Dynasty Warriors 8: Shu route review
Regarding the game, I have never liked the Shu fraction. My preference has always been with Wei, then to Jin. Of course, a part of it is because I am most likely biased due to really like Cao Pi and Sima Shi, but even when I judge the story overall, I still feel that the overall route for Wei and Jin are more sympathetic. It is the case of the country is in a pretty bad state, and Wei and Jin are the two that tries to solve the problem in the best way that they can think of, and even though Shu is trying to do the same, they don’t admit this. Instead, they just the whole issue of how it is for the better of everyone, that they are the one that is right. As mentioned before, I feel that this kind of thinking is a bit holier-then-thou, and it just really irritate me. I think they are hypocritical.
I actually started by the Shu fraction and part of it is because I want to do it and get it out of the way, but a second part of the reason is because I am curious about Fa Zheng. Ironically, because Fa Zheng is a new character in Xtreme Legends, so this means that he does not really come out in the story mod, saved for the additional stages. I think in one of the story mods the character will be there as a NPC that fights, but you cannot play him in the actual story mod. Likewise, there are one or two camp conversations with him, but overall, he does not really come out in the actual story mod.
Overall, I personally don’t have much thought regarding the Shu story routes, it really is just the case of Liu Bei and the other going forward and keep on talking about how they are being benevolent and righteous, etc etc.
Chapter 1: Yellow Turban Rebellion
This first battle is probably a foreshadowing of what would happen pretty much in the game, because upon being defeated Zhang Jiao would suddenly decide that he sees the light and would follow Liu Bei. I am not saying that this is impossible, because Zhang Jiao is someone who actually has a similar desire as them, although it is probably mingled quite a bit with his own ambition, but it seems very random that he would suddenly be converted by Liu Bei just due to a few battles.
Chapter 2: Battle of Hulao Gate
Chapter 3: Defense of Xu Province
Chapter 3-X: Disturbance at guandu
Chapter 4: Battle of Xinye
Chapter 5: Battle of Changban
I cannot remember which battle it is, but one of the battles above would involve Liu Bei meeting Zhuge Liang (I think it is battle of Xinye), because Xu Shu is one of the playable characters. It will actually start with Liu Bei meeting Xu Shu and he will ask if Xu Shu is the famous ‘sleeping dragon’ (that is a moment of great awkwardness, you can feel the pin drop). Which then lead to Xu Shu agreeing to take them to the other. Afterwards, Xu Shu will actually decide to leave, by saying that Zhuge Liang can serve Liu Bei much better. Next time, you will see him in battle of Chibi.
Xu Shu is an interesting case (this is random, but he is the one guy that I always feel really bad bashing up.) Initially, I only know him from the cross over game (he has one of the best weapons). Then, I searched online and discovered a little bit about him. In the book/legend, Xu Shu is said to have been forced to work for Cao Cao due to his mother being held hostage, but because of his reluctance, he is said to have never came out with a strategy for Cao Cao. However, in history, it is said that the whole idea of how he never once came up with a strategy is just for the reason that he never did, not because it was a form of rebellion. However, popular culture has been influence more by the story, in that he becomes an example of how you might be physically in one place, but with your heart in another place. I think in the story, what happened is that Pang Tong will be the one to suggest the idea of linking the ships to Cao Cao. Afterwards, Xu Shu would come out and says that he knows what Pang Tong is doing, but because he actually is not loyal to Cao Cao, he will not reveal this. I think Pang Tong is said to have warned Xu Shu to quickly get out of here, because things would get dangerous soon, and Xu Shu probably did, because the book did not mention what happened to him afterwards.
Regarding how he was recruited to Cao Wei, I agree that Cao Cao’s strategy was not exactly something to be proud of, but I think it truly was the case that he had no idea how extreme it would be. I think it did get out of hand (because Xu Shu’s mother was clearly too extreme.) but Cao Cao actually was truly sorry and he expressed remorse. He seemed to have personally apologised and send the other gifts as an apology. Xu Shu did not accept them and I think the fact that this did not have any consequences is an indication that Cao Cao know he is in the wrong. I actually find that whole paragraph that talks about Xu Shu’s final moments with his mother really emotional, due to the fact that his reaction is describe pretty well. But at the least, Cao Cao seem to realise he was wrong, and tried to apologise, which is contrasting how Jiang Wei was recruited.
I actually have already seen Xu Shu’s scene when he was captured by Cao Cao in the Wei route and back then I had no idea that this was who he was. Because in Orochi, Xu Shu is actually not so ‘Kurai’. At one stage, I forgot to who, Xu Shu would comment that he is actually pretty happy in this world, as he gets to continue serving Liu Bei. Upon seeing him in his own game, I have to say- he was not exaggerating. This guy has great self esteem problem. In the cut scene, when Cao Cao first meets him, Cao Cao would comment on his strategy being quite good, but Xu Shu will actually say: “So what of it?” And the tone that he uses gave me such a shock, because he sounded so depressed. This guy is basically drawing circles in the corner, and planting mushrooms.
Yet at the same time, I feel that I can sort of understand why he is like this. After all, he is not in the best of environment for someone with a self esteem problem. First, he has to work with the great Zhuge Liang (the guy who is said to be able to control the direction of the wind), then there is Pang Dong, who is said to be the phoenix version of the dragon. The, we can add Fa Zheng to it. Fa Zheng is clearly another very capable tactician (given that Zhuge Liang will actually comment that had Fa Zheng be there, then things might be different), and Fa Zheng is the case of not caring what other people think. As he himself points out, he does what he want, when he want. In ambition, the two of them actually get a rather interesting conversation. It is actually quite surprising because Fa Zheng is actually pretty nice to him, and this is a guy who is pretty much quite critical of everyone.
Chapter 6: the battle of Chibi
The famous battle of Chibi. In the book, it is said that Zhuge Liang actually prayed and changed the direction of the wind, but history and other version would actually say that it is the case of the wind happening to be blowing in a different direction. I think it is mentioned that this is a strange wind and even though it would blow in different direction at times, this is only something that the local would know. It is a sign of natural phenomenon. KOEI’s interpretation is quite interesting because even though it is hinted that Zhuge Liang played part with the prayer, the other routes suggested that it is not so much this, but an unusual natural phenomenon. Anyway, the battle is very interesting, especially given that you jump on a ship, and the ship will actually move as you fight the people on it. Sima Yi will actually come out in this battle, commenting that Xu Shu told him about Zhuge Liang (this is so what if material, but I suddenly wonder: did the tacticians of Wei go out drinking together due to Guo Jia?)
Chapter 7: Battle of Chengdu
Fa Zheng will come out in the camp and just make a few general comments, and he will be in the battle as well. In the middle of the battle, Ma Chao and Ma Dai will appear and as they watch the battle, Ma Dai will actually have a good point by commenting that even though Liu Bei talks about benevolence and justice, he is also causing a war at the same time. This would cause Ma Chao to be really angry and ride into battle. However, it is really ironic because after Ma Chao fights Liu Bei, he will suddenly realise that following Liu Bei will allow him to carry out his justice, and Liu Bei will be a really good ruler. The very valid point that Ma Dai raised was never mentioned.
Chapter 8: Battle of Mt Dingjun
Chapter 9: Battle of Fan castle
The battle that eventually resulted in Guan Yu being killed. As mentioned before, I really think Guan Yu brought his fate on himself. The province is actually Sun Wu’s property in the first place, and it was lend to them in good will. However, not only was this not returned, Guan Yu also rejected Wu’s offer of diplomacy by having Sun Quan’s son marry his daughter. As mentioned before, His position is not so high and extreme that Sun Quan needed to offer his own son (and certainly not the heir). It would have been generous to offer a daughter of even a relative. Instead, he insults Sun Quan by saying his son is not good enough for his daughter.
Is it any wonder that the other side would be mad?
One thing that stood out in the battle for me is at the end, when Guan Yu would tell Guan Xing to pass onto his message and I do feel a sense of admiration for Guan Xing in that scene. Guan Xing is aware of what is happening and he know that they are not all able to get out of here alive, so he decides to honour his father by taking the message. To see how he forces himself to be steady and accepts the news calmly is just really sad. The cutscene will deliberately show his back and even though he seemed calm, you can actually tell that he is struggling to hold himself together. Likewise, this is shown again when he tells Liu Bei what happened. Even though he appears stoic, his voice will actually shake slightly.
From here, the game can branch into historical routes or hypothetical routes. I am only going to do a review for the historical route.
Historical routes
Chapter 10: Battle of Yiling
This is the battle where Liu Bei tries to attack Sun-Wu and ended in a disaster from him. This is also the battle where Zhuge Liang commented that if Fa Zheng was still alive, then he could have prevented Liu Bei from going, or at the very least, prevents them from losing so badly.
I think shortly after this battle, Liu Bei dies, and it is a bit touching to see him seeing his two brothers upon his death.
Chapter 11: Battle of Tianshui
This is the battle where Shu managed to meet Jiang Wei and upon playing this battle, my reaction is this: “Oh my gosh, Zhuge Liang is an absolutely jerk.” And what annoyed me is the fact that he is never called out on this, it is almost as if Jiang Wei should be honoured that Zhuge Liang is giving so much attention to him.
In this battle, Jiang Wei would be at the other side (for Wei). I actually don’t like Jiang Wei, but in this battle, I actually ended up feeling really sorry for him. Zhuge Liang will decide that Jiang Wei is someone very talented, is worth talking to. This is perfectly okay, but let us compare to what Zhuge Liang does as opposed to Cao Cao, who often does the same thing. With Cao Cao, he will give a decent fight and tries to capture you. Once that is done, he will offer you a business card and if you don’t want to work for him, then he might kill you since you a prisoner, which is what would probably have happened if you were not so talented. However, if you agree to work for him, he would actually give you a very fair treatment. Zhuge Liang, however, will actually alienate and spread rumours about Jiang Wei so that his own masters basically kicked Jiang Wei out of the group. At one stage, when Jiang Wei’s master starts to yell at him, Jiang Wei will say: “What more can I do?” and I felt so sorry for him (and I am someone that does not even like him). Really, this is just such a nasty strategy. It is not that I am saying doing all that you can to get an advantage is wrong, but what irritates me is Zhuge Liang’s attitude about it. He basically gives a lame: “I’m sorry for using it, but this is the only way I can talk to you”. There isn’t even a proper apology. It is actually Liu Shan who gives a proper apology of how sorry they are to do this. But what annoy me is that Jiang Wei will suddenly decide that he will work for Zhuge Liang and sees Zhuge Liang as this absolutely amazing persona.
I feel that this is a really cruel strategy, in that they basically pretty much force Jiang Wei to lose his place by ruining his reputation and then having to go with Shu because he does not have a place to go. This is almost an example of how abuser gets their partner to stay with them. To make it worse, this is portrayed as not being something that is extremely wrong. If it is someone like Fa Zheng doing it, then I can understand, because he would have done it and argued that it is necessary, and that he knows he is being a jerk in doing it. But for Zhuge Liang to do it and still have a halo around him is just really wrong.
Also, I really don’t get why Jiang Wei then become so devoted to Zhuge Liang. I am not saying that he need to cling onto his past and keep on complaining of how tragic his life is (because that is a mistake many of his fraction has already made), but I do feel that he should probably show some more regret, because he clearly did have a certain loyalty to his old master. However, come the next battle and he is completely devoted to Zhuge Liang, and his every line is basically saying what he need to do for the other, and doing whatever the other want. The thing is, it is not so much because Zhuge Liang is a great tactician, but because somehow Jiang Wei just end up thinking that he is such a great guy whose every decision is right (even though the way that he was recruited was clearly not), it just does not make sense.
Ironically, I feel that this is merely a continuation of what many people feel towards Liu Bei. Zhuge Liang and many others all follow Liu Bei because he is such a great guy, the whole issue of how he can be a ruler by ruling with benevolence and kindness, but we have not really see this. I don’t feel that Liu Bei is very different from the other lords in that he is using power and might to get what he want, only that he is not calling it power. Instead, he is saying that he is right. So it is basically doing the same thing but saying it is different, so I really feel that this is hypocritical. I am biased but I feel that Fa Zheng is actually a bit different by realising that Liu Bei has faults (as he will comment that there should be a limit to the other wanting to be kind), but still choose to follow the other. Whereas the others all just seem to see something in him that as a gamer, I can not see. I just honestly don’t see what is so great about the guy. To make this even more annoying, Cao Cao will often comment about how great Liu Bei is, how he is the one that stands between him and his goal. As my sister pointed out, it is like eating a dish and everyone else is saying how amazing it is, but you just feel that it is a bit bland.
I think the idea is that Liu Bei is probably meant to be a kind man who can also somehow draw people to him. I don’t even fully agree with the first part, but I will admit that he is probably someone that wants to be kind, also he does not always get to behave in the way he wishes (perhaps a bit like Hideyoshi in Samurai Warriors). However, I cannot see what makes him draw the attention of many of his officials. The way that Ma Chou and Ma Dai just suddenly join them does not make sense. Ma Chou I don’t care that much, because that guy is not exactly the person that makes the most sense, but Ma Dai is actually someone who made the comment of how Liu Bei says that he is doing all this for benovelence, and is causing the war. I also don’t see how Zhuge Liang just from that one meeting (and at least in the book it was three times) feel that Liu Bei is such a great guy and become so loyal to him. Once again, Fa Zheng I can sort of understand, as he will mention that he did not really like his last master (who did not really treat him well), and he probably is grateful at the amount of trust Liu Bei give him. Also, I feel that he is not as exaggerated as the rest, in that he knows Liu Bei’s fault, and rather then the ideal of Liu Bei’s utopia, is just more interested in Liu Bei ruling. He is simply biased for the leader he choose, and that is fairly normal.
Chapter 12: Battle of Jieting
Chapter 12-X: Battle of Chencang
One random thing that I noticed: Jiang Wei can actually be really loud. Or maybe it is that guy’s voice. For some reason, when I play him, I can always hear him really clear.
Chapter 13: Battle of the Wuzhang Plains
The final battle, and you actually fight Sima Yi as the final boss. The ending cutscene is actually done really well, because Sima Yi will actually be the first to react due to the shooting star. He will be the first person to realise that Zhuge Liang is dead. I feel that what he says is really memorable- that even though he has lost the battle, it is he that wins the war. It is also of extreme significance to recall that in the end, Sima Yi is the person who won, because it is his family that ended the whole situation. Also, when he asks whether the others think they can actually carry on, he actually uses ‘Omae-tachi dake”, for some reason, that ‘dake’ really stood up for me. There seems a slight scorn in it.
The Shu route actually ends quite optimistically, as it has the survivors saying that they would do whatever they can to carry on the dreams and hopes of the other. But I just want to point out that I find the idea of Zhuge Liang’s fan being placed in the tent as if it is some sort of sacred object, or if it is watching everything on behalf of Zhuge Liang, really creepy.
I actually started by the Shu fraction and part of it is because I want to do it and get it out of the way, but a second part of the reason is because I am curious about Fa Zheng. Ironically, because Fa Zheng is a new character in Xtreme Legends, so this means that he does not really come out in the story mod, saved for the additional stages. I think in one of the story mods the character will be there as a NPC that fights, but you cannot play him in the actual story mod. Likewise, there are one or two camp conversations with him, but overall, he does not really come out in the actual story mod.
Overall, I personally don’t have much thought regarding the Shu story routes, it really is just the case of Liu Bei and the other going forward and keep on talking about how they are being benevolent and righteous, etc etc.
Chapter 1: Yellow Turban Rebellion
This first battle is probably a foreshadowing of what would happen pretty much in the game, because upon being defeated Zhang Jiao would suddenly decide that he sees the light and would follow Liu Bei. I am not saying that this is impossible, because Zhang Jiao is someone who actually has a similar desire as them, although it is probably mingled quite a bit with his own ambition, but it seems very random that he would suddenly be converted by Liu Bei just due to a few battles.
Chapter 2: Battle of Hulao Gate
Chapter 3: Defense of Xu Province
Chapter 3-X: Disturbance at guandu
Chapter 4: Battle of Xinye
Chapter 5: Battle of Changban
I cannot remember which battle it is, but one of the battles above would involve Liu Bei meeting Zhuge Liang (I think it is battle of Xinye), because Xu Shu is one of the playable characters. It will actually start with Liu Bei meeting Xu Shu and he will ask if Xu Shu is the famous ‘sleeping dragon’ (that is a moment of great awkwardness, you can feel the pin drop). Which then lead to Xu Shu agreeing to take them to the other. Afterwards, Xu Shu will actually decide to leave, by saying that Zhuge Liang can serve Liu Bei much better. Next time, you will see him in battle of Chibi.
Xu Shu is an interesting case (this is random, but he is the one guy that I always feel really bad bashing up.) Initially, I only know him from the cross over game (he has one of the best weapons). Then, I searched online and discovered a little bit about him. In the book/legend, Xu Shu is said to have been forced to work for Cao Cao due to his mother being held hostage, but because of his reluctance, he is said to have never came out with a strategy for Cao Cao. However, in history, it is said that the whole idea of how he never once came up with a strategy is just for the reason that he never did, not because it was a form of rebellion. However, popular culture has been influence more by the story, in that he becomes an example of how you might be physically in one place, but with your heart in another place. I think in the story, what happened is that Pang Tong will be the one to suggest the idea of linking the ships to Cao Cao. Afterwards, Xu Shu would come out and says that he knows what Pang Tong is doing, but because he actually is not loyal to Cao Cao, he will not reveal this. I think Pang Tong is said to have warned Xu Shu to quickly get out of here, because things would get dangerous soon, and Xu Shu probably did, because the book did not mention what happened to him afterwards.
Regarding how he was recruited to Cao Wei, I agree that Cao Cao’s strategy was not exactly something to be proud of, but I think it truly was the case that he had no idea how extreme it would be. I think it did get out of hand (because Xu Shu’s mother was clearly too extreme.) but Cao Cao actually was truly sorry and he expressed remorse. He seemed to have personally apologised and send the other gifts as an apology. Xu Shu did not accept them and I think the fact that this did not have any consequences is an indication that Cao Cao know he is in the wrong. I actually find that whole paragraph that talks about Xu Shu’s final moments with his mother really emotional, due to the fact that his reaction is describe pretty well. But at the least, Cao Cao seem to realise he was wrong, and tried to apologise, which is contrasting how Jiang Wei was recruited.
I actually have already seen Xu Shu’s scene when he was captured by Cao Cao in the Wei route and back then I had no idea that this was who he was. Because in Orochi, Xu Shu is actually not so ‘Kurai’. At one stage, I forgot to who, Xu Shu would comment that he is actually pretty happy in this world, as he gets to continue serving Liu Bei. Upon seeing him in his own game, I have to say- he was not exaggerating. This guy has great self esteem problem. In the cut scene, when Cao Cao first meets him, Cao Cao would comment on his strategy being quite good, but Xu Shu will actually say: “So what of it?” And the tone that he uses gave me such a shock, because he sounded so depressed. This guy is basically drawing circles in the corner, and planting mushrooms.
Yet at the same time, I feel that I can sort of understand why he is like this. After all, he is not in the best of environment for someone with a self esteem problem. First, he has to work with the great Zhuge Liang (the guy who is said to be able to control the direction of the wind), then there is Pang Dong, who is said to be the phoenix version of the dragon. The, we can add Fa Zheng to it. Fa Zheng is clearly another very capable tactician (given that Zhuge Liang will actually comment that had Fa Zheng be there, then things might be different), and Fa Zheng is the case of not caring what other people think. As he himself points out, he does what he want, when he want. In ambition, the two of them actually get a rather interesting conversation. It is actually quite surprising because Fa Zheng is actually pretty nice to him, and this is a guy who is pretty much quite critical of everyone.
Chapter 6: the battle of Chibi
The famous battle of Chibi. In the book, it is said that Zhuge Liang actually prayed and changed the direction of the wind, but history and other version would actually say that it is the case of the wind happening to be blowing in a different direction. I think it is mentioned that this is a strange wind and even though it would blow in different direction at times, this is only something that the local would know. It is a sign of natural phenomenon. KOEI’s interpretation is quite interesting because even though it is hinted that Zhuge Liang played part with the prayer, the other routes suggested that it is not so much this, but an unusual natural phenomenon. Anyway, the battle is very interesting, especially given that you jump on a ship, and the ship will actually move as you fight the people on it. Sima Yi will actually come out in this battle, commenting that Xu Shu told him about Zhuge Liang (this is so what if material, but I suddenly wonder: did the tacticians of Wei go out drinking together due to Guo Jia?)
Chapter 7: Battle of Chengdu
Fa Zheng will come out in the camp and just make a few general comments, and he will be in the battle as well. In the middle of the battle, Ma Chao and Ma Dai will appear and as they watch the battle, Ma Dai will actually have a good point by commenting that even though Liu Bei talks about benevolence and justice, he is also causing a war at the same time. This would cause Ma Chao to be really angry and ride into battle. However, it is really ironic because after Ma Chao fights Liu Bei, he will suddenly realise that following Liu Bei will allow him to carry out his justice, and Liu Bei will be a really good ruler. The very valid point that Ma Dai raised was never mentioned.
Chapter 8: Battle of Mt Dingjun
Chapter 9: Battle of Fan castle
The battle that eventually resulted in Guan Yu being killed. As mentioned before, I really think Guan Yu brought his fate on himself. The province is actually Sun Wu’s property in the first place, and it was lend to them in good will. However, not only was this not returned, Guan Yu also rejected Wu’s offer of diplomacy by having Sun Quan’s son marry his daughter. As mentioned before, His position is not so high and extreme that Sun Quan needed to offer his own son (and certainly not the heir). It would have been generous to offer a daughter of even a relative. Instead, he insults Sun Quan by saying his son is not good enough for his daughter.
Is it any wonder that the other side would be mad?
One thing that stood out in the battle for me is at the end, when Guan Yu would tell Guan Xing to pass onto his message and I do feel a sense of admiration for Guan Xing in that scene. Guan Xing is aware of what is happening and he know that they are not all able to get out of here alive, so he decides to honour his father by taking the message. To see how he forces himself to be steady and accepts the news calmly is just really sad. The cutscene will deliberately show his back and even though he seemed calm, you can actually tell that he is struggling to hold himself together. Likewise, this is shown again when he tells Liu Bei what happened. Even though he appears stoic, his voice will actually shake slightly.
From here, the game can branch into historical routes or hypothetical routes. I am only going to do a review for the historical route.
Historical routes
Chapter 10: Battle of Yiling
This is the battle where Liu Bei tries to attack Sun-Wu and ended in a disaster from him. This is also the battle where Zhuge Liang commented that if Fa Zheng was still alive, then he could have prevented Liu Bei from going, or at the very least, prevents them from losing so badly.
I think shortly after this battle, Liu Bei dies, and it is a bit touching to see him seeing his two brothers upon his death.
Chapter 11: Battle of Tianshui
This is the battle where Shu managed to meet Jiang Wei and upon playing this battle, my reaction is this: “Oh my gosh, Zhuge Liang is an absolutely jerk.” And what annoyed me is the fact that he is never called out on this, it is almost as if Jiang Wei should be honoured that Zhuge Liang is giving so much attention to him.
In this battle, Jiang Wei would be at the other side (for Wei). I actually don’t like Jiang Wei, but in this battle, I actually ended up feeling really sorry for him. Zhuge Liang will decide that Jiang Wei is someone very talented, is worth talking to. This is perfectly okay, but let us compare to what Zhuge Liang does as opposed to Cao Cao, who often does the same thing. With Cao Cao, he will give a decent fight and tries to capture you. Once that is done, he will offer you a business card and if you don’t want to work for him, then he might kill you since you a prisoner, which is what would probably have happened if you were not so talented. However, if you agree to work for him, he would actually give you a very fair treatment. Zhuge Liang, however, will actually alienate and spread rumours about Jiang Wei so that his own masters basically kicked Jiang Wei out of the group. At one stage, when Jiang Wei’s master starts to yell at him, Jiang Wei will say: “What more can I do?” and I felt so sorry for him (and I am someone that does not even like him). Really, this is just such a nasty strategy. It is not that I am saying doing all that you can to get an advantage is wrong, but what irritates me is Zhuge Liang’s attitude about it. He basically gives a lame: “I’m sorry for using it, but this is the only way I can talk to you”. There isn’t even a proper apology. It is actually Liu Shan who gives a proper apology of how sorry they are to do this. But what annoy me is that Jiang Wei will suddenly decide that he will work for Zhuge Liang and sees Zhuge Liang as this absolutely amazing persona.
I feel that this is a really cruel strategy, in that they basically pretty much force Jiang Wei to lose his place by ruining his reputation and then having to go with Shu because he does not have a place to go. This is almost an example of how abuser gets their partner to stay with them. To make it worse, this is portrayed as not being something that is extremely wrong. If it is someone like Fa Zheng doing it, then I can understand, because he would have done it and argued that it is necessary, and that he knows he is being a jerk in doing it. But for Zhuge Liang to do it and still have a halo around him is just really wrong.
Also, I really don’t get why Jiang Wei then become so devoted to Zhuge Liang. I am not saying that he need to cling onto his past and keep on complaining of how tragic his life is (because that is a mistake many of his fraction has already made), but I do feel that he should probably show some more regret, because he clearly did have a certain loyalty to his old master. However, come the next battle and he is completely devoted to Zhuge Liang, and his every line is basically saying what he need to do for the other, and doing whatever the other want. The thing is, it is not so much because Zhuge Liang is a great tactician, but because somehow Jiang Wei just end up thinking that he is such a great guy whose every decision is right (even though the way that he was recruited was clearly not), it just does not make sense.
Ironically, I feel that this is merely a continuation of what many people feel towards Liu Bei. Zhuge Liang and many others all follow Liu Bei because he is such a great guy, the whole issue of how he can be a ruler by ruling with benevolence and kindness, but we have not really see this. I don’t feel that Liu Bei is very different from the other lords in that he is using power and might to get what he want, only that he is not calling it power. Instead, he is saying that he is right. So it is basically doing the same thing but saying it is different, so I really feel that this is hypocritical. I am biased but I feel that Fa Zheng is actually a bit different by realising that Liu Bei has faults (as he will comment that there should be a limit to the other wanting to be kind), but still choose to follow the other. Whereas the others all just seem to see something in him that as a gamer, I can not see. I just honestly don’t see what is so great about the guy. To make this even more annoying, Cao Cao will often comment about how great Liu Bei is, how he is the one that stands between him and his goal. As my sister pointed out, it is like eating a dish and everyone else is saying how amazing it is, but you just feel that it is a bit bland.
I think the idea is that Liu Bei is probably meant to be a kind man who can also somehow draw people to him. I don’t even fully agree with the first part, but I will admit that he is probably someone that wants to be kind, also he does not always get to behave in the way he wishes (perhaps a bit like Hideyoshi in Samurai Warriors). However, I cannot see what makes him draw the attention of many of his officials. The way that Ma Chou and Ma Dai just suddenly join them does not make sense. Ma Chou I don’t care that much, because that guy is not exactly the person that makes the most sense, but Ma Dai is actually someone who made the comment of how Liu Bei says that he is doing all this for benovelence, and is causing the war. I also don’t see how Zhuge Liang just from that one meeting (and at least in the book it was three times) feel that Liu Bei is such a great guy and become so loyal to him. Once again, Fa Zheng I can sort of understand, as he will mention that he did not really like his last master (who did not really treat him well), and he probably is grateful at the amount of trust Liu Bei give him. Also, I feel that he is not as exaggerated as the rest, in that he knows Liu Bei’s fault, and rather then the ideal of Liu Bei’s utopia, is just more interested in Liu Bei ruling. He is simply biased for the leader he choose, and that is fairly normal.
Chapter 12: Battle of Jieting
Chapter 12-X: Battle of Chencang
One random thing that I noticed: Jiang Wei can actually be really loud. Or maybe it is that guy’s voice. For some reason, when I play him, I can always hear him really clear.
Chapter 13: Battle of the Wuzhang Plains
The final battle, and you actually fight Sima Yi as the final boss. The ending cutscene is actually done really well, because Sima Yi will actually be the first to react due to the shooting star. He will be the first person to realise that Zhuge Liang is dead. I feel that what he says is really memorable- that even though he has lost the battle, it is he that wins the war. It is also of extreme significance to recall that in the end, Sima Yi is the person who won, because it is his family that ended the whole situation. Also, when he asks whether the others think they can actually carry on, he actually uses ‘Omae-tachi dake”, for some reason, that ‘dake’ really stood up for me. There seems a slight scorn in it.
The Shu route actually ends quite optimistically, as it has the survivors saying that they would do whatever they can to carry on the dreams and hopes of the other. But I just want to point out that I find the idea of Zhuge Liang’s fan being placed in the tent as if it is some sort of sacred object, or if it is watching everything on behalf of Zhuge Liang, really creepy.