There are some games that benefit from a radical change after having done the same thing sequel to sequel and then there are games that just wouldn’t be loved the same if things were completely different.  The Dynasty Warriors series is the kind of game that hasn’t really changed much but still hasn’t bored many of its fans despite its familiar content.  Really, how many games can get away with that?  Now, with Dynasty Warriors 4 is this the game that will be welcomed with open arms or pushed aside to wait for something different? 

I’m happy to report that Dynasty Warriors 4 is still a very welcome familiar face even for long-time fans of the series, but for the sake of the review, we’ll go into the reasons why.  The series, set in China when the dynasties of old were wrought by Lords and feuding factions, still romanticize the battles only this time the main focal point is the battle against the fanatical followers of the Yellow Turban.  Just expect a lot of hacking and slashing action as the good providences fight off wave after wave of this rebellious scum using some familiar characters.

Once again there are a number of game modes to choose from including Challenge Mode, Free Mode, VS Mode and Musou Mode.  The main mode of playing the game is Musou Mode, a mode that takes you through various battle scenarios that have you defending your territory from attack or launching an assault into the very gates of the enemy stronghold.  Challenge, once again, offers some unique mini-games such as Bridge Melee (try to knock as many warriors off a bridge) to Demolition (where you try to break as many objects before the timer runs out).  Vs Mode allows up to two players to challenge each another in split-screen styled battle.

The battle scenarios in the main mode put you in the role of one of the officers fighting under the orders of a specific Lord.  The controls are still the kind you can simply pick up and start playing since many of the moves are either normal slashes, the more powerful charging attack and the Musou attack that, with the push of the button when the meter is full, will literally send dozens of foes flying back from the force of your swing (not as cool as watching Neo send all those Agent Smiths flying in Matrix Reloaded but pretty close).  You can also mount a horse (or other animal that just happen to lose its rider) and slash your way through the crowds of enemies.  The funny thing, though, is that although all this slashing does become really repetitive, it hardly comes close to boring the gamer.

The new features come in the form of Edit Mode, which allows you to create, name and dress your own officer and his or her bodyguards.  The choices are very limited, of course, but the good news is that your created character can be imported into Musou Mode and even develop your Weapon Experience skills RPG-style.  You’ll also find Orb items that can be equipped along with your weapon to increase the strength of your attacks.  For example, Charge Attacks now become a powerful special attack depending on the character.

There’s even an Encyclopedia Mode that gives you the background history of several of the characters in the game.  Yet the more important changes happen to be centered around your enemies that are far more intelligent this time around.  They can block attacks and could even tell when they’re getting whipped in battle (making them run away like cowards).  They don’t even wait until you’re nearby to attack.  To top things off, they even throw explosives.  You can also challenge enemy officers (at the appropriate time, of course) to a one-on-one duel.

This fourth installment doesn’t even drop as many power-up items this time around.  You’ll have to defeat high-ranking officers to get that Life Recovery pick-up or the item the fills up your Musou meter.  What hasn’t changed is the fact that you really have to pay attention to the map and to what your General reports.  These reports have more importance and will often take you away from the hordes of enemies you’re currently battling.  You’ll also find some war machines that come in the form of battering rams, catapults and carts that conceal a flame-thrower.        

Graphically, Dynasty Warriors 4 looks great on the Xbox and moves at a nice and steady framerate even when the game throws swarms of foes on the screen at once.  We’re talking about massive battles with enemies, friends, bodyguards and even enemies on animals.  The characters look great out there in the thick of battle and nicely detailed that you’ll be stopping long enough to admire their costumes.  And one of the visual effects that never ceases to impress is the Musou attack that literally lights up the screen with a brilliant flash of color and light--a pretty sight to see, alright.

It’s a real shame that Koei hasn’t realized that the sound, although great at depicting the sounds of massive battles and multiple swords clanking all around you, is still in dire need of a dramatic change.  Let’s start with the soundtrack that brings to mind those old hair metal bands of the mid-80s that sound way too cheesy compared to today’s music.  It’s really out of place in a game centered on a specific timeline in Chinese history.  Secondly, the voice acting is downright horrible and is delivered by actors attempting to sound British.  Hopefully these things will be worked out for the next game.

Despite the fact that the series hasn’t completely changed to offer a brand new Dynasty Warriors experience, this fourth offering has plenty of the things we love about this series.  It’s a hack and slash strategy game with plenty of value and fans will surely love to tackle on the various game modes that pit you up against some pretty incredible odds.  The improvements seen in this game will surely appease those gamers that weren’t completely satisfied by the third game so grab this one right away if you’re a fan or just looking for a good old-fashioned Chinese dynasty feud.  

Gameplay: 8.5
Who would have thought that endless hacking and slashing could be so fun but games like Dynasty Warriors manage to grab our attention and hold on to it thanks to the quick-to-get-into controls that will have even a first-time player already taking down groups of enemy troops.  While there are a few attack moves that will feel repetitive, the fun is in taking as many scores of enemies down.  Thanks to the power up items and RPG-styled character upgrades, gamers will definitely find plenty to enjoy.  There are also plenty of game modes featuring some interesting new battle scenarios.

Graphics: 8.2
While no real Xbox exclusive graphics are seen here, this is still one great-looking game with plenty to look at.  The screen is literally filled with detailed backgrounds and battling troops that fall before your very eyes.  The environments are lush and beautiful and the characters look amazing as they swing their swords and run to aid fellow officers.  The visual effects are seen as flashing lights and colors that surround your character and watching enemies get thrown back by the force of your blow will bring a smile to any gamers’ face.

Sound: 6.0
It’s unfortunate that no real effort to offer an improved soundtrack or better voice acting performance was made for this sequel.  The soundtrack is still composed of the usual mix of embarrassingly dated heavy metal guitar riffs that feel more at home in a monster truck game than a game with a historical Asian theme.  The poor quality of the voice acting also produces some unintentional laughs especially in the most dramatic of opening cut sequences.  We’re talking about bad English accents that make the dialog seem, well, pretty lame.

All is not bad, though, because the sound effects are still the best heard in a combat game.  You’ll hear the hordes of troops as they make their way towards you and your army and then clash with the sounds of weapons striking metal.  Enemies will cry out in pain and your commanding officers will shout out inspirational things or tell you that moral is dropping. 

Difficulty: Medium
One of the more obvious improvements you’ll encounter while playing the game is the fact that the enemies are a lot smarter this time around.  Your foes now have the common sense to block attacks and they do a better job of protecting their given perimeter.  Instead of waiting for you to reach their position, they move out to attack.  This makes for a far more challenging battle, of course, and throws in the high ranking officers and you’ll have to really work for your victories. 

Concept: 8.0
Dynasty Warriors 3 came complete with a number of different playing modes and this one, thankfully, is no different.  Aside from all the cool game modes, though, are the new items and the ability to level up on your weapon abilities.  You can also create your own officers (although the models are very limited) and your very own bodyguards and use them in the game’s main mode.  Top this off with extra weapons (cooler swords and spears) and new animals to ride and you have a game with a lot more going for it. 

Multiplayer: 8.0
One of the things that haven’t changed much as well is the VS Mode that still keeps it between two players.  Part of the fun is joining the fray against a friend, battling against him or her on the battlefield.  Hopefully one day the Dynasty Warrior series will allow gamers to take each another out online since there are an ample amount of characters to choose from and dozens of areas to fight in.  Still, the two-player mode is very much appreciated. 

Overall: 8.7
Still addictively fun despite the fact that the series hardly ever changes, Dynasty Warriors 4 once again puts you on the battlefield for some more non-stop action.  There are plenty of stages to sink your teeth into in this one and the improvements and much-appreciated extras will surely keep gamers more than entertained.  If you’re new to the series, this fourth title is a great way to introduce you to this strategy combat game with a lot to offer.