turn-based tactics
Bandit Kings of Ancient China
By Koei, released 1 Jan 1989
- Microsoft Windows
- DOS
- Nintendo Entertainment System
- MSX
- Classic Mac OS
- turn-based strategy video game
- tactical role-playing game
- simulation video game
What it is
Bandit Kings of Ancient China is Koei’s historical strategy simulation based on the Chinese classic Suikoden, also known as Water Margin. You play as a bandit pursued by imperial officers and gather a group of heroes, warriors and magic-using beauties. The aim is to campaign against Gaoqiu, an evil minister blamed for the Song Empire’s decline. The game was released in Japan as Suikoden: Tenmei no Chikai in 1988, and later appeared in the United States under the Bandit Kings of Ancient China name. It is presented as a single-player strategy game on Steam, with Steam Cloud and Family Sharing support. Steam lists Windows as its platform; the broader platform list also includes DOS, Nintendo Entertainment System, MSX and Classic Mac OS. The Steam release is published by KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. and dates to February 21, 2017.
What players like, and what they don't
- Based on the Chinese classic Water Margin.
- Gather heroes, warriors and magic-using beauties.
- Steam Cloud support is listed.
- Family Sharing is supported.
- Steam lists Windows as its platform.
- Steam features list single-player only.
Who it suits
It suits players interested in single-player strategy rooted in the Water Margin story. The pursuit-and-campaign premise may appeal to those who want to assemble a band of heroes against an imperial threat.
Bandit Kings of Ancient China combines a historical novel premise with a single-player campaign against Gaoqiu. Its listed Steam features include Cloud and Family Sharing, but not multiplayer.
