Summary
- Release Year: 2013
- Genres: Adventure, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Developers: Omega Force
- Publishers: Koei, Koei Tecmo
Dynasty Warriors 8: A Triumphant Return to Form
Introduction
Dynasty Warriors 8 is the eighth installment in the popular Dynasty Warriors series of hack-and-slash video games. Developed by Omega Force and published by Koei Tecmo, it was released in 2013 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Windows. The game is based on the historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and follows the stories of the kingdoms of Wei, Wu, Shu, and Jin.
Gameplay
Dynasty Warriors 8 features the same basic gameplay as its predecessors. Players control one of over 80 characters and fight their way through hordes of enemies on large battlefields. The game’s combat system is simple to learn but difficult to master, and players must use a combination of basic attacks, special attacks, and musou attacks to defeat their foes.
New to Dynasty Warriors 8 is the “Rage” system. When a character’s Rage meter is full, they can enter a state of heightened power in which their attacks do more damage and they are immune to knockback. Rage can be built up by defeating enemies or by taking damage.
Another new feature in Dynasty Warriors 8 is the “Tactics” system. Tactics are special abilities that can be used to turn the tide of battle. Tactics can be used to buff allies, debuff enemies, or summon reinforcements.
Story Mode
Dynasty Warriors 8’s Story Mode follows the stories of the kingdoms of Wei, Wu, Shu, and Jin. The story is completely new and includes new episodes with all-new characters. The story takes an ever deeper look at the drama that unfolds in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms compared to previous titles in the series.
In addition to the main story, Dynasty Warriors 8 also features a number of “What If?” scenarios. These scenarios take a look at what could have happened if famous characters of the time period had lived on to fight another day. For example, one scenario imagines what would have happened if Guan Yu had not been killed at the Battle of Fancheng.
Characters
Dynasty Warriors 8 features a cast of over 80 playable characters. These characters include returning favorites such as Zhao Yun, Lu Bu, and Cao Cao, as well as new characters such as Sima Yi and Zhuge Liang. Each character has their own unique fighting style and abilities.
Graphics and Sound
Dynasty Warriors 8 features impressive graphics and sound. The game’s visuals are sharp and detailed, and the character models are some of the best in the series. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it features a mix of traditional Chinese music and modern rock.
Reception
Dynasty Warriors 8 was a critical and commercial success. The game received positive reviews from critics, who praised its new story, new characters, and new gameplay features. The game was also a commercial success, selling over two million copies worldwide.
Conclusion
Dynasty Warriors 8 is an excellent installment in the series. The game’s new story, new characters, and new gameplay features make it a must-play for fans of the series and for newcomers alike.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
