Romance of the Three Kingdoms (novel)

Romance of the Three Kingdoms, written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, is a Chinese historical novel based upon events in the turbulent years near the end of the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms era, starting in 168 A.D. and ending with the reunification of the land in 280 A.D.

The book is a collection of folktales, gossip, and historical information. An estimate of is accuracy is it being 70% fact, 30% fiction. During the time it was written a belief was that Liu Bei was the rightful heir to the Han Throne, so there were many stories showing Liu Bei in a positive light and as Shu fought Wei mostly, Wei was shown in a negative light. Liu Bei is displayed as righteous and virtuous while Cao Cao was portrayed as ruthless and ambitious. Many of the character portrayed are based due to similiar stories and conflicts, shaped by the stories about them.

It is considered one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chineese literature, and Koei has made games based on two of the other books; Water Margin and Journey to the West with the protagonist of the later, Sun Wukong appears in Warriors Orochi 2, having been freed by Taira Kiyomori.

The novel has inspired games such as the Dynasty Warriors series, Dynasty Tactics series, and the Romance of the Three Kingdoms series.