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.
Although the "actual" line more closely aligns with the events and character portrayal in the novel compared to the "fictional" line, it is still inaccurate; unlike the game's two preceding titles, there is no historical "negative" outcome in Sangokushi Sōsōden and Cao Cao survives the entire game through both narrative paths.