The game is still very much structured as it was when I originally played it, but there are many new enhancements that really immerse you in the game. You begin by picking a character from over 600 possible selections. There are the main players like Cao Cao, Sun Jian, and Lu Bu as well as countless lesser characters. You really can not complain about the variety of character selection at all. Better yet, you can create you own character and build them without limits in terms of their abilities. You also can assign them to service of a particular city. Another solid addition to the create-a-character mode is that you can assign family relationships and a best friend. So basically, if you select the right character to be the child of, you will have some automatic allies that can assist you in the game.

From there you, determine the time period you want to begin playing in. If you are playing a created character, you will need to be at least 15 years old at the start of the period. You can also select the game play to be historical in that the other character's actions will be based on historical occurrences. Or, you can play a fictional account so the AI becomes more random.

You can begin your career serving as an officer for a sovereign leader or you may be a free officer. Again, there are a lot of choices here. As an officer, by completing tasks assigned by the sovereign leader, you build your attributes and are given increasingly more and more responsibilities. These can be anything from helping build trade at the market to running a city.

Of course, the military campaigns are why we play. You have ample opportunity to lead armies in conquest of new cities in your effort to unite China. This of course is the best part. Your effective use of foot units, bow units, and horse units will often determine your success here. As a free officer, you can build your own forces by recruiting other free officer and taking over free cities. I found this approach to be the most fun, as you don't have to spend a lot of time doing menial tasks for others. As Cao Cao would say, "Be your own warlord".

Throughout the game, you build the experience and skills of your character by completing tasks and learning from other characters. Additionally, you will be called upon to debate and duel major and lesser characters. I found these two sections to be a lot of fun, especially the dueling. You select from a variety of actions, the effectiveness of each action is determined by how your opponent counters, which requires you to build strategies for your duels. I really did find this to be a lot of fun.

The game's graphics are very solid for a strategy game. The game board is detailed with cities and players. Additionally, the character profiles are very unique to each character and well done. The sound is very solid with different sound effects used for different areas of the cities as well as for different situations like dueling or war. The music is acceptable but I turned it down after awhile.

I found game to be very addictive. If you enjoy strategy games, you could lose many hours from your real responsibilities. I sat for 6 hours straight playing this game before my eyes started burning and I really wanted to play longer. If you enjoy strategy games, this is a must have. It has hours upon hours worth of gameplay and better yet, so many scenarios that once you unite China, you can start all over again. I say this game is far beyond a rental. So, get out there and recruit some local warriors, take over a city, and begin your path towards a new China!