Summary
- Release Year: 2011
- Genres: Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Strategy
- Platforms: PlayStation 3
- Developers: Omega Force
- Publishers: Koei Tecmo
Samurai Warriors 3: Empires (2011)
Samurai Warriors 3: Empires is the second standalone expansion of the 2009 game Samurai Warriors 3. Like the other Empires expansion, the game is more focused on the political and tactical battle system. The game features a different version of Historical Mode and Free Mode that fits with the Empires structure and retains the edit character feature.
Gameplay
Samurai Warriors 3: Empires is a hack-and-slash game with a focus on large-scale battles. The player controls a single character on the battlefield and must defeat enemy officers and soldiers to complete objectives. The game features a variety of different unit types, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The player must use their units effectively to achieve victory.
In addition to the standard battle mode, Samurai Warriors 3: Empires also features a number of other modes, including:
- Historical Mode: This mode allows the player to play through a series of historical campaigns. Each campaign is based on a real-life event, and the player must complete a series of objectives to win.
- Free Mode: This mode allows the player to create their own custom scenarios. The player can choose the map, the enemy forces, and the victory conditions.
- Edit Character Mode: This mode allows the player to create and customize their own characters. The player can choose from a variety of different weapons, armor, and skills.
New Features
Samurai Warriors 3: Empires introduces a number of new features to the series, including:
- Empires Mode: This new mode is the main focus of the game. In Empires Mode, the player takes on the role of a daimyo, or feudal lord. The player must manage their kingdom, build up their army, and conquer new territories.
- New Units: Samurai Warriors 3: Empires features a number of new unit types, including:
- Naginata Cavalry: These cavalry units are armed with naginatas, which are long-bladed polearms. They are effective against both infantry and cavalry.
- Yari Cavalry: These cavalry units are armed with yaris, which are long spears. They are effective against infantry, but are vulnerable to cavalry.
- Bow Cavalry: These cavalry units are armed with bows and arrows. They are effective against infantry and cavalry, but are vulnerable to melee attacks.
- New Skills: Samurai Warriors 3: Empires features a number of new skills, including:
- Leadership: This skill increases the morale of nearby units.
- Tactics: This skill increases the effectiveness of nearby units.
- Strategy: This skill allows the player to use special strategies in battle.
Reception
Samurai Warriors 3: Empires received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its deep and engaging gameplay, its large roster of characters, and its beautiful graphics. However, the game was also criticized for its repetitive missions and its lack of innovation.
Overall, Samurai Warriors 3: Empires is a solid expansion to the Samurai Warriors 3 series. The game offers a lot of content for fans of the series, and it is a great way to experience the Empires gameplay style.
Historical Background
The Sengoku period was a time of great political and military upheaval in Japan. The country was divided into a number of small, warring states, each ruled by a powerful daimyo. These daimyo were constantly fighting for power and territory, and the country was in a state of near-constant warfare.
The Sengoku period began in the mid-15th century, and it lasted for over a hundred years. During this time, a number of powerful warlords emerged, including Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. These warlords eventually unified the country under their rule, and the Sengoku period came to an end.
Samurai Warriors 3: Empires is set during the Sengoku period, and it allows the player to experience the chaos and excitement of this tumultuous time. The game features a number of historical characters, including Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. The player can choose to play as one of these characters, or they can create their own custom character.
Characters
Samurai Warriors 3: Empires features a large roster of characters, including both historical figures and fictional characters. The following is a list of some of the most notable characters in the game:
- Oda Nobunaga: A powerful warlord who is known for his ruthlessness and ambition.
- Toyotomi Hideyoshi: A peasant who rose to become one of the most powerful warlords in Japan.
- Tokugawa Ieyasu: A cautious and cunning warlord who eventually unified Japan under his rule.
- Date Masamune: A one-eyed warlord who is known for his flamboyant style and his skill in battle.
- Sanada Yukimura: A young and talented warrior who is known for his bravery and his loyalty to his clan.
Conclusion
Samurai Warriors 3: Empires is a great game for fans of the Samurai Warriors series and for fans of history. The game offers a deep and engaging gameplay experience, and it is a great way to learn about the Sengoku period.
Review Score
8/10