Rise of The Phoenix (項劉記, Kōryūki, literally: "The Chronicles of Xiang-Liu") is one of Koei's many historical simulation titles. The setting for this game is the Chu–Han Contention, the four year conflict which happened after Shi Huangdi's death and led to the birth of the Han Dynasty.
The game's producer is Kou Shibusawa and the music composer is Tomoki Hasegawa. Noriyoshi Ourai illustrated the game's cover image.
Gameplay[]
The players can either watch an AI demo of the game, pit their strengths against the computer, or fight against another player. The player can only choose Xiang Yu or Liu Bang as their preferred lord. Each lord has their own traits:
- Xiang Yu (Chu) - strong in war with low numbers; often has high morale and trustworthy generals; hard to keep alliances and peace within cities.
- Liu Bang (Han) - intellectual leader who relies on a variety of generals for war; prevails by focusing on domestic affairs; easier to keep his allies happy.
Warlords in the game cannot be controlled by players, but players can send envoys to forge alliances or conquer ruling cities. Allies can rebel against the player's character, joining another warlord or leading a squadron in mutiny. Armies are automatically assembled, and battles and planning phases begin in two week sessions. Strength is measured by Spirit, Supplies, and Troop numbers, with generals' Stamina rating enhancing endurance.
The game revolves around military divisions fighting in a unique screen, with each unit using a fixed amount of action points. The player has 14 days to decide the victor, with the possibility of duels if armies are close. When facing opposing armies, a castle siege can be initiated, with the attacking army aiming to break down the defender's defenses or reduce their numbers. If the player doesn't encounter hostile forces within the first turn, they can activate the secondary planning phase, which includes strategic measures like hunting for hidden troops or enlisting troops. Victory depends on conquering territory, keeping track of ally territory and forces, and gaining people's respect.
Scenarios[]
Before the start of any game, the player can choose to play one of the following scenarios:
- Xiang Yu's Glory - 206 BC: Xiang Yu's rise to power after Shi Huangdi's death
- Liu Bang Declares War - 205 BC: Liu Bang gains Han Xin; Xiang Yu kills emperor
- The Battle at Guang Wu - 204 BC: Battle of Pengcheng and Battle of Jingsuo
- The Rise of the Phoenix - 203 BC: beginning and end of the Battle of Gaixia
The player's progress and faction influence historical events, with scenarios varying in favor of Xiang Yu's troops. The game's AI can be left to decide their side's actions, with time spent limitless and ending once victory is achieved.
Differences between ports[]
- The PC and PS versions features detailed portraits and improved sound quality over the SNES ports.
- The battle scenes in the SNES and PC versions have different visuals, with larger sprites and miniature troops. A split screen allows detailed battle commands and faction stats without navigating through menus.
- Larger visuals for the cinema are available for the PC versions.
- Ending sequences look slightly different between ports.
Related Media[]
Koei released a fifteen-track soundtrack CD of the game's music in 1993.
Trivia[]
- Select figures from this time era would later appear as playable characters in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms series and Shin Sangoku Musou Multi Raid 2.
