Dynasty Warriors 6: Empires Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: PS3, X360	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Omega Force	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Koei	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: June 23, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Teen	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

As far as graphics are concerned, Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires is actually somewhat of an improvement over its predecessors. While the former title had excellent character animations and plenty of action onscreen, it was lacking in the background visuals department. Fortunately, this has been remedied in Empires. Many of the locales in Empires are lifted directly from its predecessor, but they look a little bit sharper and the landscapes aren’t as bland as they were previously.

Dynasty Warriors 6: Empires screenshot

Sound in this title is a mixed bag. On the one hand, you have the soundtrack, which is composed from songs from the original Dynasty Warriors up to last year’s entry. The music is fully customizable, and you are able to select which song you want to play in the background while you are battling. On the opposite side of the spectrum, there is the voiceover. The Dynasty Warriors series has never been known for its great voice acting, but with Empires I think the series has hit a new low.

Character voices sound bored and insincere, and it doesn’t help that the dialogue is just terrible. After hitting an Invasion event command (as an officer) I was treated to a little gem that involved a peasant saying to me “My people are suffering! Please defeat our warlord!” And what was my eloquent reply? “Well, I guess my reign begins now!” And that was it. I am all about suspending belief for a video game, but do they really want me to believe that invasion decisions are made with two poorly-voiced sentences. Not since Resident Evil 2 has there been such unintentionally humorous dialogue.

Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires is certainly an improvement over its predecessor. The class system and strategic elements give this title more purpose than Dynasty Warriors 6, but at its core, this is the same hack n’ slash gameplay with which the Dynasty Warriors franchise has become synonymous. If you’re good with that, than Dynasty Warriors 6: Empires is certainly worth your time. It would have been nice to see the franchise branch out a little, but if you just can’t wait to get back into the Dynasty Warriors groove, you’ll find plenty to enjoy with Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.2

Graphics
Graphics are nearly identical to Dynsasty Wariors 6, with the exception of the environments which do sport a fair bit more detail.

3.0

Control
The button mashing still feels monotonous, but the upgrade system works to at least add some variety.

3.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
With tracks from all six Dynasty Warriors, the background music is great, but the voiceover is so terrible it’s almost unbearable.

2.5

Play Value
Ultimately, the problem with this title is the same as other Dynasty Warriors titles: lack of substance. Though there are some improvements over Dynasty Warriors 6, it’s just enough to make this a standout title.

3.4

Overall Rating - Fair
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Play as a ruler or as an officer in two distinctly different roles. Reign over vast armies to crush your foes or go freelance and work your way through the ranks to become a trusted military officer!

Military cunning or military might – how will you unite ancient China?

Create your own unique character in edit mode.

Explore each level to discover strategic advantages and use new surprise attacks to catch your enemies unaware.

One new character that didn’t appear in Dynasty Warriors 6 and six more characters have new weapons and new move sets.

Brand new stages and levels that present new challenges to overcome. Including the return of the Nanman Kingdom.