Records mode, also known as Classic mode, is one of two principle game modes in Total War: Three Kingdoms. The game mode presents a more historically accurate version. In Classic, the generals have their powers removed and they can no longer be commanded separately.[1]
Overview[]
Records Mode is similar to past historical Total War games: a commitment to historical authenticity, grand-scale conquest, empire management, and the struggle for ultimate military control at the heart of one of history's greatest conflicts. Records mode bases on the historic archives of the Three Kingdoms Period in China.
Character theatrics aside, the interpretations of the ancient Chinese warfare are very similar in both modes. The real difference between the two is the level of emphasis each places on certain features, while reducing the focus on others.
In Classic Mode, battle outcomes are decided principally by how player control tis army, with individual heroes appearing as regular mortals and having minimal physical impact. As a result, characters have a different level of importance in campaign. In Romance mode, battle outcomes can be heavily influenced by heroes. This means they have greater value to player's armies, and in turn they’ll play a more prominent role in the campaign. So Classic mode is all about tactics and statecraft, while Romance is more about personal bravado and individual martial prowess.
Major difference between two modes[]
- In Classic Mode, 3D character models will use historically authentic weapons and period-correct armour. However, 2D Character art will keep a slightly stylized flavor with characters wearing more flamboyant clothing, but the out of period clothes such as chainmail and ceremonial weapons will be removed to reinforce the historical authenticity. Having more distinctive 2D art for each character is a design choice to help players pick out who is who in the heat of battle.
- Character will fight on the battlefield with a retinue of bodyguards surrounding them like generals in previous historical Total War games. As these characters are only human, they can be killed if left exposed, so player will need to protect them if they need to survive in a battle.
- No ability for generals on the battlefield. Abilities are drawn based on each character's romanticised exploits, and aren't present in the historical texts. A quick example is Xu Chu – based on his depiction as an indomitable brute with incredible strength, in Romance Mode he has an AoE attack ability called Earth Shattering Strike, which he doesn’t have in Classic Mode.
- Dueling does work in Records mode but they work differently and follow the historical records for single combat.
- Battles will last longer in Classic mode because battles will be slower-paced on average. Without powerful single-entity heroes to carve through enemy frontlines, disrupt formations or pin down stronger units, the pace will be different and will allow player more time to think of the next move on the battlefield. Additionally, fatigue will play a greater role in Classic Mode where troops will tire more easily. There'll still be quick battles – when one side vastly outnumbers the other.[2]
Dueling[]
- Main article: Dueling (Total War: Three Kingdoms)
Dueling does work in Records mode but they work differently and follow the historical records for single combat. Firstly, they happen much more organically than in Romance Mode: rather than choosing a duel option, a duel can break out between two heroes whenever they clash on the battlefield. Secondly, as heroes are not single entity units in Classic Mode, when two heroes duel, their two retinues of bodyguards will clash too. The clashing bodyguards will encircle the heroes and face off while the duel takes place. Thirdly, as heroes won't have special combat abilities, there is less focus placed on the actions during a duel, and more emphasis placed on how player manage rest of the army while the duel takes place.
Graphic settings[]
Records mode comes with a more realistic, less vibrant color template for post-processing. This post-effect setting can be enabled by players in Romance mode.