Warriors Orochi 2 Review for PlayStation Portable (PSP)

System: X360, PS2, PSP	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: Aug. 28, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-2	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Teen	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

In the Free mode you can play as any character in any Dynasty that you want, as long as they've already been unlocked in the Story mode. The Story mode drags - it's long and convoluted. The only excitement is seeing what the next character offers. A co-op mode makes the Story mode more enjoyable. Along with the Versus mode, you can play along with, or against, another friend with the ad-hoc wireless system. Even though there are plenty of enemies and detailed environments onscreen, the two-player mode does not show any signs of slowdown or command issues; everything runs smoothly.

Warriors Orochi 2 screenshot

Most of us are already used to the poor quality voice acting in Warriors games, but there are some improvements in this version. As corny as the dialogue can be at times, the actors are less stilted in their performance. The oriental ambient music is great, but when the adrenaline kicks in the dated and dreaded cheese-metal guitar takes over. Add repetitious sound effects to this mix and you'll be experiencing sonic fatigue long before you get bored with the Story mode.

Warriors Orochi 2 is no better looking than its predecessor, but that doesn't mean it doesn't look good. It's colorful and nicely detailed with large environments. The special moves such as the Musou and team attacks are pure eye candy. However, there's no argument that the engine has reached its peak.

Seams are starting to show. If this franchise is to survive, it's going to need a compete overhaul from tip to stern. The peasants can only be gouged so much before they revolt.

By Cole Smith
CCC Senior Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.2

Graphics
Great looking game, but no vast improvements have been made over the last version.

3.5

Control
Standard button-mashing control scheme. Kills your fingers with extended play.

3.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Improved voice acting. Repetitive music and sound effects.

3.3

Play Value
Classic button-mashing brawler. Challenging gameplay. Good variety of modes keeps it interesting, especially with another ad-hoc player.

3.4

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

Game Features:

96 playable characters from the Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors series including new characters: Gyuki, Dodomeki, San Zang and Benkei.

Two-player Versus mode plus Co-op play in Story, Free, and Dream modes.

12 new scenarios in Dream mode.

Japanese and English voice option!

Improved draw distance compared to the original Warriors Orochi for PSP.