Although the "factual" line adheres more closely to the events, and the personality of Cao Cao in the novel than the "fictional" line, it is, nevertheless, highly inaccurate; also, unlike the game's two predecessor titles, there is no historical "bad" ending in Sangokushi Sōsōden and Cao Cao survives the entire game through both story paths.
Despite being more faithful to the events and character traits depicted in the novel, the "factual" line still contains inaccuracies; unlike its predecessors, Sangokushi Sōsōden does not feature a historically-inspired "bad" ending, and Cao Cao remains alive throughout both storylines.