The legends of Chinese warfare are returning once again with the Xbox port of Dynasty Warriors 4. Fans of the popular Romance of the Three Kingdoms series and the previous Dynasty Warriors titles already know what to expect with this one, lots of action and some compelling strategic combat. You newcomers out there now have another chance to see what all the fuss has been about.
For those of you are unfamiliar with DW 4 on PS2 or the rest of the series, I'll attempt to fill you in. Based on the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong, the story (which has generated a number of Koei titles) covers the events surrounding a three hundred year span from the fall of the Hang Dynasty as a result of rebellion all the way to the reunification of China under the Jin Dynasty. Now if you're into Chinese history then you know what I'm talking about. If you're not, you may want to check out the author or be like me and just see what Koei has to offer. Either way you won't be disappointed.
Unlike the pure strategy and chess board-like motif setup in the ROTK series, Dynasty Warriors 4 immerses you in a massive 3D world filled with raging battles and personal one-on-one duels. It kind of reminds me of a few kung-fu movies I've seen in the past. Except these one-on-one battles didn't usually involve trying to duel with honor while 10 of your enemy's personal guard are slashing at you in the middle of the fight. Definitely not honorable, but hey it makes for an interesting time.
Packed with about 50 missions over the course of 17 maps, DW 4 is not something you can complete in one sitting. In fact you must select from one of three kingdoms, then select your generals, customize your bodyguards (something new in the DW series), and get your weapons together before you can even step on the battlefield. All this added to the number of playable characters you have to choose from pretty much translates into you not seeing the light of day for awhile if you attempt to beat the game with everyone. This special attention given to the level of customization is something that has kept strategy fans coming back for more time and time again.
DW 4 also features a new combat experience system also gives you all the more reason to slice and dice everyone on the filed. Based on the number of combos and special attack you achieve, you'll earn general experience points which translate into higher weapon rankings and the number of attacks you can string together. Now this may be discouraging for people who favor instant action without much thought, but it definitely translates into a rewarding experience game for those with a little more degree of patience.
For those of you who stick around, gameplay is loaded with action-packed weapons battles, almost anime-style power up attacks (raging energy displays), and battles against sometimes overwhelming odds. All this while trying to target certain enemy officers and opposing forces in the midst of battle to assure everything goes well for your side. Simply put, you and your small party of guards are running across massive battlefields and laying waste to all who cross your path. Lots of sword fights, shiny things, and explosions here folks, so grab those wallets and get ready part with your hard earned cash.
With the Xbox port, not many things have been changed. In fact it is mostly a direct port from the PS2 version. Though this may trouble some of you, the music and sound has been bumped up to 5.1 Dolby Digital. Also, the graphics seem a little sharper due to the Xbox system capabilities. But other then the sound, that will be the only other difference you notice between the two. Fans of the series know that this is more then a mere 3D trash everything on screen experience. Underlying elements of morale, strategic engagements, and a large number of playable characters make his a fine addition to your Xbox library. Look for it hitting store shelves this September and prepare to carve your own Dynasty.
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