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Dynasty Warriors 4 by KOEI Corp
Product SummaryBrand: Koei Release Date: 2003-03-26 Platform: PlayStation2 Model: 40198001212 Publisher: KOEI Corp Product features: - Conquer over 50 stages across 17 unique maps. More than any other Dynasty game!
- Fierce new one-on-one duels with enemy officers.
- Giant siege engines, essential to battlefield victory, include catapults, battering rams, bridge layers, flame-throwing tiger tanks, and more!
- Create your own officers and bodyguards. A Dynasty Warriors first!
Video Game Reviews of Dynasty Warriors 4Customer Review: My personal favorite DW game. Summary: 5 StarsWhile I believe DW3 is the best in the series, DW4 is my personal favorite for a variety of reasons.
Pros:
*Best looking game in the series.
- Almost a tie between DW4 and DW5. Dynasty Warriors 5 has better draw distance, but DW4 has a better looking interface, IMO. DW4 also has the best looking and most well designed stages (even if they repeat for certain battles).
*Create an Officer.
- Does not require the XL expansion, plus any character can join Musou mode.
*Exceptional RPG-style character progression.
- Ability to upgrade to more item slots, ranks, and use of Orbs is a big plus.
*Production values for sound.
- Voices for characters were probably the best in the series (LuBu, in particular, is mean). As far as sound effects go, the various fighting grunts, slashes and clashes sound very good and/or are less annoying than in the other DW and SW games. This game also has the best soundtrack in the series, it is richer and fuller than the one in DW3. A great variety of tunes and most of the tunes are also quite catchy.
*Gameplay is well balanced.
- New counter attack ability as well as in-game Bodyguard commands make things more tactical and fun. There is also a new jump charge attack as well as make-or-break duels which add some more depth.
*Good learning curve with a high level of challenge.
- The Yellow Turban Menace and Si Shui Gate stages provide a good platform for beginners to sharpen their skills. While stages like the Nanman Campaign, Jian Ye and Xu Chang are real tests for DW veterans (especially on Hard difficulty).
*Alternate stages in Musou Mode.
- Secret Tales stages provide some variety to Musou Mode.
As good as DW4 is, nothing is perfect.
Cons:
*Japanese voice-overs from DW3 have not been included.
- Disappointing, but understandable, with all of the new things that have been added to DW4.
*The new weapon system is good, but linear.
- You are now rewarded more for kill count instead of exploration. Fans of the series either hate this or love it.
*Bow and weapon functionality has been limited (somewhat).
- Bow damage has been reduced, ability to move bow during Musou attack has been removed. Bow lock-on is annoying. The ability to change direction while attacking with your normal weapon has been reduced, but is still present (fortunately).
*Musou mode is largely the same for many of the characters in the same kingdom.
- This is both good and bad, as it allows for unique situations for some characters, but is the same for most others (this depends upon the character and situation).
Cons aside, this is probably the best Dynasty Warriors game in the series. Though it is more linear in some ways than Dynasty Warriors 3 (which is why DW3 is better overall).
Can't decide between DW3 and DW4? If you like more variety, go with DW3. If you like better quality, get DW4.
If you buy one Dynasty Warriors game for PS2, make it this one. Best graphics, best gameplay, best Musou Mode. Also, I recommend anyone to try to find the Empires and Xtreme Legends expansions (though they are rare, I own both).
Description of Dynasty Warriors 4Ancient grudge and new mutiny bring an end to the four hundred year reign of the Han dynasty. The once noble empire is divided into three warring states. Dynasty Warriors 4 covers a one hundred year cycle, from civil unrest to the reunification of China under the Jin dynasty. There's no logical reason the Dynasty Warriors series has such a devoted fan base. The makers have mined the same plot for four installments, based on the same few heroic tales of ancient China. The dialogue is as stilted as ever, and no real surprises unfold. But think of the zealotry people have for goofy, unrealistic kung fu flicks, and you'll start to see Dynasty Warriors' lasting appeal. If you've never touched an earlier version of the game, here's what to know: Dynasty Warriors is a fighting game series played from the third-person perspective, where you pick a military general as your avatar and fight through across sprawling battlefields. The generals all have distinct personalities, and there are a few women characters included, too. As you campaign, you collect special items--such as the Dragon Amulet, which increases your Musou gauge (Musou allows you to enact special, prolonged attacks on multiple enemies.) You have bodyguards, you kill enemy generals, and along the way your new skill points increase your weapon's power. With DW4, there are many new additions, only some of which are successful. Charge attacks and items are souped up and truly improved. For example, equipping a magic orb can cause you to freeze enemies in a block of ice. You can edit characters, but with so many good preset ones to choose from, chances are you won't spend a lot of time working on your own. In addition to a better game engine, there's also the option of one-on-one-duels. The maps are immense compared to previous editions, with a lot more variance in what can happen by the end of your mission. Even with a significant number of new features, it's debatable whether Dynasty Warriors 4 is a true overhaul, or just another release to cash in on the massive popularity of the franchise. Regardless, it's addictive for reasons that almost defy explanation. You just want to clear this act, to get to the next stage, and to reveal the goodies you've received from killing that big boss. It's as simple as that. And at the moment when you can knock down an entire platoon with a couple hits, well, then you'll join the ranks of the dedicated. --Jennifer Buckendorff Pros: - Many more (and much improved) maps
- Complex and compelling charge attack functions
- Improved fighting AI makes enemies noticeably trickier
Cons: - "Siege engine" function mostly a novelty
- Still tedious retracing of steps, even with speed boots
- Disappointing officer customization
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