Destiny of an Emperor is a role-playing game for the Nintendo Entertainment System that follows the story of Liu Bei, a leader who forms a militia to combat the Yellow Turban rebels. Players recruit allies, engage in battles, and undertake quests as Liu Bei navigates political turmoil. The game culminates in the unification of China under the Shu Han dynasty, reflecting key events from the historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
Liu Bei, Zhang Fei, and Guan Yu form a small militia to defend their village from Yellow Turban rebels, followers of the sorcerer Zhang Jiao. Liu Bei gathers peasants and farmers from nearby villages and camps, eventually defeating Zhang Jiao and his people. Tao Qian, the governor of the region, falls ill and requests that Liu Bei assume his position. Liu Bei hesitantly agrees, thus beginning the events depicted in the novel, albeit with significant alterations. Upon successfully completing the game, the player successfully unites China under the Shu Han banner.