River City Saga: Three Kingdoms Next for Windows

River City Saga: Three Kingdoms Next offers a unique blend of retro beat-them-up action and historical storytelling. Players step into the shoes of Kunio, portraying the legendary Guan Yu, as he navigates the tumultuous era of the Three Kingdoms. This game stands out by merging familiar River City gameplay with a comedic retelling of ancient Chinese history.

River City Saga: Three Kingdoms Next’s charm lies in blending classic 2D-pixel art with modern mechanics. Kunio fans will enjoy the nostalgic visuals, while newcomers can appreciate accessible combat. Featuring over 100 River City characters in Three Kingdoms roles, it offers depth and variety to the experience.

Engaging combat with room for improvement

Combat in River City Saga: Three Kingdoms Next starts simple but becomes more dynamic as players unlock new moves and abilities. Introducing the Red Hare motorcycle adds a fresh layer to the gameplay, allowing for swift movement across stages and innovative enemy encounters. However, some players might find the mission structure repetitive, often involving backtracking and extended dialogue sequences that can disrupt the game's pacing.

While this action-packed game features a robust skill tree and diverse customization options, the early stages may feel restrictive until players unlock more abilities. The difficulty can also spike unexpectedly, with certain enemy encounters causing frustrating stun locks that disrupt the flow. Better balancing these elements could improve the overall experience, making progression smoother while maintaining a fair challenge for new and experienced players.

Visually, the game pays homage to its roots with charming pixel art and expressive character animations. The environments are richly detailed, capturing the essence of ancient China through a River City lens. Performance is smooth across platforms, ensuring that the fast-paced action remains uninterrupted. The soundtrack complements the on-screen action, blending traditional motifs with energetic beats to keep players engaged.

A worthwhile adventure to experience

River City Saga: Three Kingdoms Next successfully combines the beloved beat-them-up formula with a humorous take on historical events. Despite some repetitive mission designs and occasional difficulty spikes, the game's charm and engaging combat make it a worthwhile experience for both longtime fans and newcomers. If you're seeking a blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling, this title is worth adding to your collection.

• Released version