River-City-Saga-Three-Kingdoms-Next-characters

River City Saga: Three Kingdoms Next Review

River City Saga: Three Kingdoms Next, a fresh installment in Kunio’s “Three Kingdoms” saga developed by Arc System Works America, Inc. The game brings an entertaining conclusion to the unique narrative set in China’s legendary Three Kingdoms period. After playing this game on the switch, I can say that this sequel continues the tradition of blending history, humor, and action.

A Historical Tale with a Playful Twist

Inspired by Romance of the Three Kingdoms and the beloved Downtown Special: River City Historical Drama! game, this series transforms River City characters into iconic figures from ancient China. Unlike other adaptations of this era, the game adopts a lighthearted tone, making it a refreshing change from darker and more serious titles. Its charm lies in not taking itself too seriously, making it accessible for both newcomers and long-time fans.

Simple Yet Engaging Gameplay

river city kingdom next - combat
Screenshot: Arc System Works

The gameplay offers a straightforward but highly enjoyable experience. Its beat’em up-style mechanics allow players to dive in and out of action with ease. Whether you’re taking a break from more intense games or seeking a quick gaming session. New players can grasp the controls quickly, making it perfect for casual play.

Vibrant Characters and Entertaining Dialogue

River City Kingdom Next Story 3
Screenshot: Arc System Works

One of the standout features is the lively cast of characters. Each figure is brimming with personality, and their interactions add a layer of humor to the narrative. The exaggerated facial expressions and bold art style enhance the game’s playful spirit. The writing keeps players invested, striking a balance between historical references and comedic moments.

Perfect for Fans and Newcomers

River City Kingdom Next wheel
Screenshot: Arc System Works

While fans of the River City series will undoubtedly appreciate the continuation of Kunio’s saga, newcomers can still enjoy the moment-to-moment gameplay. However, understanding the story’s finer details may be easier for those familiar with the series’ history.

River City Saga: Three Kingdoms Next is a delightful addition to the franchise, offering a fun, accessible experience. It’s a great way to take a break from more intense games and is a must-try for fans of the series or the beat-’em-up genre. Whether you’re a River City enthusiast or looking for something lighthearted and fun, this game is worth checking out.

TitleRiver City Saga: Three Kingdoms Next
Developer: Arc System Works
Publisher: Arc System Works
Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch,
Kurosh’s Verdict: 8/10

Reviewed code provided by the publisher. Reviewed on Nintendo Switch

Be sure to join our Discord for discussions about video games and more at Temple of Geek!

Author

  • Kurosh Jozavi

    Kurosh is a contributing writer for Temple of Geek on video games as well as host of The KJP Show on YouTube. He has been talking about video games in podcasts, videos, and articles for over 8 years. He covers all manner of video games and video game culture, and if it’s tactical RPGs, looter/shooters, and especially indie games, he is definitely there. When he’s not gaming, he’s at conventions, like Comic Con, WonderCon, and PAX, hosting panels about video games.

    View all posts
Kurosh Jozavi

Kurosh Jozavi

Kurosh is a contributing writer for Temple of Geek on video games as well as host of The KJP Show on YouTube. He has been talking about video games in podcasts, videos, and articles for over 8 years. He covers all manner of video games and video game culture, and if it’s tactical RPGs, looter/shooters, and especially indie games, he is definitely there. When he’s not gaming, he’s at conventions, like Comic Con, WonderCon, and PAX, hosting panels about video games.

More From Author

It's in the Game: Madden NFL.

It’s in The Game: Q&A with Daryl Holt

Tetris Forever title with tetris blocks

Tetris Forever Review: A Nostalgic Dive Into Gaming History

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.