“Aren't Three Kingdoms games played out already?”—I was naive to think so. “Raishi” is a complete remake of “Nanko Furaku Sangokuden,” originally on the Nintendo DS, released for the 3DS in 2015. It depicts the Three Kingdoms from a slightly different angle than orthodox historical simulations. Though set in ancient China, the story has a sci-fi flavor where a modern-day protagonist, transported by the power of the “Doujaku,” fights as a strategist. The game's great strength lies in experiencing the charm of the Three Kingdoms through a unique lens that goes beyond the standard tropes.

In this title, the story progresses from the perspectives of the three nations: Shu, Wu, and Wei. Rather than just selecting a faction, each camp has a fully independent scenario, allowing a completely different drama to unfold with each playthrough. The narrative structure focuses on the characters' conflicts, ambitions, and beliefs rather than just tracing history, avoiding the monotony often found in simulations. The storytelling is so compelling that after clearing each chapter, you'll find yourself eager to see the battle from the next perspective.

The combat in “Raishi” adopts a base-defense system where enemy armies attack along routes, requiring the player to act as a strategist, placing units and building tactics. It is highly addictive. Despite having much to consider—such as placement, character compatibility, and terrain usage—the controls are simple and the pace is brisk. It lacks the heaviness often found in “Tsume Shogi”-style tactical simulations, striking an exquisite balance between ease of play and strategic depth.

One of the biggest draws of the Three Kingdoms is the depth of the characters. About 50 generals appear, including many legendary heroes, but some are reimagined as “beautiful girls,” allowing for a lighthearted style that can be enjoyed in a relaxed way. Of course, not all characters are like this; hard-boiled designs are also well-represented, showing consideration for everyone from casual players to history buffs. The visual diversity and the internal drama felt through dialogue and actions give the entire game a real sense of depth.

Digging deeper into parts that couldn't be fully expressed in the previous title—that was the mission of “Raishi.” The scenario newly written by Klon is deeply moving for those who played the original game, and remains captivating as an independent story for newcomers. With enhanced graphics, the game feels like a refined delivery to modern players while still cherishing the original atmosphere. It is a textbook example of a remake where nostalgia and novelty coexist.