Koei is set to bring its well-known historical simulation series to the PlayStation 2. The series lets you step into the history of ancient China and become involved in the events that shaped the development of the country. Now in its seventh installment, the series will be fleshed out to take advantage of its more spacious environs.

　　Set between the second and third century, the game will once again charge you with uniting all of China. The period will be divided into scenarios, which are spread out over the span of time from the fall of the Later Han Empire to the rise of the three major powers that emerged. The three powers, Liu Bei (Shu), Cao Cao (Wei), and Sun Quan (Wu), came to divide China among themselves and were a significant part of China's evolution as a nation.

　　You'll be able to choose from more than 500 characters from a broad range of occupations and social classes. You will be able to raise your flag, grow in fame, and deal with diplomacy, war, and personal issues on your journey to untie all of China under your rule. In addition to the 500 selectable characters, you'll be able to create and use 100 original characters.

　　Your experience with the game will change depending on the class of your character. There are a total of five classes in the game (liege, warlord, prefect, common, and ronin), each with its own paths to uniting China. Each character will also have three types of commands: strategy commands will let you interact with other countries, officer commands will let you rule your country, and personal commands affect your characters' lifestyle in the game. Battles will be broken up into two phases (field and siege) that will require you to think through your battle strategy.

　　Romance of the Three Kingdoms VII is slated to ship this summer for the PlayStation 2. Look for more on the game from the show floor and in the coming weeks.