Koei's popular strategy franchise Romance of the Three Kingdoms is finally coming back to the west after the better part of a decade, and it's bringing with it a host of new battle types and some awful preorder deals.

　　They say that the pen is mightier than the sword, and it looks like the developers behind this latest Three Kingdoms entry have taken that thought literally. You'll be able to take part in a war of words, trying to out do your opponent without raising a finger.

　　Of course, you'll still be able to send your army off to hit things with sharp bits of metal.

　　Debates are an important part of ensuring a well-rounded (and well-supported) kingdom. These intense conversations present the ability to convince lords to act and lend their support in certain ways to benefit the player’s cause. Duels, conversely, replace words with weapons and are executed in a turn-based fashion. Carrying out a duel will present bonuses for the victor, which can be useful in ultimately getting the upper-hand on an opponent.

　　Players will encounter numerous battle types while commanding an army. Naval battles and warfare has been further perfected in Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIII, allowing a player’s navy to create strategic blockades or carry out skirmishes on vast rivers. On land, battles differ depending on location: Narrow Pass battles require the player to hold a strategic pass or create a line of defense to protect a narrow passage;Open Field battles are large-scale fights in which the player can dynamically control the course of battle. For further strategic advantage on the battlefield, Siege battles can be initiated during another ongoing battle, as creating a blockade around an enemy stronghold allows it to be captured more effectively. Ultimately, players should organize units in the best possible vantage points to ensure any given assault unfolds in their favor. These strategic options are further brought to life by a wide selection of beautiful battlegrounds, as well as individualized officers who possess unique abilities and special attacks that can be used to enhance their army.

　　Extra options is never a bad thing, although obviously it depends how they interact. So long as its as much fun as the latest Nobunaga's Ambition, there shouldn't be any problem.

　　Unless you count the ridiculous pre-order bonuses. If you have any interest in this game and you're in the West, there's a good chance you've 'crossed over' from the Dynasty Warriors franchise, or at least you have a passing interest in the time period.

　　There's a few things that stick out: Lu Bu and Chibi, and you're going to have to pre-order if you want those and a physical copy.

　　Because why give the people what they want when you can get more money?

　　Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIII offers three bonus scenarios to players who pre-order the game through select retailers, including GameStop, Amazon, EB Canada, and Best Buy: the excitingThe Battle of Chibi scenario, in which fan-favorite character Cao Cao has captured Jing and is preparing his attack upon Sun Quan’s Yang Province; the ambitious Thirteen Heroes scenario, which follows thirteen chosen heroes who will gather together to compete for control of the land; the dramatic The Campaign Against Lu Bu scenario, in which Lu Bu has successfully tricked Liu Bei to gain control of the Xu Province, but Liu Bei and Cao Cao have joined forces to reclaim the land. Those who purchase the game via the PlayStation®Store within the first month following launch will receive The Campaign Against Lu Bu scenario.

　　Naturally they'll be available to purchase in the not too distant future, but it's the principle.

　　Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIII will be available to pick up in the US on July 5th as part of the 30th anniversary of the franchise.