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KOEI’s Dynasty Warriors is a series of computer games that depicts the conquests and battles of the heroes from ancient Chinese legends. Throughout history, there have been many tales written down, such as one of the Four Classics – Outlaws of the Marsh (sometimes known as the Water Margin). It is from great works and legends that such series like Suikoden, Kessen and Dynasty Warriors are all born. Now KOEI have put into development a new title for the PlayStation Portable and it looks to be carved into the stone of heroes alongside it predecessors.
However, it has undergone some slight changes. Fans of the series had to deal with this worry when Dynasty Warriors: Tactics was released, most probably as a way to tackle or go alongside with the famous Kessen series. It could have been a change for the worse and a permanent one too. Some of the market embraced it and very much enjoyed it, saying it was good for a change from the old slash and hack type of play but others very much hated it and could not wait for KOEI to release another of their classic titles. Fans face that fear once again, as the new Dynasty Warriors title for the PSP has a few changes and tweaks to accommodate the new handheld.
As with all of the previous titles, you take on the role of your chosen hero to battle through war zones of ancient China. Taken from Dynasty Warriors Four, there are all forty-two characters available all of which have their own unique weapons, fighting style and special moves. The concept of the game is still similar to that of the other titles; you fight your way through hordes of spear and sword wielding enemies to advance in the game, kill those in authority such as captains and generals until you come to the leader who is running the show so you can defeat him and claim the land round about. That is still how the PSP title works but with a little twist.
The mission briefing where the map is shown has taken on the style of Dynasty Warriors Four, as it is laid out in tactical areas so that you can plan your attack across the battlefield rather than run around like a headless chicken slashing and hitting anything that moves and resembles the enemy’s colour. Now, because the PSP is a portable handheld, hence the name, the game has been designed to play in short bursts of action. They have done this by treating each area of the map as a mini-level.
On the battlefield, because of the PSP screen being so wide, a side bar has been put on the right hand side with all of the vital information that is shown on the screen of the other games; a map of the area, your moral bar and soldier amount and the enemy’s moral bar and soldier amount. This is very useful, as you do not have to stop your gameplay to bring up the map and check where you are going. It also keeps the main screen clear so that you can see all enemies and aim your attacks with more accuracy (Not that the map and moral bars got in the way too much in the other titles but it is an improvement). Fighting is pretty much the same as it is on the other titles. However, usually you can acquire new weapons that can be equipped on the battlefield and items that will temporarily boost your stats such as increase your strength for thirty seconds or up your defence by one. These items no longer exist. To reward you for your skill and to improve your abilities, you can now equip up to a maximum of four personal guards. It is each one of these that will have the special abilities to improve your capabilities; either they will raise your health or increase your special move bar, etc. There are two hundred in total to collect!
It will take you about five to ten minutes to complete and once you have dropped the enemy’s moral to zero you have won that area. You then return to the main map and get to save your progress. You can then choose which area you want to go into next so you can strategically fight the battle to win overall. The short bursts of play in the tactical areas means that you can quickly play the game in the car or before a lesson or meeting. As said, the game has been designed to coincide with the handheld ‘on-the-go’ theme.
Another feature of the PSP that Dynasty Warriors utilises is the Wi-Fi connection. It is not yet clear if there will be a co-operative battle mode but using the connection you can trade bodyguards so you can collect the whole 200. The Wi-Fi play could also play a big part in the changes of this title in a way to enhance the gaming experience of full scale war, allowing perhaps a group of four to take part in a battle.
Sooner or later all things must change to be that one step closer to perfection and the ultimate game. Also, with developing the new Dynasty Warriors title for the PSP, KOEI have had to adapt the series to this new platform and utilise the capabilities and features to their advantage in order to create their new masterpiece of true legend. Fans of the series should revel in this new title, as it looks to be full of the same action and skill, coupled together with new enhancements and techniques for a fresh and new experience. Those who are new to the series, this will be a must have title for the PSP and one that will keep the new handheld firmly in place at number one.
Dynasty Warriors will be out at launch.
Tobias Rowe
