Classic Total War basically. Set in Ancient China, the upcoming Total War: Three Kingdoms offers a romanticised look at the period with hero characters that act in a lot of ways like superheroes - with powerful abilities and being able to duel opponents in fierce martial arts showdowns. It leads to a more cinematic take on the traditionally historical Total War series, bringing it more in line with the Warhammer off-shoot.

In a new extensive gameplay video released today, Total War developer Creative Assembly showcases what it's calling Records Mode - which allows in-game battles to play out according to a different set of rules. Here unit fatigue comes into play, battles are generally longer with unit skirmishes taking time. Generals and 'hero units' are still here but more vulnerable. Check it out.

This take on THREE KINGDOMS is sure to delight history buffs as they rely on their own strategic prowess to conquer and conspire their way through Ancient China.

Records is the counterpart to Romance mode, the game’s legendary retelling of the Three Kingdoms history, complete with larger-than-life warlords, each boasting powerful abilities. The campaign experience is similar between the two modes, but the differences have a significant impact on the real-time battles.

In Romance, for example, your general is a force to be reckoned with – some even able to shout opposing troops to death. In Records, these warlords are regular people, much more vulnerable to grave wounds or untimely deaths. Victory will depend on your shrewd tactical orders; one mistake could cost you the loyalty of your faction.

In our current tests, Records battles can last up to 30% longer, playing more as a game of tactical chess than an all-out brawl. This comes down to units becoming fatigued more quickly, reducing the damage they dish out as they tire.

Records Mode will no doubt please Total War purists, and alongside the recent delay it definitely looks like Creative Assembly are working hard to ensure a smooth and polished version of the game on release day.