Bandit Kings of Ancient China is a turn-based historical strategy game released for the NES by Koei in 1990. Based on the 14th-century Chinese literary classic Water Margin, the game places players in the role of an outlaw leader during the Song Dynasty, tasked with building a powerful network of bandits to overthrow the corrupt minister Gao Qiu.
How to Play
Your main objective is to recruit loyal heroes, manage prefecture economies, collect taxes and food, and command troops in turn-based tactical battles across imperial China.
Browser Controls
- D-pad (Arrow Keys): Navigate prefecture maps and move units.
- A Button (Z / J): Select command or confirm action.
- B Button (X / K): Cancel selection or return to the main map.
- Start (Enter): Confirm turn transitions and open system menus.
- Select (Shift): Cycle menu options and status screens.
Strategy Tips
- Maintain Morale and Loyalty: Reward your generals regularly with gold and equipment, as low loyalty leads to desertion or battlefield betrayal.
- Develop Home Territories: Improve land cultivation and flood prevention in your core prefectures before expanding your borders to secure steady grain and tax revenues.
- Watch the Invasion Deadline: Keep track of passing years; Gao Qiu grows stronger over time, and you must unite China before external forces invade.
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