Dynasty Warriors’ first leap to the next generation of video game consoles (Dynasty Warriors 6) was received with mixed reviews upon its release. The game was criticised for the dumbing down of characters’ move sets, lack of graphical capabilities, and the removal rather than addition of characters.
However the latest incarnation; Dynasty Warriors 7 is a much more worthwhile purchase. The missing characters are back, complete with many new additions and a whole new kingdom to play as: The Jin Dynasty. Plus the familiar ‘Charge’ move sets are back too with the ‘Renbu’ move sets being discarded; to the relief of the majority of the series’ fans.
As to prevent the stagnation of the series, Koei have added certain innovations and changes to bring Dynasty Warriors back to life. Musou Mode now forces the player to play as a certain character for part (or all of) a battle; which is historically significant to that character. Musou Mode is complimented by emotionally moving cut scenes, with much better voice actors that ever before.
Another big change is the addition of a new mode – Conquest Mode. It replaces the familiar Free Mode unfortunately, but the two do share certain similarities. This new mode features battles across the majority of China which increase in difficulty, and free choice style gameplay in which the player can choose to play as characters in the ‘Other’ kingdom, due to the fact that they have not been given their own parts in Musou Mode.
In short, this is the game that Dynasty Warriors 6 should have been. Koei have seemingly listened to the fans’ opinions and given us the charge move system back, along with later era battles and characters to play as. For long-time fans of the series and new players alike, Dynasty Warriors 7 offers endless hours of enjoyment and endless battlefield K.O.s!
8.5/10.
8.5/10.
