Basic Information
- Official English Name: Liu Shan Maker
- Developer & Publisher: Xian (Developer), Playmeow (Publisher)
- Release Dates: May 13, 2024 (Global)
- Supported Platforms: PC (Windows, Mac, Linux), Steam Deck
- Game Tags: Management, Simulation, Anime, Strategy
- Social Media: Steam Page (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1997480/), Twitter (@PlaymeowGames)
In-Depth Review
Liu Shan Maker emerges as a distinctive blend of Three Kingdoms-era strategy and character-driven narrative, inviting players to step into the role of Zhuge Liang, tasked with guiding Liu Shan, the orphaned daughter of Liu Bei, toward becoming the Empress of Shu Han. Set against the backdrop of a fractured China, the game balances political intrigue with emotional depth, offering a unique take on historical fiction.
Gameplay Overview
The core mechanics revolve around resource management, diplomatic negotiations, and character development. Players must allocate resources to sustain Shu Han’s infrastructure while navigating alliances and rivalries with other kingdoms. Liu Shan’s growth is central to the story, requiring careful attention to her skills, relationships, and moral dilemmas. The game’s branching narrative ensures multiple playthroughs yield different outcomes, with choices impacting both personal and national trajectories.
Visual and Narrative Style
Visually, the game adopts a retro anime aesthetic with vibrant, hand-drawn character designs and detailed environmental art. The narrative is layered, blending historical accuracy with fictional elements to create a compelling drama. Dialogues are rich with political and philosophical themes, drawing from the Records of the Three Kingdoms while adding original twists to keep the story engaging.
Audience Reception
With a 79/100 Steam user score (based on 270 reviews), Liu Shan Maker has garnered praise for its strategic depth and emotional resonance. Critics highlight the game’s ability to balance complexity with accessibility, making it appealing to both newcomers and fans of the genre. However, some players note the steep learning curve and limited character customization options as areas for improvement. Financially, the title has outperformed Xian’s previous release, Qi Luo’s Erotic Life, by 602% in sales figures, indicating strong market reception.
Platforms and Accessibility
Available on PC and Steam Deck, Liu Shan Maker supports cross-platform saves and cloud integration, enhancing its portability. The game’s design prioritizes readability, with intuitive UI elements and optional tutorials to guide new players. While primarily targeted at fans of historical strategy games, its narrative focus also attracts enthusiasts of visual novels and character-driven storytelling.
Game Link: Liu Shan Maker