Reign and Thunder- Dynasty Warriors 6: Empires Reviewed

One wonders if Omega Force, the developer of the Dynasty Warriors franchise suspected that their game would live up to its moniker. With a reign spanning twelve years and nearly fifty titles in the U.S., we imagine that only Hironobu Sakaguchi has displayed less accidental foresight in the naming of his classic RPG. While critics have assailed the developer for making nominal changes throughout the series, the franchise has developed a cult-like following among a select group of gamers, who methodically purchase each new retelling of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

By having a reliable fan base accustomed to negligible variation, gamers could assume the latest entry, Dynasty Warriors 6: Empires, would offer a modest variation from the existing formula. The validity of that assumption is likely dependant on how enthusiastic the player is toward the series. DW aficionados will perceive a host of subtle changes, while outsiders will probably scratch their heads in mild bewilderment.

Players assume the role of either an influential ruler or a commanding officer. High-ranking rulers manage the weighty decisions in an effort to occupy a group of providences, under the hopes of a unified China. Officers play more of an influential role, as the player accepts assignments, or mercenary missions, that are used to increase the soldier’s abilities. The spoils of war include money and gems, which are employed to bolster the player’s weapons and abilities in a RPG-like manner.

Once the heavy strategizing is completed, gamers can immerse themselves in the familiar hack and slash gameplay that has become a trademark of the series. Typically, players will clear the initial area of enemies, before being fervently directed to an impeding skirmish via a flashing signal on the player map. Players employ the use of normal and powerful attacks, tapping out combos to annihilate throngs of foes, who all conveniently display a red heath bar above their heads. While most grunts willingly await moral castigation, lieutenants and bosses will offer the gamer an energetic challenge.  While many have remarked on the repetitive nature of Dynasty Warriors combat, others find it strangely cathartic.

Likewise, players may find the menu-based tactics, and the weapon-wielding gameplay to be wholly incongruent. Although the contrast never coagulated throughout several campaigns, each element of DW6E’s  gameplay offered a functional reprieve from the other. After playing this game, it would be difficult to acclimatize to the minimalism of the basic Dynasty Warrior model.  

Graphically, the game presents the same eccentric universe it always has, albeit in high-definition. Carefully modeled warriors who effortlessly slice though hundreds of opponents, still cannot hurdle the occasional low fence, although they can now descend down a mountainside. While the game maintains a steady framerate which falters only when a colossal amount of fighters are on-screen, visual purists will notice the game’s abundant pop-in. The title also contains a character customization mode, although it allows for a limited amount of development. Gamers can take solace in the incorporation of attractive cards that host special abilities for the player. Overall, player and weapon models are delightfully rich, and evoke a sense of time and location far more than the generic westernized voices ever could.

Those that have been intimidated by critical condemnation of the Dynasty Warriors series should give Empires an extended trial. Although the game is not for everyone, there’s a cunning hook created by the amalgam of tactical planning and mindless crusades seeping with hypnotic ferocity. Regretfully, those who take little pleasure in Dynasty Warriors’ mechanics will likely find little gratification here.