.
  • The game heavily relies on waiting mechanics, with much of the gameplay focused on managing resources rather than engaging in battles.
  • There are numerous bugs and optimization issues, leading to a frustrating experience for players.
  • graphics20 mentions

    The graphics in this latest release have seen notable improvements, with many users acknowledging a modernized look and better NPC models. However, opinions are mixed, as some feel that while the graphics are enhanced, the overall game experience suffers from a poor interface and outdated level design. Overall, the graphics are considered decent, but they do not fully compensate for other shortcomings in gameplay and user experience.

    • “Impression: a decent game that improved the graphics and management systems for champions and cities.”
    • “Decent graphics that seem modern enough.”
    • “Despite massive amounts of hate from people who played the previous generation, the game is at least playable: the graphics are okay, and the NPC models are well-made, with unique animations when a legendary officer casts their ultimate.”
    • “Terrible game, nothing comparable to the classic. The interface is really bad; better graphics, but the interface has become so not user-friendly. Do not buy!”
    • “I have been playing this game franchise since I was young. This latest release is just bad; the level design doesn't have much improvement. It is just a very old boring game system with better graphics (and the graphics are not really that good). The level design from decades ago just doesn't work in the era we are in now.”
    • “Not much improvement other than the graphics.”
  • gameplay10 mentions

    Gameplay reviews are mixed, with some players appreciating the mechanics while others criticize the game's flow and execution, describing it as barely finished and not enjoyable. Despite post-launch patches aimed at improving the experience, opinions remain divided, particularly regarding changes made since the previous installment. Overall, there is a notable learning curve associated with the new systems introduced.

    • “Barely finished game with strange gameplay flow, not fun.”
    • “Userjoy spent two days working on post-launch patches, but people are mixed over the changes made since the fourth game (the fourth game suffers poor execution in changing the gameplay).”
    • “There is always some sort of learning curve to a new system and game mechanics.”
  • optimization4 mentions

    The reviews present a stark contrast in opinions on optimization, with some users praising it as "unbelievable," while others criticize the game for being "very poorly optimized." This suggests a divided experience among players regarding the game's performance.

    • “Unbelievable optimization.”
    • “The game is also very poorly optimized.”
  • replayability4 mentions

    Players appreciate the game's replayability, particularly fans of the Three Kingdoms series, who are encouraged by ongoing updates that enhance gameplay. This commitment to improving playability contributes to a strong incentive for repeated playthroughs.

    • “As a Three Kingdoms fan, I purchase all 3K games as long as they are playable.”
    • “The team has been actively pushing updates to make the game more replayable.”
  • grinding4 mentions

    Players express frustration with the grinding mechanics, citing repetitive farming for items as a major detractor from enjoyment. The merchant system is criticized for offering mostly useless items, with a low drop rate for valuable resources exacerbating the grind. Many feel that improvements are necessary to enhance the overall gaming experience.

    • “More needs to be done to make the game enjoyable, not a torment of repeating grinding and farming for items, especially when they should be made available from merchants, like the horse items.”
    • “The merchant system itself is a failure; the rarity of the items is generally useless except for skill upgrades. It should also sell scrolls and at least purple equipment (not weapons or horses). The grinding on the map, where the drop rate is so low, only makes the whole experience worse.”
    • “The grinding on the map, where the drop rate is so low, only makes the whole experience worse.”
  • monetization4 mentions

    The monetization strategy is widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, typical of many mobile games, particularly those based on classic Chinese properties. Players feel that the system prioritizes profit over player experience, leading to a negative perception of the game's financial practices.

    • “It's almost a mobile cash grab system.”
    • “No classic Chinese property can escape becoming a shameless cash grab.”
  • character development2 mentions

    Reviewers highlight that character development has significantly improved compared to previous versions, with enhanced character design being a notable aspect. This suggests a more thoughtful and engaging approach to character creation, contributing positively to the overall gaming experience.

  • story2 mentions

    Users express frustration with the story's pacing, highlighting excessive waiting times for generals and missions that detract from engaging gameplay. This leads to a sense of wasted time before any actual battles can occur, impacting overall enjoyment of the narrative experience.

    • “I can't believe I have to wait for 20-30 generals so far. 30 times 5 is just ridiculous! My time is being wasted, and I still haven't even engaged in battle yet.”
    • “The story is just a series of tedious waiting periods. I feel like I'm stuck in a loop, waiting for missions to complete without any real engagement.”
    • “The narrative is frustratingly slow, with constant delays that make it hard to stay invested in the story.”
  • stability2 mentions

    The game has been reported to have significant stability issues, with multiple users noting that it is buggy.

    • “The game is buggy.”
    • “The game is buggy.”
    • “The game is buggy.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Kingdom Heroes 8

Videos

Similar Games

Game News