is a Japanese adult visual novel and Strategy Game based on the classic Chinese novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. It was developed by BaseSon, and was first released on January 26 2007 for the PC as two DVD-ROMs, followed by a re-release on April 11 2008 containing an extra CD-ROM. The gameplay in Koihime Musō follows a linear plot line, which offers pre-determined scenarios and courses of interaction, and focuses on the appeal of the female main characters. A PlayStation 2 version, titled developed by Yeti and published by Regista will be released on October 30 2008. A new version of Koihime with many new characters will be released on December 26 2008.

Koihime Musō: Doki Otome Darake no Sangokushi Engi has made several transitions to other media. A manga adaptation by Japanese illustrator Yayoi Hizuki was first serialized in the Japanese magazine Dengeki G's Festival! Comic on April 26 2008. An anime adaptation produced by Dogakobo began broadcasting on July 8 2008.

Settings

The game is set in ancient China during and after the fall of the Han dynasty with some major difference, most notably; Most of the male characters in the novel have become female and The Three kingdoms that were form after the Han Dynasty, have already been established earlier. Despite each kingdom ruled by a monarchy, they are still loyal to the Han empire. However, the empire is on the verge of collapse as civil unrest, banditry and infighting bring turmoil to the nation.

As the empire finally collapse and warlords wage war with each other, amidst the turmoil several major faction are form, ready to rule and unite the fractured nation. These major factions (5 in Koihime Musō, 7 in the sequel) are the Shoku/Shu faction led by Kazuto Hongō in Koihime Musō and in the sequel, Queen Ryūbi of the Kingdom of Shu, the Gi/Wei faction led by Queen Sōsō of the Kingdom of Wei, the Go/Wu faction led by Princess Sonken of the Kingdom of Wu and in the sequel, her older sister Queen Sonsaku, the Tō/Zhao faction led by Governess Tōtaku, Governor of Zhao province, the En/Shao faction led by Lady Enshō, Lord of Shao province, and in the sequel the Kihabatō/Yellow Turban Rebels led by the Zhang sisters, Chōkaku, Chōtakara and Chōhari and the Nanban/Southern Barbarians led by Mōkaku. (The anime is set before the Han empire fell and the power struggle between the warlords began.)

Characters

Note: Most characters are loosely based on characters of the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms and will be grouped in the faction/kingdom they belong to and called by their Japanese names.

Hongō/Shoku

;Visual novel version

The main character of the visual novel series. He is a modern day Japanese student who was trained in kendo, military strategies and has pretty good knowledge about Asian History in general. He was sent back in time to ancient China when he attempted to stop a mysterious student from stealing an ancient Chinese mirror within the school's collection and ended up breaking the mirror in the process. Due to his abnormal costume (his school uniform) and manner of speech, he is saved by Kan'u and is mistaken to be the "Messenger from Heaven" who is said to be able to bring peace to China. He initially denied and turn down the role but later on decides to aid Kan'u in her quest, hoping to find his way back home.

He is often shocked as to how heroes he knows from literature are so very different from what he has learned from his time. In the first visual novel, his role is akin to Liu Bei. However, he will take an entirely new role in the upcoming sequel, as Liu Bei has become a separate character. In both games, Kazuto's can allied with any one of the warring factions in their quest to unite China and, along the way, fall in love with any of the main female characters.

Real name:

;Visual novel version

Kan'u shows up shortly after Hongo is transported back in time and saves him from a group of bandits, and due to Hongo's costume and manner of speech, subsequently mistakes him to be the "Messenger from Heaven" and becomes the first person to vow her loyalty to him. Kan'u remains the driving force behind the Hongō/Shu army and displays many heroic actions in the war, often being the leading voices for the other girls as well as the motivator of the group. However, due to her past, she strongly rejects Hongo for calling her a girl, stating, "Nothing as weak as that!"

;Anime version

Kan'u is known as the Beautiful Black-haired bandit fighter and wields the Green Dragon Crescent Blade. She is also one of the main characters beside Chōhi. Her past reveal that her family was killed by bandits which made it her quest to ensure Innocence people will never suffer like she did. She cares a lot for her friends, and she is a sister to Chōhi after they swore a vow of sisterhood because she felt sorry for Chōhi's loneliness. Two common recurring jokes about her are that most people who heard of her believe that she is a beautiful girl, only to meet her and realize that she is just normal-looking and some of the female characters mistakenly believe she and Rinrin are mother and daughter despite the fact she is still young. Based on Guan Yu.

Real name:

;Visual novel version

Chōhi joins Kazuto along with Kan'u after the two discover him together. Unlike Kan'u, who holds a more reserved Master-servant-like relationship with Kazuto, she treats Kazuto like an older sibling and calls him "big brother," similar to how she treats Kan'u. As a powerful character, Chōhi has the strongest Damage ability when used as a general in the game. However, she has no defense technique when used as a commander, thus making her unfit to be one.

;Anime version

Chōhi is a talkative and always cheerful girl. Although she is small and very smart in some things, she is very powerful and strong. She is one of the main character and the first person to join Kan'u. Based on Zhang Fei.

Real name:

;Visual novel version

When Kan'u was fighting the Tō army, she fought alongside Chō'un for a while; when this war ended, Chō'un met Kazuto and took a liking to him, promising to join his army later. She joins alongside Kōchū after the battle with Enshō.

;Anime version

Chōun is a mysterious girl who appears calm, collected, and very powerful. She is the second person to join the group. She loves to tease Kan'u and other women frequently. She also assumes the identity of a hero of justice named Butterfly Mask, hence wearing a Butterfly mask. Based on Zhao Yun.

Real name:

;Visual novel version

When her father died, she joined Kazuto's army so she can get revenge on Sōsō. She joins during the war against Enshō.

;Anime version

Chōhi's friend and daughter of the late Batō who was supposedly killed by Sōsō. Although she speaks like a man, she is really a simple, straight-forward, and easily embarrassed girl.She wields a simple looking naginta but is very strong in both power and form. The third person to join the group. Based on Ma Chao.

Real name:

;Visual novel version

When she was evacuating a village and met Kazuto, she was shocked to see the very "messenger from heaven" helping the people. She begs Kazuto to let her join his army, but he only accepted her when she said her name. The third to join the group.

;Anime version

A shy, kind, and reserved girl around the same age as Rinrin, but is a smart, good strategist in battle. She wants to become a great scholar like her master Shibaki. The fourth to join the group. Based on Zhuge Liang.

Real name:

;Visual novel version

Her daughter was kidnapped by Enshō's men to make Kōchū fight Kazuto's army. Thanks to Chō'un Kazuto's group rescuing Riri and returning her to Kōchū, she sees how Kazuto is a good person, and she gives herself to him to fight at his side. She loves Kazuto and teases him frequently.

;Anime version

A skilled Archer with great eyesight and incredible skill in Archery. She is a noble woman who loves her daughter Riri. Based on Huang Zhong.

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The new heroine and the young queen of the kingdom of Shu in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Liu Bei.

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A female general set to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Yan Yan.

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A new warrior to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Wei Yan.

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Bachō's cousin. A new character to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Ma Dai.

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A new character to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Pang Tong.

Gi

Real name:

;Anime version

The Blonde Queen of the kingdom of Wei and a General of the Kan empire. Sōsō likes beautiful women and likes to tease her subordinates, especially her strategist Jun'iku, but is also attracted to Kan'u. A brilliant ruler and military genius, she also isn't afraid to speak her mind in any situation if she doesn't like it. Despite being seen as a little cruel and calculating, she is in reality a honorable person. Based on Cao Cao.

Real name:

;Anime version

Sōsō's cousin and one of her commanders. The elder twin of the Kakou Sisters, she is a strong, prideful, hotheaded person yet is understanding and loyal to her cousin whom she loves and understands her feelings. Based on Xiahou Dun.

Real name:

;Anime version

The younger twin sister of Ton. Just like her sister, she is also loyal to her cousin Sōsō and is one of her commanders. Unlike her sister, she is more calm and a ingenuous person. Based on Xiahou Yuan.

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;Anime version

Sōsō's trusted adviser and strategist who wears a cat-ears headpiece. She is in love with Sōsō and does not mind being teased by her. She has a rivalry with the Kakō sisters due to the fact they are Sōsō's cousins and are closer to her. Based on Xun Yu.

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;Anime version

A small, young girl with great strength and a large appetite. She wields a Flail, with a handle resembling a kendama chained to a huge iron ball with spikes. She hates being called small as she will go into Furious Rage if anyone calls her that. Based on Xu Chu.

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A bespectacled female strategist and a new character to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Guo Jia.

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The silent adviser girl and a new character to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Cheng Yu.

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A female warrior general and a new character to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Yue Jin.

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A mechanic set to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Li Dian.

A new character to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Yu Jin.

A new character who wields a yoyo as a weapon and set to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Dian Wei.

Go

Real name:

;Visual novel version

The queen of the kingdom of Wu, the eldest sister of the Son Family, and leader of the Wu faction in Shin Koihime Musō.

;Anime version

The queen of the kingdom of Wu and the eldest sister of the Son Family. Originally set to appear in Shin Koihime Musō, she made her first appearance in the anime. While loving and caring to her sisters and subordinates, she is ruthless in battle and to her enemies. To fulfill the last wishes of her late mother, Sonken, she has led her kingdom into a long war to unite the country. While her methods have been scrutinized, she admittedly accepts responsibility for her actions since she would rather have her hands bloody rather than have her family suffer the same fate as she has. She hopes to abdicate in favor of her sister Sonken and retire with her lover Shuyu after fulling her mother's wishes. Based on Sun Ce.

Real name:

;Visual novel version

In the first game she is the leader of the Wu faction, but in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō, her older sister Sonsaku is the new leader of the Wu faction.

;Anime version

Princess of Wu, second sister of the Son Family, and Shōren's older sister. Unlike her older sister, she is less ruthless, uneasy about herself, and more kind-hearted. She worries about how her sister's wars are affecting everyone which, unknown to her, her sister is doing is for their sake. Her sister has chosen her to be her successor; she knows that she will be a better ruler who will heal the wounds the nation has suffered from the wars. Based on Sun Quan.

Real name:

;Anime version

The youngest sister of the Son family and a princess of Wu. She is a spoiled brat who enjoys expensive things and tends to complain a lot. She joins Aisha's group after she runs way from home, bored of doing her royal duties, and later returns home. Based on Sun Shangxiang.

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;Anime version

The kingdom of Wu's master strategist. She is a close confidant and lover to Queen Sonsaku who understands her Queen's ambition. She has sworn loyalty to her until their task is done. Based on Zhou Yu.

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;Anime version

A loyal bodyguard and warrior to the Son family. While normally calm, she becomes hotheaded when someone questions her loyalty to the Son's. Based on Gan Ning.

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;Anime version

Shuyu beloved disciple. A smart yet air-headed official who loves to read books as in her own words; gaining knowledge gives her such pleasure. Based on Lu Xun.

;Anime version

One half of the famous twins. Based on Dà Qiáo of the Qiaos Sisters.

;Anime version

One half of the famous twins. Based on Xiǎo Qiáo of the Qiaos Sisters.

An officer and a new character who is set to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Zhou Tai.

A general and a new character who is set to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Huang Gai.

A bespectacled officer and a new character who is set to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Lü Meng.

;Anime version

The late mother of the Son sisters and the previous queen of Wu. Known as the Tiger of Koutou, she told her last wishes to her daughter and heir, Sonsaku, to unite the nation for the Son family. Based on Sun Jian.

;Anime version

The Son sister's aunt and Sonken's younger sister. While strict with her youngest niece, she is loyal to her Queen and niece, Sonsaku. However, it is later revealed that she strongly disagrees with the wars led by Sonsaku, which she believes will destroy Wu and the Son family. She and a group of nobles collaborated to have Sonsaku assassinated and take over the throne, but the plan fails thanks to a manipulating scheme by the Queen and her allies where she and the collaborators were arrested. Based on Sun Jing.

;Anime version

A elder noble of Wu. At first, it seems he was one of the ringleaders of the collaborators who planned to assassinate Sonsaku and give the throne to Sonsei. Later it was revealed he was actually Queen Sonsaku's ally and was using his position in the group to gain evidence for their part in the plot. Based on Zhang Zhao.

Tō

Real name:

;Anime version

The Governess of Zhuo who is based on Dong Zhuo. However unlike her real life counterpart, who was a tyrannical and cruel man, she is a kind, sweet, timid and innocent girl who wants to help her country and her people no matter the circumstance. Due to her innocent personality, most are unable to say no to her as they are too helpless against her innocent pleas.

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;Anime version

Tōtaku's strategist and adviser. While short-tempered and a serious bespectacled girl, she has not got the heart to say no to her childhood friend Yue. Based on Jia Xu.

;Anime version

A brave general of the Zhuo army. This sliver-haired beauty has absolute confidence in her fighting skills. She is also easy going as she doesn't mind if her leader Tōtaku goes visiting commoners in disguise, as she believes it will help their country's welfare if she sees their problems through her own eyes. Based on Hua Xiong.

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;Anime version

A silent girl who is the greatest and the most powerful warrior of all in the Kingdoms. She was thought as a monster in the mountains, but it all ended in a misunderstanding as she was trying to help her pet dogs. She usually does not show any emotion at all but is really a good-hearted person. Based on Lü Bu.

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;Anime version

A beautiful, proud warrior who looks like a Yakuza gangster and speaks with a Kansai dialect. She likes a good and honest fight and detests cheating. She is an avid lover of wine. Based on Zhang Liao.

A new character who is set to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Chen Gong.

En

Real name:

;Anime version

Head of the Noble Yuan family and the Lord of Shao, she is a proud, spoiled and selfish woman who is always causing trouble for her advisers, Bunshū and Ganryō. She tries hides her true character from Sōsō, whom she sees as a no-good brat. Based on Yuan Shao.

Real name:

;Anime version

One of Enshō's advisers. She is a natural gambler who likes to take risks on everything but keeps getting herself and others into trouble. Despite her position as an adviser, she is not really smart, is brash, and tends to say things without thinking about it firsthand, which tend to embarrass her master. Based on Wen Chou.

Real name:

;Anime version

Enshō's other adviser. While she may seem timid and weak compared to her master, Enshō, and her friend, Bun Shou, she is fact the smartest of the three and is the only one with common sense. Despite being the smartest of the three, she isn't really that smart as her IQ is about 32 and she is easily offended if anyone calls her IQ any lower than that. Based on Yan Liang.

Enshō's younger sister who is set to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Yuan Shu.

Enjutsu's assistant who is set to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Zhang Xun.

Kihabatō

The eldest sister of the Chō sisters. She and her sisters are a famous idol group and the leaders of the Yellow Turban Rebels. Set to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Zhang Jiao.

The middle sister of the Chō sisters. She and her sisters are a famous idol group and the leaders of the Yellow Turban Rebels. Set to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Zhang Bao.

The youngest sister of the Chō sisters. She and her sisters are a famous idol group and the leaders of the Yellow Turban Rebels. Set to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Zhang Liang

Nanban

Leader of the Nanban (Southern Barbarians) who is set to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. Based on Meng Huo., , &

Three girls who wear tiger cosplay and are Mōkaku's followers who are set to appear in the sequel, Shin Koihime Musō. The three of them are original characters.

Others

;Visual novel version

Based on Diao Chan. Chōsen is a big, muscular, bald, pigtailed man wearing a thong instead as a beautiful woman as in the historical novel.

Real name:

;Anime version

A small feudal lord who wishes to protect her people from a recent rise of banditry. A noble person who loves her white horses. Based on Gongsun Zan.

;Anime version

The young daughter of Kōchū. In the anime, she was kidnapped by a group who threatened to kill her unless Kōchū helped them in an assassination. She was later rescued and reunited with her mother thanks to Aisha's group. An original character.

;Visual novel version

He tried to steal the mirror that sent Kazuto to the other world. He is a member of the hooded men who are trying to kill Kazuto and the one who hates him the most. Based on Zuo Ci.

;Visual novel version

He is Saji's partner. He is the one behind Sōsō's brainwashing and Shuyu's betrayal so they can kill Kazuto. Based on Yu Ji.

;Anime version

Shuri's teacher who is also a scholar and doctor in the countryside. Shibaki has been taking care of Shuri ever since she was orphaned and was separated from her sisters. She loves Shuri, treating her like her own daughter and wanting the best for her. Based on Sima Hui.

;Anime version

A silver-haired beauty who was the Commander-in-Chief of the Kan Imperial forces who was also known as the "Great General". She appeared in Shunran's memory as the host of the banquet at which she instigated the incident between Karin and Sui's father Batō, whose accidental death caused Sui to mistake Karin as his killer. She appears again in episode 12 in a war meeting with several commanders, discussing about putting down recent uprisings in the country. Based on He Jin.

;Anime version

Sui's father, who died falling off his horse due to drunkenness after being embarrassed by a proposed duel with Karin at Kashin's request. The landlord of Seiryō, he is also a martial artist who took great pride in its practice. Based on Ma Teng. Anime version

Real name:

A charismatic young commander. He is not to be confuse with Ryūbi of Shin Koihime Musō as the latter is female and both have different real names. He first appear in episode 11 leading the Touka Village militia against Bandits where Aisha and Rinrin helps them defeat the Bandits. Gentoku claims to be a descendant Liu Sheng and was able to get an army from the Feudal lord of Touka as he and his followers were on a quest to defeat the bandits. However, his army was defeated 7 times and which had led to his reputation known as the commander who lose in every battle which at one point the lord was thinking of throwing him out if he lost again. Thanks to the help of Aisha and Rinrin and Shuri strategies, Gentoku and his men were able to defeat the bandits one by one. He is also good with women as he was the first person to recognize that Aisha was the famous Beautiful Black hair Bandit Fighter without the usual skepticism of her beauty and charmed Great General Kashin.

As his reputation grows, along with his relationship with Aisha (As he resemble her late older brother), Rinrin began to distrust him as she suspect something suspicious about him. These suspicion were confirmed when Gentoku and his men attended an imperial war meeting held by General Kashin, Touka is attacked by a large army of Bandits and he refuse to go and help the village, instead is more focus on his mission to defeat rebels, given to him by Kashin. Aisha tries to make him reconsider but he tries to seduce Aisha to join him in his mission instead and forget the Village. Realizing that Gentoku, never did care about saving people and was only interested fame, glory and his twisted view of justice, Aisha slaps him and leaves him along with Bachō to save their friends. Without those two, Gentoku's army was defeated in battle where he receive a severe scolding from General Kashin. He tries to save face by returning to Touka only to meet two unexpected guests, Kōchū and Riri who immediately recognize him as the man who kidnapped Riri and threatened Kōchū to commit assassination. His identity exposed, he runs away where Kōchū concludes he was nothing more than a no good impostor who lie about his ancestry and identity to gain fame. We don't have any evidence to prove whether his true identity is Ryubi or not.

Development

Koihime Musō is the fifth game developed by BaseSon, known for creating their first title, One2: Eien no Yakusoku, sequel to Tactics' One: Kagayaku Kisetsu e. Direction and planning for Kohime Musō was done by K. Bajjo, who has also provided scenario used in the game, along with fellow writers Izumi Kumashiro, Takuya Aoyama, Assault, and Shiina Arai. Art direction and character designs were split between five people, Kōnan Hachina, Tantaka, Hiyota Katagiri, Eiji Nichi, and Hokuto Saeki. Music in the game was provided by Takumaru, Ryō Mizugetsu, and Ichinoryū Uehara.

Release history

Koihime Musō was first available to public on January 26 2007 as an adult game playable only on Microsoft Windows PCs as two DVD-ROMs. It was subsequently followed by a re-release on April 11 2008. While the gameplay and scenario in the game is essentially the same, an extra fandisc not available in the original version titled was included with the re-release as a CD-ROM. An all-ages consumer port for the PlayStation 2, retitled as , developed by Yeti and published by Regista will be released on October 30 2008. An enhanced re-release of Koihime Musō, is slated for a release date of December 26 2008 with extended scenario.

Adaptations

Manga

A manga adaptation based on the original visual novel drawn by Japanese illustrator Yayoi Hizuki, with its title renamed as began serialization in the second issue of the manga magazine Dengeki G's Festival! Comic published by ASCII Media Works on April 26 2008.

Anime

An anime adaptation produced by Dogakobo began broadcasting in Japan on July 8 2008 on the Tokyo MX TV and the Chiba TV broadcasting networks, followed by other broadcasting networks later during the same month. The anime series, with its title shortened to simply Koihime Musō, featured a story very different to that found in the original visual novel, featuring Kan'u's adventure in China instead of the grand battle between each factions. After the last episode aired, it was announced an OVA was in production and it will follow the games plot.

Music

The visual novel has four main theme songs, one promotion theme, one opening theme, one insert song, and one ending theme. The promotion theme was , and was performed by ☆396☆. The opening theme song was "Hφwling Sφul", which was performed by Rekka Katakiri. The insert theme was , while the ending theme was , both performed by Chata. All of the songs were composed and arranged by Takumaru, with the lyrics written by K. Bajjo.

The anime has two theme songs. The opening theme, titled "Flower of Bravery", was performed by fripSide, and was composed and written by Chiyomaru Shikura, and arranged by Satoshi Yaginuma. The ending theme, titled was performed by fripSide NAO project!, composed and arranged by Satoshi Yaginuma, and written by Nao, Shinichirō Yamashita, and Satoshi Yaginuma.

References

External links

• PC visual novel official website
• PS2 visual novel official website
• Official Koihime Musō anime website