Graphically, Warriors Orochi 2 is simply out-of-date. Don’t expect any changes or upgrades from the past version, as Koei and developer Omega Force haven’t done anything to improve the visual experience of this game. What they have done is simply recycle everything in an attempt to cash in on the popularity of the Warriors franchise, with character designs and environments as flat-looking and jagged as ever.

Hair on many characters lacks texture, and many stages look dull, lacking any realism whatsoever. In the year since the past Warriors Orochi, developers obviously haven’t done any work on past stages to upgrade them visually. It is the uncanny similarity to past installments, including everything from the overall structure to presentation, which offers little reason to purchase this title. It doesn’t take long after you begin playing to realize how unchanged everything is from rehashed animations to recycled, dull voice clips that are far too familiar.

The biggest addition to the series is Dream Mode, which allows you to choose three different characters from around the Warriors universe to work together in a series of challenges, with 28 different stages in total. As teams are pitted against each other with various objectives, it’s a nice crossover element that includes characters from Dynasty and Samurai, offering something new to the franchise. Survival Mode places the player into a series of tag team battles that get more difficult as you move on. Versus Mode allows two players to battle against each other with four different challenges, carried over from Dynasty Warriors 4. While two-player action is definitely a fun and welcome addition, the franchise continues to lack any online multiplayer. It is head-scratching why a series that has been so successful still hasn’t offered any online functions besides an online leaderboard in Survival Mode.

With all the music compiled from some of the best tracks on various Warriors games, the mix of content from past installments on one disc is definitely the most appealing factor of Orochi 2. Unfortunately, the focus of packing in a cast of characters and a few new stages takes a back seat to visual upgrades and gameplay improvements to distinguish this title from any other Warriors installment in recent years.

Simply, the inclusion of several new characters and a few new levels may not be enough of a reason for Warriors fans to check this one out. WO2 just does not offer enough new features to warrant anyone other than the most serious fans of the series to make a purchase. It is apparent that Koei is less concerned with releasing innovative and groundbreaking product and is more concerned with releasing a Warriors title they know will sell to its loyal fan base.

By Pete Richards
CCC Freelance Writer