Do you realize how many Dynasty Warriors games have been out since the series was introduced on the PlayStation years ago? OK, granted, the original Dynasty Warriors game shouldn't count in the series because it was more of a straightforward brawler, and Koei did revamp it for a more endless-combat presentation on the PlayStation 2 with the 2000 release of Dynasty Warriors 2. Still, with its side releases in the series and the introduction of Samurai Warriors last year (for which a sequel has already been confirmed, probably for later this year), it's really grown into quite a little trend all its own, allowing players to cut through hundreds of enemy soldiers like they were cattle on a butcher's block. Now we come to the latest in the series, Dynasty Warriors 5, and it seems to be the most satisfying game in the brand yet- although it still feels a bit like a repeat.

The game focuses on a number of soldiers (over 40 in all), each with individual stories and alliances with particular armies. As you choose one, going through Musou Mode, you'll proceed through a number of battles crucial for your army's survival. You'll cut through a wide assortment of enemies, like captains, soldiers, archers, and the occasional "boss" character, a higher-up villain who either comes riding in on a horse or charging right at you, thirsty for your blood. As you proceed, you'll have to take care of your bodyguard, assigned to help you out wherever you go on the map, and you can find new weapons to upgrade with once you complete the particular mission you're on. Other items can be upgraded as well, like the strength of your bodyguard or yourself, so your next battle will be a little more in your favor.

One thing that's noticeably different about DW5 from the other chapters in the series is that Koei and Omega Force have paid greater attention to the graphics. In past editions, there were some problems in terms of slowdown and glitches, like huge armies of characters who would disappear or levels that would only start appearing as you moved further into a dense fog. Fortunately, the game looks far better than it did, as you have a wider range of what to see and zero slowdown or glitches. Even the presentation screens, normally made up of CG, look a bit more dazzling this time around.

Shame that the same couldn't be said for the game's audio. Once again, Koei has taken the cornball approach in terms of the dialogue, making a Shogun leader sound more like a used car salesman. This is Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon-style bad dubbing, something that could've easily been remedied with a little more research into hiring actors fit to speak out the lines of dialogue worthy of a warrior. The music's not bad, but the developers again felt a need to use guitar-laden rock tunes instead of something more traditional, more moving.

As far as gameplay goes, it hasn't really changed much. There is a nice touch depending on the weapon you use, however. Lighter weapons allow you to cut through enemies quicker, but it takes off less of their energy. Heavier weapons allow for more damage, but leave you wide open for attacks. Other than that, you've got your Musou attack, which you can charge up for a devastating series of slashes that clear your path; the ability to shoot arrows at opponents from a distance; and your typical light combo attacks and strong strokes, which you can use to simply cut down whatever's in front of you. It's not rocket science- Koei continues to follow the formula that made the series so stunning to begin with.

And therein lies the real Achilles heel. Sure, the game's still a lot of fun, but I can't help but think that it's growing a bit long in the tooth. I know that the old credo "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" may come into play for some of you, but think about it. Aside from the graphics, some of the characters. and maybe some of the modes, you can't really tell if you're playing Dynasty Warriors 5 or Samurai Warriors. Some change would have been nice, like being able to vary your combos a little bit or choosing from Musou attacks for a more devastating result. Or, hey, how about difference in range weapons? Like some new archery tools or the ability to fire different kinds of arrows?

Aside from the lack of innovation, there's still a lot to do here. The single player mode will keep you busy with literally hundreds of campaigns scattered with all the characters, and new weapons to find around every corner. The two-player interaction, allowing people to work against each other to see who can rack up the higher kill count, is impressive. And the extra modes, including a "me-against-the-world"-like Sudden Death mode and the fun Bridge Melee mode (think King of the Mountain, but with a bridge instead of a mountain), can be loads of fun.

Dynasty Warriors 5 stands as the proudest achievement in the series yet, with its improvements in key areas standing out as a good soldier should. Still, the audio setbacks and the general feeling that nothing has really changed overall keep it from becoming something of a true legend. Maybe as the next generation approaches, and a new level of hardware is introduced to Koei and Omega Force, we'll see just what this armada can do. As is, this is a game still worth conquering, even if just for a few hours.

Our Final ScoreOK

What did you think of this game? Post Your Own Review