Review
Release Date: 11.28.2001
Platform:
PlayStation 2Developer:
KOEI Co., Ltd.Publisher:
KOEI CorporationReviewed by
Wade Monnig on 4.27.2003
| Review Rating: 8/10 | User Rating: 7.78/10 |
Koei’s Romance of the Three Kingdom era games have done more for teaching Chinese history than any university could ever hope to do. Bring up Cao Cao around me and I can actually should reasonably astute…almost like I paid attention in college.
This adventure into 3rd century China opens up the legendary era by putting the player directly on the battlefield in control of General’s that have gathered mystique throughout the ages like the Playstation 2 has gathered users in the last few years.
Eliminate any preconceived notions you may have about Dynasty Warriors 3. It is a unique blend of such a wide selection of video game categories, chances are it will not only offer something you like, it will also do it extremly well. There is enough technique to sedate fighting fans, enough strategy to satisfy RPG fans, and enough action to lock hold of everyone in between.
The most common lament about Dynasty Warriors 2 was that it lacked a two-player mode. Koei has added multiple two-player modes in DW3, including a split-screen cooperative Musou mode. Fighting shoulder to shoulder with a friend while wading waist deep into a tsunami of enemies is DW3’s greatest addition. A versus mode has also been added and, while the combat system isn’t tremendously deep, it gives you a chance to mash buttons against a buddy.
Another addition to the Dynasty Warriors franchise is the database of officers and weapons, once again expanding my knowledge of Chinese History. Other highlights include more control of your bodyguards, such as being able to choose their weapons and strategies. My least favorite addition is the English voice acting. There is no sugar coating the fact that it is just plain bad. Do yourself a favor and turn on the Japanese voices. Even if you can’t understand a word of the language, it is easier on the ears.
DW3 has added to the mass battle formula found in the other Romance of the Three Kingdom titles. Some missions require that you stop an enemy from escaping or reaching a friendly fortress. Players are still hacking their way through troops to do this but it does add variety. With so many characters on the screen, many players are worried about slowdown. The only time I noticed slowdown was during the two-player split screen battles and it was more of a hiccup than a major hindrance. I have heard some players complain about slow down in the single player mode but here is a little hint, if you are having slowdown, YOU'RE PLAYING THE GAME WRONG! Sure, taking on waves of enemies is exciting but the proper use of strategy will keep their number to a minimum and your character’s health high. Identifying enemy weak points and sealing reinforcement gates is just as satisfying as reaching 300 on the killing…sorry…knockout meter.
Dynasty Warriors 3 has added more depth to the gameplay and the multi-player option leaves no one the sidelines. Pick up a copy of DW3 and if your parents ask, tell them you are doing some history homework.
