Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires

Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires for PS4, PS3 and XONE is the second expansion pack for Dynasty Warriors 8, the eight installment of the popular (especially in Japan) TPP action game set in historical China. Like in the previous games in the franchise, this one was developed by Omega Force. In Japan, the game is known as Shin Sangoku Musou 7: Empires.

Plot

The Dynasty Warriors series is loosely based on the Far East book called Romance of Three Kingdoms, which tells the story of the Chinese civil war taking place between 169 and 280 AD, when four clans – Shu, Wu, Wei, and Jin – fought for power. Unlike Dynasty Warrios 7: Empires, the eighth installment doesn't focus much on the historical background, instead emphasizing the original characters created by the players themselves.

Mechanics

Like in the previous installments, Empires focuses on the expansive conquest mode. You play as an ambitious leader, officer, or mercenary. The last one's task is to gain game and complete tasks for various clans. As an officer, you support your leader in his task of conquering China by fulfilling his orders, which means participating in battles or serving as a messenger or adviser. As a leader, you personally participate in the unification of China under your banner, fighting other clans in turn-based battles on the strategy map.

Regardless of what path you choose, you often have to participate in battles. After making several tactical decisions regarding the development of the fight, you enter the fray. The game then turns into a classical slasher, encouraging you to spectacularly eliminate hordes of enemies. Making extensive combo attacks and using the environment and special moves fills your fame bar and earns you extra money, which you can spend on new abilities and unlocking various weapons, which can also be upgraded.

Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires features all characters from Dynasty Warriors 8 and Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends, and also adds a new one, Xun Yu. Other novelties include the expansion of the marriage system, now allowing you to have children, who inherit their characteristics and abilities from their parents. The combat mechanics were also expanded, especially those regarding stratagems. The game allows you create your own scenarios, which can be shared with other players. Other elements, such as the fame system, leadership, and customization of various faction details (banners, soldiers, mounts), were also slightly changed.

Last updated on 27 October 2014