Dynasty Warriors

[PeteJ]

Why is this series so damn enjoyable?

It goes against everything that should make a game good. Repetitive action, average graphics and the series has spawned 3 sequels in less than 3 years - each of which feature only small refinements.

So why after dominating DW3, do I find myself so utterly enthralled once again with Dynasty Warriors 4? Every so slightly improved graphics, a few welcome changes to the gameplay to tidy things up, but essentially it is exactly the same.

Notible changes include the ability to duel an enemy officer in a one on one battle (to the death). It's a risky thing to do, but the experience gained is far greater than if you take them out on the battlefield.
Horses are easier to control.
Enemies are tougher, and fight back more often. Also, bodyguards are far more effective.

Strangely, each 'Act' now features one level played out 2 or 3 times over a different backdrop. They are feature slightly different difficulties and have different events in them, but are essentially the same level. You have to finish them all to progress to the next act.

2 player coop is in the PS2 version, which is excellent. You can now combine magic attacks if standing near each other, though the difference is only slight. Draw distance is improved in one player, but still poor in coop - but this is ok, since you'll only care about what is directly surrounding you.

DW4 is far greater than the sum of its parts, and I recommend it to all.

Any other fans of the series here?

[Sad_Genius]

I love it. I'm only familiar with DW2 and 3 - though my romance with this game began way back with Dynasty Wars the coin-op (not neccesarily related I understand, but with the same characters). The scale and heroism, the exotic nature of the stories tthey are based around, and cool, empowering mission design (protecting the carriage on yr own against hundreds of enemies in DW3 - cool)

The game sells pretty well, and the LOTR game that seemed directly based on them sold by the bucket load. If someone made a game of this style, the same quality and depth as DW, with a theme that would appeal to a western audience, I think said company would be onto a winner.

Oh, and DW3 is apparently Vin Diesel's favourite game

[Derek]

I've never played a version of Dynasty Warriors

I hear a lot of positive things about the series so I think I'm going to give it a try sometime soon. The gameplay sounds promising. Do you recommend me to start with part four or should I begin with an earlier version to get used to the basics of the gameplay?

[PeteJ]

I suggest jumping right in with number 4. It's by far the most polished and solid game in the series, and the game isn't difficult to get into.

[Sad_Genius]

The games have steadily evolved and got better throught the sequels - I see no real reason why DW4 would be different, so jump right in and start slaying 600 enemies single handedly today!

[womblingfree]

Why is this series so damn enjoyable?

Because it lets you single handedly take on an army of thousands. There is nothing quite like jumping into a group of hundreds of soldiers and unleashing a musou attack which sends them all flying. In fact it's so much fun that you'll be doing it every few seconds for the next few days after purchase.

My biggest KO score was 3000+ on the Nanmann campaign. Possibly the most gruelling videogaming feat since taking on the final boss in FFVIII without levelling up properly.

[Che Musashi]

I have DW2 never played it and in OPM they had a 10min demo for 4 and I kept replaying it over and over. I think its some sort of cathartic thing or something,d it just feels good to kick ass.

Anyway I don't know diddly about DW but suddenly now after getting my grubby paws on the demo, I want to play them all, well except the first one. They're just going to have to wait until after VJ.

[therealjohnpeat]

I'm shamelessly resurrecting this thread as I rented DW4 recently.

Thing is - I had DW2 when I first got a PS2 but there was nothing-much-else I fancied at the time so both went the way of EBAY.

I really enjoyed DW4 but I kept thinking 'it's not that different to DW2" so I borrowed a copy of DW2 and have since 'blagged' it for ?7!!

You really can hardly get a credit-card between DW2 and 4 on features tho - 4 looks better and has more options but the basic game is near-identical!

OK - I do like riding Elephants - but for the ?30 saving I'll be thrashing my way through DW2 for some time now.

The stages are a bit loooong in places but the whole idea of taking on hordes of people actually works well with a 'simple' button-bashing system IMHO and I'd recommend any of the PS2 DW's to those who enjoy a bit of carnage

TTFN

JP

[112]

I was in HK and brought Winback on jap ps2. But opened the game up to find dynasty Warrior 1. To my rage id thought id give it a wizz before changing it. I now have a DW1 Cd with winback packaging. Nuff said! Im curious though. Im thinking of getting a newer version. Out of all the ones out and on all the consoles which is the best to get? Any help will be much appreciated thanks.

112

[Che Musashi]

Thats tough to recommend, get 4 its the latest and the greatest. If your a completist like me you can start with 2 to get a feel. Once your character levels up you feel the difference. I'm definitely enjoying it...

I figure that I'd start with 2 because I own it, so I don't have to spend any money on it. As for systems go PS2 they're the ones who have it right now.

[Sieg]

So where should I start now then ? Should I go for the first one, or cut straight to the latest ?

I asked that in the retro thread before seeing this, and it's been answered in part ...

But - do each of the iterations retell the same story, or are there variations involved ? Or is it just a matter of different features for each - Like with the yearly reissue of a sports title or something ... ?

If that's the case I'll cut straight to SSM 3 ~

S.