Mandate of Heaven Reveal Trailer / Total War: THREE KINGDOMS 

Preorder where and when?

Who keep replay Three Kingdom trailers just to listen to the music raise your hand

As a Chinese, let ’s try to explain the meaning of the lyrics in this video This passage was said by a man named Lao Tzu. He was one of the greatest thinkers in Chinese history. Lao Tzu lived in the Spring and Autumn Period, which is very similar to the Three Kingdoms. Therefore, Lao Tzu's remarks can also well confirm the historical process of the Three Kingdoms Period. The following is a detailed explanation of the lyrics: If everyone respects morality and order, why should we emphasize the importance of morality and order?（大道废，有仁义）0:30 If society worships a saint who is both moral and intelligent, then hypocrisy and darkness must occupy most of the society. （智慧出，有大伪）0:41 If people are jealous and distrustful of each other, and everyone sells their loved ones and friends for the benefit, then the person who adheres to his soul and morals will highlight his greatness. (六亲不和，有孝慈）0:50 Only when the country and the monarch are in danger can people realize who is the savior of the country and who is the true loyal servant of the emperor (国家昏乱，有忠臣） 1:00 1:40 The last paragraph I think is ironic that no one can save the people and emperors of the Han Dynasty, although they once thought that Dong Zhuo could play this role. . . When the hopes of the people collapsed, the order of the empire disappeared. Among the ashes and fire, new hope and new order will be born. This is what we Chinese call Yin and Yang My English is poor......I hope you guys can understand what I mean😂

1:43 The Dong before he became The Big Dong

Young Dong can actually fit on his horse now!

" When the state is confused and chaotic, there is loyalty and faithfulness " -camera point at Dong Zhuo

There is an interesting detail in the trailer. Usually traditional Chinese houses - no matter farmer's bungalow or emperor‘s palace - are all facing to the south(坐北朝南). If you pay attention to it, you will find that Zhang Jue(张角) is actually facing a rising sun while Lu Zhi(卢植) is facing a sunset.

I haven't seen a thread delving this deep into the trailer so I'm posting an analysis of the trailer. It was composed in large thanks to the discussions of the Korean Three Kingdoms and Total War community with my thoughts added on top. 1. Lu Zhi and Zhang Jue are the only colored characters in the low chroma & gray background. 2. Their respective colour, blue represents azure sky(Han Dynasty) and yellow represents yellow sky(Yellow Turbans) 3. It's raining and storming. Clear, azure sky(Han Dynasty) is giving way to dark, cloudy storms (chaotic time) 4. Zhang Jue is seen tending to the sick peasant child who do not survive. Lu Zhi is found delivering taxes(in grain) to a government officer. Historically Lu Zhi was discharged from his position because he refused to pay bribes to the eunuchs; this shows how even an upright official such as Lu Zhi can't help but be part of the exploitative system that oppresses the peasants. 5. The scene switches to show Zhang Jue walking away from the dead child and Lu Zhi walking in the palace; the harsh life of commoners starkly juxtaposed with the lavish lifestyle of the nobility. 6. Zhang Jue laments for his inability and throws an empty bowl to the ground, which symbolizes starvation(empty) & poverty(has nothing) of the peasantry. This also shows Zhang Jue losing hope to save the people through peaceful means such as his art of medicine. The emperor is seen with eunuchs and government officials arguing and scheming against each other, with Cao Cao and Sun Jian glaring with disgusts. This represents the inner court power struggle while the peasantry are dying outside, and ambitious warlords losing trust of the emperor & government restoring the order; they will have to carve their own destiny. Lastly, the empty bowl is focused one more time followed by a shot of the emperor's back, highlighting the emperor's lack of power & his inability to do anything. 7. Rain stops and the sun (yellow sky) comes out. Azure sky is dead. Yellow sky is dawning. Zhang Jue receives a revelation of what he should do. This is the will of Heaven. 8. Lu Zhi sees the same sight. While Zhang Jue looks into the sky, Lu Zhi frowns and look away. Lu Zhi realizes that the time of azure sky has come to an end. 9. We have shots of various warlords with their marching armies. Huangfu Song and He Jin are shown with the dawn light in the background(yellow sky) where as Dong Zhuo is the only one shown with the daylight of clear sky in the background (azure sky). This symbolizes how Huangfu Song and He Jin are raising their armies to deal with the dawning threat of the yellow turban rebellion. Dong Zhuo? To him the yellow turban rebellion is only means to an end. He wants to become the azure sky himself; that is why his army is the only one marching under the azure sky. 10. Zhang Jue grabs the sun using the very hand he threw the bowl, ending the trailer. It is Zhang Jue's wake up call realizing the turn of time, his destiny not as a doctor but as a savior, determined to bring about the yellow sky. At the same time, you can't grab the sun which foreshadows the failure of the yellow turbans. 11. The trailer lyrics (English- ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7h3yUuxWpYs.html) is a text excerpt from Tao Te Ching Chapter -18. Laozi, the author and famous philosopher (Chinese equivalent of the Greek philosopher Plato), wrote this book nearly 800 years before the event of the three kingdoms. The lyrics literally describes what is happening in the Han dynasty in the trailer. 12. If you read the lyrics, you will find lots of paradoxical contrast statements. For instance "When the great tao(way or method) ceased to be observed, benevolence and righteousness came into vogue." "When harmony no longer prevailed throught the six kinships, filial sons found their manifestation." This paradox is one of the philosophical thoughts of Laozi. A discourse that a bowl may not exist to hold rice, but rather having a bowl could cause rice to be held; a cause can be opposite of the results. Wisdom comes from the existence of great lies; countries fall into chaos which allows loyal servants of the state become the the very one they are. This is why there is a focus on the bowl. It perfectly matches with the narrative, text of Tao Te Ching, and the discourse discussed in the chapter. Mandate of Heaven trailer is hands down the best total war trailer I've ever seen and one of the best portrayals of Three Kingdoms era. CA's understanding (or whoever is making the trailer) of the era is downright astonishing and I am left awed as a long time fan of Three Kingdoms era.

Is no one going to talk about how enchanting the music is?

Looking back through the 3K trailers and this is by far the most powerful one. A masterpiece.

total war really makes the best trailers ever

mah boi Dong Zhuo looking good when he was young

Honestly love it how the Turbans are depicted as more than just a band of ravenous bandits. This was a time when the Han's systemic flaws and internal turmoil were essentially reaching its peak and such an uprising was inevitable but the scale and planning involved in this rebellion was immense. Were it not for Tang Zhuo informing the Emperor he likely would have never known it was being planned under his nose to begin with. 360,000 people rose up in the first wave of rebels alone in four provinces with even more joining in later on throughout the Han. This is a rebellion that probably would have saw most contemporary nations just surrendering outright. It also helps that Zhang Jue is depicted in an almost heroic light here. Sure we get to see Sun Jian and Cao Cao clearly disgusted with what's going on but Jue is the man who has to deal with watching the poor and devastated suffer and decide he will do something about it. This is probably the most positive depiction of the Turbans seen and while opinions on that obviously will be mixed its a change of pace and one I kind of welcome.

The Azure Sky is already dead; the Yellow Sky will soon rise. When the year is jiǎzǐ, there will be prosperity under Heaven!

Zhang Jiao are crying: This my trailer, but everyone just talking about Mr.Dong. T_T

You have Big Dong in the original campaign, in this prequel campaign you now have Small Dong.

1:11 When you finally step outside for the first time seeing there is a whole world outside the computer

0:55 Cao Cao is mean mugging so hard.

I don't know what it is, but CA's trailers for 3K seem way more... Insightful than the Warhammer trailers. Like, the warhammer trailers are crazy and wild and undoubtedly cool, but each 3K trailer seems to tell a story. The devide between the opulence of the court and the misery and suffering of the people that gave rise to the rebellion. An Emperor who is oblivious to the squabbling of his courtiers right behind his back. The leader of the Yellow Turbans straining to reach a brighter future. It's really well done.

THE BLUE SKY OF THE HAN IS DEAD. THE YELLOW SKY SHALL RISE

Three kingdoms: todey Eight princes: future Mandate of heaven: PAST OF EVRYTHING.

The Dong is Fit and tall this time !

Came back after just winning the Mandate War as Zhang Jue. Honestly one of the most fun campaigns I had, and partly because of just role playing as Zhang Jue. Every city I captured, I would always heal the locals. But every corrupt warlord that was captured would be executed on the spot. There's just something so perfect about winning as Zhang Jue and knowing that maybe, just maybe, you have ushered in a better world for the people suffering under the collapsing Han.

I love the subtle character hints in this! :10 Liu Bei looking downward in shame as the grain is distributed amongst the soldiers, knowing that it will cost the people.

fun fact: most of the Chinese building face to south, so when Zhang Jiao (the man in yellow and tried to rebel) turned left and look at the sun, he was facing east and looking at the rising sun. for the same reason, the man in blue who tried to save the country was looking at a setting sun.

lyrics from LAO TZU- Tao Te Ching(老子-道德經) (1)大道廢，有仁義；(2)智慧出，有大偽；(3)六親不和，有孝慈；(4)國家昏亂，有忠臣 (1):When the Way is forgotten Duty and justice appear; (2):Then knowledge and wisdom are born along with hypocrisy. (3):Filial piety is natural When harmonious relationships dissolve,Then respect and devotion arise (4):When a nation falls to chaos,Then loyalty and patriotism are born. This music is excellent

1:10 until the last part will always be the most epic part. The feeling of leading a massive army as if you are a hope of restoring the kingdom and a hero to many then loved by the people in the end.

Different than the other ones, brilliant! Such a nice shot btw 1:43

SOOOOO COOL!!! The story before the heros become heros, it has really touched me! Who knows that Cao Cao and Yuan Shao are friends when they are young, Yuan is like Lannister who comes from a rich and powerful family, Cao is like the little finger who is laughed by the nobles, so he tried really hard to fit in them. Like taking liberties with girls, buying beautiful horses or dressing in soft silk. When Cao is a little boy, his biggest dream is to become a loyal general to fight for Han Empire to conquer the west. And little Liu Bei hate reading and school, he got critisized hundreds of time by his teacher because he always ran away from class， instead, he loves to fool around with a group of dandies, no one then could imagine he would carry the last glory of Han Empire in his last 40 years and finally burried all he had acheived in order to revenge for his best friend, GuanYu. I guess that is history, they are just some words written on the print paper, but there are thousands of tears and love behind those words.

"Mom says it's my turn with the Mandate of Heaven"

I love all those 3K trailers. Knowing the story since I was a kid, those trailers really gives me the feeling of intense excitement. It is like I was still that little kid unwrapping the old text and imaging myself fight alongside my heroes.

I’ve been studying arts and games for about 5 years now and I haven’t been able to get excited or pumped for a new a new game, dlc or film even more so without worry for it but this trailer is something special. The way this trailer plays out from the black and white to colour and the mix with the music captures a feeling that I haven’t been able to have for a long time and for that I thank you. Your team has done well and should be proud of yourselves.

Everybody talking about slim Dong, but is no one going to mention liu bei in the background at 0:13

Total war trailer is the best when a trailer with wonderful soundtrack

CA : which character should we focus on when BGM lyrics comes the loyalty? EDIT : Dong Zhuo? CA : BRILLIANT IDEA

As a Chinese, I'd really like this dlc s CG! Buy buy buy! Thank you for this newyears gift.

Base on Tao Te Ching - Lao Tzu - chapter 18 When the great Tao is forgotten, Kindness and morality arise. When wisdom and intelligence are born, The great pretence begins. When there is no peace within the family, Filial piety and devotion arise. When the country is confused and in chaos, Loyal ministers appear.

Zhang Jiao: it's a Miracle of the People!

Dope music as always.

"Feel the power of my Maaaagiiiiiiic!" - Zhang Bao

1:22 the soldiers training along with the music and shout or battle cries thats a lovely scene

As soon as the Yellow Sky rose, I got Goosebumps.

Soundtrack when and where?

0:54 the tactical genius Lord cao cao along with sun jian

If this wasn't for a Total War game, I would totally believe this was a trailer for a CGI movie.

The detail in Lu Zhi's expression as he catches the sight of the setting sun is gorgeously done, and with the in-game engine, no less.

Terrific choose on the lyrics! The poetry was originally argue that all the good and righteousness appeared at the doom of society was not what they really are, but what people look for, people wish to have something to look up to. That is why Dong Zhuo was highlighted to represent loyalty, as even he was once through to be the savior of the Han dynasty.

"In a Total War first, Mandate of Heaven also features an evolving campaign which grants the ability to play through the prequel campaign directly into the base game setting, meaning players can forge an empire across two momentous periods within Chinese history." I'm very hyped. Does this mean Dong growth mechanics will be implemented?

You guys never cease to amaze, keep up the great work!

These cinematic trailers are so awesome, great work!

I'm super happy that CA fixed generals face

Holy smoke, goosebumps! And I can't remember when was the last time I got goosebumps when watching a trailer. Great work CA!

How do you make your soundtracks so amazing! And then at the end the customary 3K tone is so sweet! LOVE IT! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year already!

The music is so good, I keep watching it over and over.

Loving the music. Keep this up

1:24 more synchronized training like this please

1:21 "Lets get down to bussiness, to defeat the Han!"

The music are always on point !!!

The mandate of heavens lies with CA

If you guy wonder, the trailer song is from the Tao Te Ching: 大道廢，有仁義；When the Dao is lost, so there arises benevolence and righteousness. 智慧出，有大偽；When prudence and wisdom appear, there is great hypocrisy. 六親不和有孝慈，When family relations are not right, there is filial piety and paternal affection. 國家昏亂有忠臣。When the state is confused and chaotic, there is loyalty and faithfulness.

I really appreciate the love that went into making this trailer. I'm a huge three kingdoms fans and this was just beautiful. Looking forward to more dlc

I love how everyone's talking about Dong Zhuo instead of the others like Zhang Jue (the main yellow guy) or Lu Zhi (the blue guy).

This trailer's epicness grows every time you rewatch it.

All the goosebumps, all of the feels! Thanks for this!

through time, this is still most epic trailer of Total War:Three Kingdoms . so much symbol in it

The song in this trailer truly is lovely. It complements the visuals, which are already awesome...and makes the whole thing just epic.

Everyone is talking about dongs and i feel like i've missed something

Man they make the best music ever!! Also the moment of Cao Cao and Sun Jian look at the blue guy with hatred in their eyes at 1:02 it was so cool.

Finally i can play a campaign with the yellow turbans properly with their leader :) Also i want a dlc about nomadic tribes. I don't know meng huo invasion, ta dun or something like that?

Can't wait to play as the yellow turbins and fight tyranny

Three Kingdoms always has the best trailers. You've nailed it on release, 8 princes, and now Mandate of Heaven. Well done

this is the most depth trailer of total war, it shows the background of history with those characters who participated in the era of history in 2 minutes. plus the background music with Chinese ancient wisdom lyrics. also the color tone in the video that present the thinking of both side

imma be honest with you, this is the 10th time ive rewatched this trailer in 2 days, I NEED THIS

Everything about this trailer... EVERYTHING IS INCREDIBLE!!! The song, the graphics, the story, EVERYTHING!

Amazing BGM , very very impressive , love it Conflict of two sides , Zhang Jue(also Jiao) represents the Many, another side the Ruler, the Bureaucrats Zhang Jiao couldn't bear it himself for doing nothing, watching families ,neighbors and people starving and dying, and done waiting for the changes and reforms of the government. But he has neither solutions nor courage , only escaping.Head towards the sky, Gods help me, out of these situations , he preying.Suddenly , sunshine through the grey , usual , depressive sky , the golden comes ,just a moment , things look different , warm and happy , he feels, and also feels himself, his responsibility , his destiny .Now is the time for determining , time for acting , time for seizing the opportunities. One stands, others follow. For the bureaucrats , the Commander He Jin (new in DLC),son of butcher,has capabilities that not match his ambitions, as for other of them are opportunists , like Yuan , Sun and Dong, as for Cao, he cared ,and he failed. But for Liu ,he truly cares,either to honor his ancestors , or to bear the heavy responsibilities for saving and restoring.He believes, he is the one, the leader,the man of men, but destiny says , No.Though that is another story.The bureaucrats are the people , who are not always bad people but try to prioritize fixing the problems (here any type of uprisings)and repairing the system. Both sides are neither wrong,nor right , only from different aspects For Zhang Jiao brothers, lives of the common people matter For Bureaucrats , the beliefs ,being loyal to the government and maintaining peace and prosperity ,since they learned in young age, matter I have to say, I always have a stereotype of Zhang Jiao. Now he seems to be a hero , a man for the many.

I have no clue what this dlc is about but I got goosebumps watching the trailer so I guess it worked?

give the sound department a raise they are doing amazing work yet again

OMG! They used chapter 18th of Tao Te Ching as BGM for this trailer. I love when the chainting part "When the country is in chaos" come with the scene of Ten Eunichs.

Cool trailer, loved the music especially.

This is the 4,000th time I've watched this. Someone send help.

The term 天命 (Heavenly Mandate) sounds quite like a abstract, religious nouns, but it is not exactly the case. As one of the most important classics of Confucianism, the "Book of Documents" (circa. 10th Century BC) said, 「天視自我民視，天聽自我民聽」（What heaven sees comes from what people's see, what heaven heards comes from what people's heard）, we all know the Heavenly Mandate is actually People's Mandate, from atleast 3000 years ago.

this was by far the best trailer you guys have ever made.

I dont even remember how many times I listened this song, feeling sad and also hope

Already bought it, I am so glad you're making great DLC for 3K now! Trailer is sweet! Added it to my trailer playlist. I like to imagine, that my 8 Princess review helped you guys make this wonderful decision! :D

I like this depiction of the yellow turbans more than the dynasty warrior's version which are just evil wizards.

Notice how everyone except Lu Zhi and Zhang Jue's colours were muted. And Lu Zhi was blue and Zhang Jue was yellow. One represents the Azure Sky and one the Yellow Sky.

Looks great! Well done and thanks CA!

I am American, and I think the Yellow Turbans were pretty interesting. They remind me of the Red Turbans from way later, except the two had opposite religions, and their rebellions had some differences.

Congratulation to total war team that make this trailer. Every second, every details, every moment, every heart beat, every gaze, every step, every music tone high note, YOU GUYS DID THIS PERFECTLY! I will buy this moth3rfu3kin game!

虽然全战三国已经结束了，最近的震旦预告片让我重新看回三国系列的预告片。 当年第一个预告片出世时，我惊艳于预告片中的许多细节，以及出于古诗词的歌曲，这是一种非常熟悉却又相当新颖的感觉，可见制作组下了许多苦工。 多年后，经历了一些事，重看预告片，许多新鲜感褪去，就只剩这个受命于天的预告片是我的最爱。 相比于其他预告片集中在逐鹿天下的群雄，这部预告片虽然主角是张角，但更多镜头是放在乱世中连性命都不能自主的平民百姓上，跟随着“苍天已死，黄天当立”的口号，戴上黄巾成“反贼”的他们，有多少人如群雄般心怀宏图大志的呢？ 我不知道。 若我处于这时代与这世道，会因何加入他们呢？ 多次自问自答中，只剩下“活下去”这解答。 三国史中，我并不喜欢张角这类神棍，同样也不喜黄巾军，但这预告片的镜头却让我感触良多，想得更多。

Dear Creative Assembly, You now have the mandate of my money.

The music for this game has been just phenomenal.

i spend almost 1000 hours on this game and yet my hype is always when new DLC come out.... So enjoyable to play...!

what an absolute beast of a songtrack!

苍天已死，黄天当立，岁在甲子，天下大吉！ Your Majesty, do you hear the people sing?

A mini-campaign that ties directly into the main campaign? You had my curiosity, now you have my hype. If this became the norm for DLCs featuring mini-campaigns, I'd be a great deal more interested in said mini-campaigns.

"Mandate of Heaven also features an evolving campaign which grants the ability to play through the prequel campaign directly into the base game setting, meaning players can forge an empire across two momentous periods within Chinese history." Is this a Dream? THANK YOU TOTAL WAR :D OUTRIGHT AMAZING IM BUYING THIS ASAP GG

I've watched this more than I care to admit

I like how the campaigns cross over into eachother, really cool feature.

This is what I wanted. More stuff like this, and add Nanmen and Elephants next, mountain tribes, naval battles.