"Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires" Review: 1,000 KILLS +

The epic fight to control China has arrived again in the sixth installment and expansion of the “Dynasty Warriors” series. Koei has not made many changes to the series, but “Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires” does allow players to create their own character, forge friendships and become married.


“Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires” feature mode is officer mode. This mode lets players serve and leave leaders, or become their own ruler. However, becoming a ruler makes only gives players more money. Officer mode also allows players to earn up to three officers to fight beside them. Players are required to either kill them in battle or complete side missions to become their friends and then players can swear an oath to them or, if it’s a girl, marry them. However, only two oaths or one marriage can occur and neither can be redone. “Empires” also allows players to choose secondary powers for their weapon, but it makes the game easier rather than challenging players to use strategy.


The next mode, ruler mode, lets players command a legion of troops and choose strategies each month by choosing cards to affect the outcome of battles. However, it’s repetitive and even “Dynasty Warriors” fans will find themselves returning to the character editor. Luckily, players can carry over the action points they have earn in both modes. Action points increase by either the number of territories players own in ruler mode, or by what their officer level is in officer mode.

The graphics are disappointing and have not changed much. While the attention to detail on main characters has not changed since “Dynasty Warriors 6,” the enemy soliders, trees and other objects look like reused PlayStation 2 textures from “Dynasty Warriors 5.” The music has improved and players can choose from songs which span the entire “Dynasty Warriors” series to play before each level.


“ Empires” has downloadable content which could add more levels or character options, but I do not see it changing the experience. “Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires” is a good game for fans of the series or those who did not buy “Dynasty Warriors 6,” and while killing a thousand enemies with your custom character is fun, it’s not worth buying the same game.

Rating: C+
Platforms: PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360
Price: $39.99
ESRB: T
Pub: Koei
Dev: Omega Force
Players: 1-2