Koei has released a new installment in the Dynasty Warriors series. The same scenario based on the Romance of the Three Kingdoms is featured in this installment, with the various officers as playable characters. The character list and appearance are the same as in Dynasty Warriors 6, which means that some of the previous game’s characters are unavailable.
The distinction is that the player can only select one character for the chosen force (either Wei, Wu, or Shu) who begins in a village that serves as the hub or camp from which the game battles can be reached. Some characters are added and can be played by completing story objectives, implying that all acquired weapons, goods, and materials will be maintained.
The chosen character can be modified in a variety of ways. Aside from the primary weapon, one sub-weapon from various weapon categories can be worn. Both weapons can be switched at any time during the battle to meet the situation. The Chi system is an innovation that allows you to give your avatar specific skills, and there are four spaces to attach Chi (the two arms and legs). Weapons can also be customized by inserting Orbs, which grant various powers such as elemental qualities.
In the hamlet, the player can exchange materials, purchase equipment, battle items, Chi skills, and Orbs. Some NPCs may emerge in the town, some distributing goods or objects, and some with Officer cards that can be set to aid the village’s progress. Better things can be obtained from the shops over time.
Main Missions or Requests can be selected by speaking with the quest board or the Guard at the village’s gate. Each combat consists of a series of tiny areas in which different enemy soldiers and weaponry are battled, finally culminating in the leader of the enemy army. Each battle has a different purpose; some are specific goals like “Defeat the Commander,” while others are less battle-oriented, like “Recover all treasure boxes.” Additional missions also require the player to defeat a specific unit, reach a given place before a particular time, and so on. Upon completion of each bonus mission, you will gain additional experience points.
Other significant improvements to the battle system include the ability to play aerial encounters and the game’s main feature, the Fury Mode, which is activated when the Fury gauge (which replaces the traditional Musou gauge) is complete. The enraged character has improved stats and move sets and can use the iconic Musou strike to deliver additional damage.
To add to the game’s strange appearance, some new monsters are gigantic beast-like weapons that must be defeated with the assistance of other players. Only AdHoc connections can connect up to four players in multiplayer mode.
