Sima Yi

Sima Yi (onyomi: Shiba I) is an intellectual who is accredited as the ancestral founder of Western Jin. Once he agreed to serve the Cao family, he became one of Cao Pi's close friends and subsequently an influential figure in Wei, cunningly defending himself from his many detractors. Cao Cao suspected that Sima Yi would never be satisfied serving under another, an opinion which would ring true years later when the Sima family reigned supreme after his death. Romance of the Three Kingdoms depicts him as a conniving individual who was intimidated and infuriated by Zhuge Liang's sagacity. His wife is Zhang Chunhua; Sima Shi and Sima Zhao are his eldest sons.

His Dynasty Warriors counterpart is affiliated with Wei until the inclusion of the Jin faction in the series's seventh entry. Gamecity's Dynasty Warriors 7 character popularity poll has him placed at sixth place. The Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends popularity poll has him as the eighth most popular character. In Famitsu's character survey, he placed eighth in the boss category. The latest poll for the eighth installment puts him in twenty-third. The character poll for overseas fans puts him in second place for the Jin division and thirteenth in the semi-final round.

In Kessen II, his height is 174 cm (half an inch below 5'9").

Role in Games

 * "I didn't think you were a mere slave to power."
 * Mitsunari; Warriors Orochi

Dynasty Warriors
Sima Yi is a scholar who thoroughly believes in his intellect. He appears sometime after Chi Bi (Guan Du in Dynasty Warriors 3 if playing as him) as the master strategist of Wei. After Cao Cao's death, he is often depicted as the leader for Wei and appears in many of the series's decisive battles. He stars in Zhuge Liang's Northern Campaigns, and he is known in most titles to see through Ma Su's plot at Jie Ting. He also correctly reads the sign of his rival's death at Wu Zhang Plains and orders the army to charge. Depending on the title, he may then live to suppress the remnants of Shu and Wu.

His Legend Mode in Dynasty Warriors 4: Xtreme Legends takes place at Mount Qi. Thinking that Wei Yan will feed him with inside information, Sima Yi is led into one of Zhuge Liang's traps. Surrounded by archers and trapped in a fire attack, he is saved by rainfall. With the heavens on his side, he fights his way through perilous odds, which forces Zhuge Liang to issue an all-out attack. Slaying the Shu generals, Sima Yi is able to escape safely.

In Dynasty Warriors 5, Sima Yi was born from a prestigious family and studied his life to become a renowned scholar. Summoned by Cao Cao to join Wei, Sima Yi demonstrates his skills as main strategist at Fan Castle and ask Wu for reinforcements. He serves Cao Pi after his liege's demise and kills Ma Su at Jie Ting. During the conflict, he meets Zhuge Liang and deems the Prime Minister to be his greatest threat. However, when his rival perishes at Wu Zhang Plains, he fears nothing while he crushes the other two kingdoms. With Wei as the land's ruler, it's implied that he plans to overthrow his master in due time.

His Legend Mode in the Xtreme Legends expansion pairs him with Cao Pi and Xu Huang. The trio work together to punish the traitor, Meng Da, at Xin Castle. While he holds himself within the castle's walls, he forces several Wei generals to fight their master. Sima Yi notes their weakened resolve and orders his allies to spark mutiny among Meng Da's troops. Striking the final blow against Meng Da, the defector accuses Sima Yi for false loyalties before he dies. The strategist replies that he is only biding his time.

Cao Cao summons for Sima Yi's talents before the Battle of Chi Bi in Dynasty Warriors 6. Originally bored and unimpressed by the land's chaos, he becomes fascinated by Zhuge Liang's tactics and his experience in battle. As he spends more time with his master, Sima Yi begins to form his own ambitions and image for the land. Consumed with his inner desires, he loses interest with his rival and works to destroy the other two kingdoms. Although ordered to keep watch in Han Zhong for rebellion, Sima Yi stages a coup d'état at Xu Chang with Zhang He and others. Upon murdering Cao Cao, his lord expresses his wishes to make a land for the people with his dying breath. Sima Yi, though acting uninterested, complies with his master's ideals to an extent during his rule.

Dynasty Warriors 7 has Sima Yi appear as a minor character during the Three Kingdoms Story Modes as a supporter for Wei. During Wei's story, he appears as a strategist for Cao Cao during the conquest for Hanzhong. Feeling no remorse for Xiahou Yuan's death, he oversees the alliance with Sun Quan for the sake of slaying Guan Yu. He acts as the main commander at Fan Castle, directing Xiahou Dun's set of objectives on the field. During Shu's Story Mode, he appears as the commander at Wuzhang Plains. Sima Yi also joins the defense at Dongkou in Wu's Story Mode.

In Jin's Story Mode, he begins as Wei's Grand Commander. Shu, Wu, and Wei have lost many heroes due to the war, and their conflicts have lead to an uneasy stalemate. Sima Yi feels the land has become worse than before due to people constantly repeating the same tiring mistakes, deepening the warfare that continues to plague the land. He feels his talents should be used to attend to the wavering situation, but his duty instead dictates he attends to fruitless internal rebellions. Frustrated by witnessing generals act in the endless monotony, he spares no mercy to Gongsun Yuan when he attempts to plead for forgiveness, having him executed for his crimes. Reminiscing of his past battles with Shu, he realizes that Zhuge Liang was the only man worthy to face his intelligence. With his rival gone, Sima Yi feels his role in the wars are futile and withdraws his support for the current Wei emperor, Cao Fang. His retreat from politics allows Cao Shuang, Cao Fang's other influential supporter, to gain prominence in the court. When Cao Shuang orders a half-cocked invasion in Shu, Sima Yi entrusts his son, Sima Zhao, to stop it in its tracks. His son's stunning performance and Cao Shuang's incompetence to try to deal with rumors of Jiang Wei's invasion led to his family gaining a better reputation with those in Wei.

Coping with the fact that there are none living in the world who can match his intelligence, Sima Yi decides that it's his new goal to at least end the cycle of stupidity he despises. After Sima Shi reports that his father is suffering from an illness that doesn't allow for visitors, Sima Yi decides to use this opportunity to kill Cao Shuang. Abhorring Cao Shuang's selfish desires and petty excuses for Wei's future, he has the Grand Commander executed and reclaims his title. Not soon afterwards, Sima Yi and his sons march out to deal with Jiang Wei's invasion at Mt. Niutou. They return to learn of Wang Ling scheming with Wu in an attempt to lower the Sima family's favor to Cao Fang. Sima Yi leads his family to quickly deal with the threat and repels Wu's attempted invasions. Their efforts further instill the Sima family's reputation as an unshakable pedestal in Wei. The constant string of battles take their toll on his body, finally making Sima Yi bedridden with the illness he stubbornly kept hidden from his family. After he passes on the right to lead the family to Sima Shi, Sima Yi dies.

His first Legendary Battle lets players control his side of Wuzhang Plains present in Shu's Story Mode. Sima Yi's second Legendary Battle has him pit a contest between his family and the entire Zhuge family to prove who has the heftiest brainpower between them.

Wei's final chapter in Dynasty Warriors Next marks the appearance of Sima Yi. A contributor to Shu's downfall, he uses the alliance with Wu to have Guan Yu killed and ruins Ma Su's strategy by cutting off his water supply. His perspective of Wuzhang Plains has him predict Zhuge Liang's moves, debunking the latter's faked death and capturing the opposing army's headquarters. Still wary of the Shu strategist's plans, however, he allows his nemesis to retreat until they meet again at Chengdu. During Shu's final scenario, his ambushes mostly serve to distract the player while he sets forth to take their main camp.

Jin's chapter is dedicated to Sima Yi's own unification of the land. Remembering Cao Pi's last words to him, he and his followers stage a rebellion against Cao Shuang's faction to control Wei. With him at the helm, the kingdom is able to rebuild its military power. After having Sima Shi delay Wu's advance, he entrusts the invasion of Shu's capital to Sima Zhao who leaves nothing to chance for his father's well-being. Their conquest of Shu gives Sima Yi closure over his rivalry with Zhuge Liang. Eager to end Wu with his own hands, he personally thwarts the enemy's diversionary tactics and slays Sun Quan. He then forces the Wei Emperor to abdicate while establishing the Jin Dynasty to rule over the entire land. Having proved his belief that those with intellect reign supreme, he goes on to rally his troops outside the palace while doing his trademark laugh.

In the eighth installment, Sima Yi first appears in both Wei and Shu's story, often appearing to fight against Zhuge Liang during the latter's northern campaigns. In the alternate paths of both Shu and Wu, Sima Yi is often seen with his family defending Wei and loyally serving both Cao Cao and Cao Pi.

In Jin's story, Sima Yi starts at Wuzhang Plains, having heard of Zhuge Liang's passing. He, together with his family, charge and defeat the retreating Shu forces. Disappointed at the death of, perhaps, the only man that could truly challenge him, Sima Yi explains at how he and his sons need to hone their talents in order to gain supremacy over the untalented. He is once again angered by the increase of untalented men thinking highly of themselves, and is quick to put down Gongsun Yuan's rebellion. Shortly after he leaves his sons to work on politics, but after seeing Cao Shuang's incompetence, decides to temporarily rebel against the Cao. After killing Cao Shuang, he declares his retirement from politics, and soon disappears alongside his wife in Jin's story.

In the alternate path, he continues to live peacefully under retirement, however his retirement is cut short thanks to Zhong Hui rebelling, and is forced to put it down at the behest of his wife. He then defeats the traitorous general, and decides to once again reenter politics. Like many Jin officers, he participates in the final battle at Chibi.

In Shu's story, Sima Yi leads an assault unit at Chibi and meets Zhuge Liang for the first time. Just before retreating, Sima Yi alludes to Xu Shu having joined the Wei forces. In the historical route Sima Yi faces Zhuge Liang and the Shu forces at Wuzhang Plains. He falls for Zhuge Liang's faked death and is defeated by the Shu forces. This eventually turns into a victory for Sima Yi as Zhuge Liang indeed passes away during the fight. This ending leads directly to the Jin storyline.

Shu's hypothetical route has Sima Yi arrive at Fan Castle alongside Xiahou Dun as the Wei forces are being driven back. They attempt to restart the failed flood attack only to withdraw. At Luoyang, Sima Yi springs a trap to divide the Shu forces lead by Jiang Wei. He also joins Wei's last stand at Xuchang where he is slain alongside Cao Pi and Zhenji.

In Wu's hypothetical route, Sima Yi and his family appear defending Runan from the Wu forces lead by Lu Su. Despite setting numerous traps and ambushes, Sima Yi is defeated and flees to Xuchang. Sima Yi fights the attacking Wu forces when they invade Xuchang but complies when Cao Pi surrenders. Sima Yi appears with his his wife and Li Dian as representatives of Wei at the banquet celebrating Sun Quan's new alliance between the three kingdoms.

Warriors Orochi
In the first game, Sima Yi serves Orochi faithfully, gladly breaking his bonds with Wei. He can join the Samurai forces during one of their gaiden stages. If the player successfully executes the two fleeing officers, therefore ruining Sima Yi's trap, he will be in awe of the coalition's genius and joins their cause.

Warriors Orochi 2 has Sima Yi first working for Masamune's army. During the Samurai storyline, he faces the Sakon's forces at Chang Ban and is outwitted by Shingen. Impressed by Shingen's tactics, he decides to accompany them. In other faction story modes, he will survive to serve Orochi X. His dream stage teams him with Mitsunari and Masamune. The trio unite their strategies at Xia Pi to drive the coalition back.

Sima Yi is first seen in the past in Warriors Orochi 3. He and Cao Pi once led an army of followers to surround and defeat Da Ji at Tong Gate. Driven back by the coalition, he later joins the other officers in aiding the Takeda-Uesugi alliance at Shizugatake, but is defeated once again. He fights against the Coalition a final time at Fan Castle, and after their defeat, Cao Cao allies himself with the Coalition and sends messengers to unite the other warlords. Joining Cao Pi and Sima Zhao at Hulao Gate, they are tasked with eliminating the Hydra's heads that have emerged in the area.

As a member of the coalition in the future, he and Masamune seek to investigate a strange rumor of a "girl within a box" within the Yellow Turbans' possession. Their search leads to Gracia and Zhang Jiao joining humanity's cause. He also assists the coalition in locating Guo Jia's whereabouts in the past. Later Sima Yi and his entourage return to the past to search for Wang Yi, an acquaintance whose talents on the battlefield perks his interest for her recruitment. Although she is ashamed by her revenge marring his trust in her, Sima Yi is still adamant in his acceptance for her.

In the downloadable stage, "Domestic Disputes", Sima Yi stops various husbands and wives from arguing and has them work together to fight Orochi.

In Ultimate, Sima Yi continues to serve Wei, and helps Cao Pi attack the Oda forces at Nanjun after a fake Nobunaga accompanies and aids Da Ji. He also travels back to Fu Xi's past, and helps assist in rescuing the Heavenly Emperor when Orochi first spawned.

Dynasty Tactics
Dynasty Tactics has Sima Yi be Cao Cao's second strategist after Guo Jia possibly dies. In one scenario, while charged with Xu Chang's protection, Sima Yi betrays Wei and leads a group of rebels. After the rebellion fails, Sima Yi, Zhuge Liang, and Liu Bei are executed without trial.

Kessen
Sima Yi is a confident and talented magician for Wei in Kessen II. He serves as a strategist and adviser for Cao Cao. He is first seen strutting into Cao Cao's throne room midway through the game, wondering why he can't find the "great hero of the land". He bluntly ventures that Cao Cao is the cause of the land's natural disasters as they continue due to the conqueror's selfish desires. He states that the lord will lose to Liu Bei if this continues, which gets an angered response from Cao Cao. Sword drawn to the offender, he growls for his name to which Sima Yi politely bows and introduces himself. Cao Cao likes the sorcerer's fearless nature and recruits him on the spot. His battle strategy is one of the best ways to fend off an angry Ma Chao.

Development
Tomohiko Sho was the main planner for Dynasty Warriors 3 and the one who redesigned Wu Zhang Plains in this game. While he was reworking the stage, he wrote Sima Yi's quote for the cutscene where the player character taunts him to lower Wei's morale. Sho remarks that that one change solidified his personality for the rest of the series.

Personality
Originally introduced as a calm and gloomy strategist, Sima Yi eventually became a man who is more arrogant and conniving. He is known for his maniacal laughter and insulting friend and foe alike as "Fool!" or "Imbecile!". He doesn't truly believe in Cao Cao but is always eager to exploit every opportunity given to him. Prideful of his intellect and believing that he has an unsurpassed wit, he regards Zhuge Liang as a worthy opponent. In more recent titles, Sima Yi does show more genuine loyalty towards both Cao Cao and Cao Pi, deeming that the two were worthy of having him serve them. As a possible foil to Zhuge Liang's dragon motif, later games have others compare Sima Yi to a cunning wolf.

As the series progresses, Sima Yi loses most of his original sinister aspects while his reasons for wanting to rule and welfare the land are more shined upon. Sima Yi solely believes in both true wit and talent being the qualities needed as opposed to a chosen birthright; this in turn makes Sima Yi feel that only a person such as himself can be trusted with the affairs of ruling the land.

While usually known to be contemptuous and seemingly shallow, Sima Yi can also be easily humiliated when he can't predict the results of his actions (and also causes him to be a bit overly cautious/defensive when deciding his strategies). This mainly occurs during the spin-off titles in the Dynasty Warriors series, such as the mahjong title and Dynasty Warriors 6: Empires. Recent titles has him display this feature openly with Wang Yi, or Wang Yuanji, since both women easily see through him. He is very proud of Sima Shi and Sima Zhao, though he is frustrated at the latter's lack of motivation. Sima Yi is quite fearful of his wife, as she can easily pressure him into making decisions which overall makes him rather henpecked, though he does know that she does have the best of intentions in mind.

He trusts Zhang He's versatility for his plans and relies on him during the later parts of the Three Kingdoms period. In his debut, Cao Pi shared a loosely trusted relationship with Sima Yi, and the prince refers to the strategist by his style name in the Asian scripts, though more recent titles give Sima Yi more loyalty to Cao Pi. Sima Yi is fascinated with Cao Pi's abilities and generally finds him a better ruler than his father. In the Warriors Orochi series, he offers special praise for Sakon, Kojirō, Gracia, Mitsuhide, and Kiyomori. Warriors Orochi 3 he shares additional rivalries with Masamune and Da Ji. Even in the said series, his selfish reasons for serving Orochi are not oddly shined upon in the third title.

One conversation with the aforementioned Masamune in the third Orochi installment is that he makes a direct joke to the famous myth of Sima Yi being able to turn his head around 180 degrees, which the subject of the myth himself is greatly offended by. The eighth title also shows that Sima Yi shares his eldest son's love for meat buns.

Character Symbolism
In the Japanese version of Dynasty Warriors 4: Empires, Sima Yi is given the nickname of "Brain of the Darkness" while the English version changes it to "The Strategist who Saw the Future". As a dominant ruler in Dynasty Warriors 5: Empires, he along with Cao Cao, Jiang Wei, and Dong Zhuo call their five greatest warriors the "Five Great Generals".

Sima Yi's fans are named to contrast Zhuge Liang's throughout the Dynasty Warriors series, the most obvious example being the black fan he wields as his third weapon to contrast Zhuge Liang's white fan. His fourth weapon is originally named after the Qiongqi, a mythical beast in legends whose name literally means "Destitute Strangeness" that may ode to its one description of its appearance being a tiger with wings; thus, Sima Yi may be designated with the beast to contrast Zhuge Liang's nickname as a dragon. The original fifth weapon on the other hand, is a Japanese homophone named in ode to this which is rendered as "Qiong'gui" (lit. "Destitute Ogre") instead in pinyin.

His level 11 weapon is named after Suanxing, which is a name for the three-legged bird in Shan Hai Jing that literally means "Sour Interest". Within Chinese mythology, these birds are a symbol for the sun and were once responsible for dictating the path of ten suns in the sky. When all ten suns happened to pass over the land simultaneously, the lands were set ablaze. Since the birds travel west to make the sun set, it conflicts with Sima Yi's rival, whose same ranked weapon pairs Zhuge Liang with Qinglong of the East. Alternatively, it may be a reference to Sima Yi's relationship with Wei and his gradual departure from it.

The English translations for his claws in the sixth title are accurate, but they omit the personification attached to them from their original names. Within the Asian ports, each weapon is affiliated with a character that may be used for sound or musical rhythm. In other words, his weapons are meant to invoke the imagery of people screaming in agony, as though Sima Yi were conducting a "symphony" to their suffering.

In the Asian ports of Warriors Orochi, Sima Yi personal item is Sima Fa or The Methods of the Sima, one of the seven military classics of ancient China. Sima Xian is not one of the argued authors of the work though Sima Ranju, a general of the Qi state, is among them. Whether he actually wrote the histories and theories within the documents are still unknown.

Voice Actors

 * Paul Lucas - Dynasty Warriors 2 (English)
 * Lex Lang - Dynasty Warriors 4 (English-uncredited)
 * Richard Cansino - Dynasty Warriors 5, Kessen II, Warriors Orochi series; first and second games only (English-uncredited)
 * Kyle Hebert - Dynasty Warriors 6~8 (English-uncredited)
 * D. Padraic - Dynasty Warriors 9 (English)
 * Ralph Lister - Kessen 2 (English-uncredited)
 * Xu Jianchun - Dynasty Warriors 3 (Chinese)
 * Jin Li - Dynasty Warriors 9 (Chinese)
 * Choi Byeong Sang - Dynasty Warriors 2 (Korean)
 * Lee Won-Jun - Dynasty Warriors 3 (Korean)
 * Jeong Myeong-Jun - Dynasty Warriors 4~5 (Korean)
 * Lee Sang-hun - Dynasty Warriors: Unleashed (Korean)
 * Tsuyoshi Takishita - Dynasty Warriors and Warriors Orochi series; last work being Shin Sangoku Musou 7 Character Song Shu IV ~Jin~ (Japanese)
 * Ryōtarō Okiayu - Dynasty Warriors 8 Empires~9 (Japanese)
 * Hirohiko Kakegawa - Dynasty Tactics series (Japanese)
 * Shinichiro Ota - Kessen II (Japanese)
 * Rokurō Naya - Romance of the Three Kingdoms drama CD series
 * Go Shinomiya - Sangokushi Legion

Quotes

 * See also: Sima Yi/Quotes


 * "Fuhahahahaha! An obvious result for the leader of the Sima clan!"
 * "Mwahahahaha! For me to be able to gather this number of votes. Looks like in this world... not all are foolish commoners who couldn't measure my talent."
 * There are five options available during battle: fight, defend, flee, surrender, or death. Only one of those remains for Gongsun Yuan!"


 * "Your eyes... they burn like one who would stop at nothing to seize this land. In fact, you may be an even greater danger than Cao Pi."
 * "And what, may I ask, are you going to do about it?"
 * "You have to ask? I'm going to defeat you!"
 * Sun Jian and Sima Yi; Dynasty Warriors 5


 * "Hey you! Isn't the land big enough for the both of us?!"
 * "You simpleton! It will only be big enough when it is all mine!"
 * "Yeah, I thought so. Well, we'll just have to do something about that! For the land and those we swore bonds of friendship with!"
 * Meng Huo and Sima Yi; Dynasty Warriors 5: Xtreme Legends


 * "That Zhuge Liang never learns. Now he's gathered an army for another northern campaign..."
 * "There is something to be said for being persistent, but he just never gives up. But your tactics and my men will put an end to him at last."
 * "Indeed. This battle will determine once and for all who has the finer tactical mind."
 * Sima Yi and Zhang He; Dynasty Warriors Vol. 2


 * "Foolishness! You're saying that... the land can survive without the Han or the Emperor?"
 * "What good does your knowledge do you? Have you never questioned the antique structures of the past?"
 * Sima Yi and Cao Cao; Dynasty Warriors 6


 * "My lord, you're like ambition personified. Just how far are you intending on going?"
 * "You misunderstand me. My purpose is to rid the land of fools. That is all."
 * "Hahaha, I like your attitude. So for you, power is merely a bonus you get along the way? If so, then I'll do all I can to help."
 * Jia Xu and Sima Yi; Dynasty Warriors 7


 * "It seems the Shu forces have begun to retreat. Master Sima Yi, give us the order to pursue them!"
 * "No... We won't be chasing after them."
 * "...With all due respect, may I ask why, my lord? The Shu forces are in shambles thanks to your brilliant strategy. I believe we should finish them off."
 * "Yes, but we failed to kill Zhuge Liang. Things are more difficult as long as he's still alive. I'm sure this retreat is part of his plans."
 * Cao Ren and Sima Yi; Dynasty Warriors Next


 * "My lord husband... I heard you were ill."
 * "I feel terrible. I won't be able to get much done today."
 * "That is unfortunate. Well then, I shall bring you some of my special medicinal tea."
 * "Ugh... Anything but that. If that's my only choice, I'd rather admit that I'm faking it."
 * Zhang Chunhua and Sima Yi; Dynasty Warriors 8


 * "The great strategist...? But you've got such a mean, twisted little face..."
 * "Do you expect me to be angered by a taunt like that, you little fool?!"
 * "Oh no, I could never anger you. You're just the picture of serenity."
 * Hideyoshi and Sima Yi; Warriors Orochi


 * "Haha! Did you really think you could defeat me with such infantile tricks? Imbeciles!"
 * "Imbeciles!"
 * "I'm not saying it."
 * Sima Yi, Masamune, and Mitsunari; Warriors Orochi 2


 * "There is no shame in fearing me, Sima Yi. Why not disguise yourself as a woman and flee?"
 * "You must be pretty desperate to think I would respond to such taunts, Zhuge Liang."
 * Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi; Dynasty Tactics 2


 * "Lord Cao Cao, observe those around you. You have more loyal commanders than the sky has stars. They have pledged their lives to you yet you do not realize this. No, you're only thinking of yourself. Your glory, your supposed greatness."
 * Sima Yi; Kessen II

Gameplay

 * See also: Sima Yi/Movesets‎‎

Dynasty Warriors 9


Sima Yi is affiliated with the feather fan in this appearance.


 * Unique Flow Attack:
 * Unique Trigger Attack (R1 + ):
 * Special Technique (R1 + ):
 * Musou :
 * Aerial Musou ( + ):

Weapons

 * See also: Sima Yi/Weapons

Dynasty Warriors 8
Sima Yi now uses the horsehair whip as his default weapon in this title.

Historical Information
Sima Yi began his career as Secretary of Literature under Lord Cao after the pacification of the north. His first military assignment was against Zhang Lu in Hanzhong. Sima Yi’s strategies were a success and Lord Cao was greatly impressed.

After Cao Cao, and his son, Cao Pi passed away and Cao Rui stepped up to the throne, Zhuge Liang started his expeditions to the north. In 227, Meng Da attempted to defect back to Shu. After hearing this, Cao Rui sent Sima Yi to Xincheng to stop Meng Da from defecting. The battle killed Meng Da in the process and Sima Yi was given much praise. Starting from the year 228, Cao Zhen led the defense against Zhuge Liang while Sima Yi led the strategies for the battles.

In the year 230, Cao Zhen passed away and Sima Yi took command against Zhuge Liang. Also in 231, Sima Yi finally faced Zhuge Liang's armies in battle. Sima Yi was mocked by his generals during the battle for not facing Zhuge Liang's men directly in battle. Furious, Sima Yi sent his men but was defeated easily. Sima Yi didn't falter and waited for Zhuge Liang to retreat. Indeed, Zhuge Liang retreated due to lack of supplies and Zhang He was sent by Sima Yi but was killed at Mumen Trail after being ambushed by Zhuge Liang's men.

In 234, Zhuge Liang began his final expedition to the north and met Sima Yi's men at Wuzhang Plains. During this time, Zhuge Liang sent a message to Sun Quan to attack Hefei in which Sun Quan accepted. Zhuge Liang attempted to force Sima Yi out of the Wei's main camp but none of the attempts worked. Sima Yi's men were getting impatient and Sima Yi requested to Cao Rui to engage the Shu forces. In response, Cao Rui sent one of his strategists, Xin Pi, to tell them to be patient. In time Sima Yi sensed that Zhuge Liang wouldn't live long due his rival's attempts of forcing him out of the camp. Sun Quan was defeated at Hefei due to a mysterious plague causing his men to fell to illness. Wu's defeat caused Zhuge Liang stress and fell to illness in Autumn 234 and died weeks later.

Sima Yi sensed his rival's death and quickly attacked the Shu's Forces. Even though they were quickly charging to the Shu's main camp, Sima Yi felt that Zhuge Liang's death was fake and ordered his men to go back to camp and Shu retreated safely.

During the Reign of Cao Fang; Sima Yi was appointed as Prime Minister and received the Nine Dignities from Cao Fang. Sima Yi placed his sons Zhao and Shi in high positions and took away power or killed anyone who still supported the Cao Family. Also during Fang's reign, Sima Yi started a rebellion which caused Wei's regent, Cao Shuang, to step down. Sima Yi took position as regent later on and his sons, after his death, gave high contributions to Wei including Shu's fall during Sima Zhao's reign in 263.

As regent, he quelled a rebellion led by Wang Ling assisted by Wu at Shouchun. After the long battle, Sima Yi fell ill and Sima Shi became his heir to his position.

Sima Yi died in 251 AD and was succeeded by son, Sima Shi. Fourteen years later, his grandson Sima Yan usurped the throne and established the Jin Dynasty.

An extremely common myth was that Sima Yi was able to turn his head all the way around akin to an owl (180 degrees), though it is unknown where such a myth originated.

Trivia

 * In Koei-Tecmo's Tokyo Game Show 2015 Cosplay Contest the cosplayer Hinagiku cosplayed as Dynasty Warriors 8 Sima Yi and won the Koei-Tecmo special award.

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