Heroes of Three Kingdoms
Developer(s)	Perfect World
Publisher(s)	Perfect World
Release	CN: November 16, 2009 NA: July 13, 2010
Genre(s)	Massively multiplayer online role-playing game
Mode(s)	Multiplayer

Heroes of Three Kingdoms (simplified Chinese: 赤壁Online; traditional Chinese: 決戰！真三國) (also known as Chi Bi or Red Cliff in China,^[1] and Legend of 3 Kingdoms in Indonesia)^[2] is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game set in ancient China during the fall of the Han dynasty.^[3] The game, developed by Perfect World, offers free-to-play, no subscription-based game play, and entered Open Beta status on October 16, 2009.^[4] The North American version, entitled Heroes of Three Kingdoms,^[5] was announced on April 12, 2010, by Perfect World Entertainment,^[6] the US subsidiary of Perfect World Co. Heroes of Three Kingdoms entered Closed Beta on July 13, 2010.^[7]

The closure of the North American version of the game was announced on September 29, 2011.^{[citation needed]} The game closed on November 1, 2011, and the forums and website were removed at the same time. ^{[citation needed]} Cubizone no longer includes Chi Bi in its game list.^{[citation needed]}

Plot

The story of the game is based on the well-known time period of China, the Three Kingdoms. During this era, the country is in the midst of a civil war. Among the groups fighting, three leaders stand out: Cao Cao of Wei, Liu Bei of Shu, and Sun Quan of Wu. In this game, players can choose to join any of the three warring factions (Wei, Shu, or Wu).

Characters

Upon creating a character and entering the game, your character has no affiliations but eventually is given the choice to pick a side and choose one of the Three Kingdoms from ancient China to fight for: the historically based Cao Wei, Shu Han or Eastern Wu Kingdoms.^[8] Players must choose a weapon when they create their character. Depending on the weapon chosen, this will determine their class and available skills.

Players can choose from the following weapons: Glaive, Spear, Halberd, Cleaver, Multiblade (originally called the Trident), Staff, Saber, Hatchets, Hammer, Hooksword, Mace, Talons, Gauntlets, Ring Blade, Scepter, Charmer, War Fan, and Bow. Weapons added later in later patches include the Stick, Shield, Whip, and Crossbow.

Aside from deciding on which kingdom to join, players are also required to pick a race for their character upon creation. The game features two races: the Yan and the Miao. Both races progress from their respective starting locations to Xiliang.