Review - Dynasty Warriors 6: Empires

System: PS3 and Xbox 360
- Reviewed on the PS3
MSRP: $39.99
Release Date: 6/23/09

Those of you interested in the latest iteration of the Dynasty Warrior franchise will already have a deep understanding of this game. It's basically a Beat-Em-Up title that takes place during the Three Kingdoms era in China.

Graphics

The graphics are nice with flashy attacks and special moves. Like previous Dynasty Warrior titles you will go up against countless hordes of enemies at once. Your character models look great; however, most of the random characters you run into and kill are not very unique. Because of this, though, I did not run into any slowdown or tearing. Also, some of the backgrounds seem a bit bland. Although, there are some other nice aesthetics in the game, like fighting in a snow covered area with snow falling down; it's practically blinding, but very realistic.

- 16/20

Sound

There are over 150 different music tracks in the game with additional music available as DLC via PlayStation Network and Xbox LIVE Marketplace, beginning next month and continuing through August. Free armor options will be available as well. There are no lyrics in the music, which I think fits the game just fine. Also, the tracks are pretty different ranging from familiar orchestral scores to more upbeat rock tracks. The voiceovers are decent, but they tend to repeat often.

- 18/20

Story

The Dynasty Warriors franchise is set during the Three Kingdoms era in China. These "Three Kingdoms:" Wu, Shu and Wei battled for supremacy over China. Each kingdom had very distinct rulers and generals fighting under them with different ambitions for the land. In "Empire Mode," you will take control of a character and work your way up from Officer to Ruler, in one of the three kingdoms, and unite all of China. Since the game is based on true events, for the most part, you get a very well played out story that we have basically already heard before.

- 16/20

Gameplay

Besides being another Beat-Em-Up title where you take over bases to defeat your opponent, Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires allows you to create strategies for your force and even keep tabs on available resources. By doing this, you have to be a Ruler, otherwise, you will be on the battlefield working to win. You can set up tactics and manage a force by collecting certain cards throughout the game. As a Ruler, you will decide when to attack, when to resist invasion and when to initiate policies. Also, you can capture enemy Officers and hire them to work for you. As an Officer, on the battlefield, you can issue orders to your troops to help you out in battle. Furthermore, once you have reached a certain rank as an Officer, you can offer advice and try to enact policies, too. The camera takes some time to get use to because it is very sensitive, but otherwise the gameplay experience is very good. It can become repetitive after playing a few hours straight, though.

- 17/20

Replayability

There are around 100 different characters to use and create. Also, there are rumors that there will be more available as DLC. Additionally, you can create up to 100 custom characters and set their sex, name, face, body, appearance, motion, voice and abilities. During your journey, you will level up, earn money, upgrade/purchase items and weapons and even horses, as an Officer. As a Ruler, you will manage resources and plan your attack to gain territory. Being able to play as a Ruler or Officer helps keep the game fresh and not be as repetitive.

- 19/20

Conclusion

Considering the amount of stuff available in this game and a price of $40, Dynasty Warriors 6: Empires is a great value. Sure, the fight a horde of enemies, move on, fight another horde and move on can become repetitive, but all Beat-Em-Up titles are. And that isn't the entirety of the game, either. Teaming up with friends and playing from a Ruler's standpoint adds more to this game. It has been awhile since I have played a Dynasty Warriors title, but I'm glad I came back. Sure, it's still a button smashing beat-em-up, but with the inclusion of being a Ruler, there has been a decent amount of strategy added, too. Overall, I have really enjoyed this game.

Final Score

- 86/100

Screenshots