Total War: Three Kingdoms - Mandate of Heaven Reviews
Mandate of Heaven brings some new ideas and challenges to the Three Kingdoms table. In doing so, the power struggles of Ancient China have never felt more real.
Mandate of Heaven is a strong DLC for Total War: Three Kingdoms, offering a selection of new mechanics for particular factions, a host of new units and a brand new scenario for you to begin with, one that seamlessly fits in with the rest of the game. There are a few issues that have been exasperated, such as diplomacy and the AI can't seem to handle the new mechanics well, but overall the DLC is still well worth picking up as for the most part, it offers even more engaging stories that allow for emergent gameplay and just more of Total War: Three Kingdoms, one of the best strategy games ever made.
Mandate of Heaven is an essential part of the Three Kingdoms package, and takes what was already the best grand strategy game on the market, and takes it to loftier heights.
The best Three Kingdoms DLC so far - a stirring rendition of the final days of the Han, the people who rose against them, and the humble heroes whose ambitions would change China forever.Sean Martin
Total War: Three Kingdoms - Mandate of Heaven presents a massive conflict and an evolving sandbox campaign, with several features and events to keep you entertained. Sadly, it's also bogged down by its reliance on older concepts that lack strategic depth, glaring bugs, as well as missed opportunities. Though you could expect to log in the extra hours, it becomes repetitious to a fault once the rebellion has been quashed.
Mandate of Heaven is an interesting DLC that adds the events leading up to and including the Yellow Turban Rebellion. Incite the rebellion or attempt to crush it, it's your choice. Be prepared for challenging situations that may frustrate you and make you want to stop. Longtime fans of the series and genre may appreciate the challenge more.
Mandate of Heaven may not be a total overhaul to the series' formula but it still offers a lot of new things. The familiar map and lackluster new units are offset by the entertaining new styles of play, new heroes and interesting events. Definitely worth checking out if you've been itching to get back into Three Kingdoms.
Mandate of Heaven is a good addition to Three Kingdoms, certainly more so than its previous expansion. However it enacts more as a 'bolt-on' expansion rather than new or exciting content. While what is presented is indeed fun to toy with and can add multiple playthroughs for interested parties, you are still playing Three Kingdoms. It's simply about 8 years earlier.
For the first time, there is a game that focus on a special time before the three kingdoms, it's another forgettable yet crucial history. This DLC reveals the falling of Han dynasty for whoever interested in digging deep in the history.
Review in Chinese | Read full review
The play style adjustments in the campaign to the core gameplay loop do enough to keep things interesting
Mandate of Heaven shows how powerful Creative Assembly’s narrative team can be when given the proper tools. An amazing DLC that fits perfectly into the main campaign, offers new ways to play and unexpected challenges.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
“Whether playing as the Han Dynasty, or stoking the flames of rebellion with the Yellow Turbans, the Mandate of Heaven expansion is great for new and returning players.”