Dynasty Warriors 8 Review

Dynasty Warriors 8 builds smartly on the series’ core ideas, as Koei’s most famous franchise reaches new heights.


Dynasty Warriors 8 once again folds the territorial conflicts of Three Kingdoms-era China into a histrionic hack and slash: it’s a formula that’s served Koei well since the turn of the century, and you’d be foolish to expect anything drastically different here. Yet while the publisher fair churns out the Warriors spin-offs and add-ons, the mainline entries always feel like they’ve had a bit of extra love lavished on them, and that’s certainly evident this time. The recipe may be familiar, but Dynasty Warriors 8 skillfully addresses fan criticisms in the most engaging, well-rounded entry in the series to date.

It does this not just by adding more stuff, as is the way of the sequel, but by making that stuff matter. So while a host of new playable characters takes the roster well over the 70 mark (and thus making it a bit confusing for the uninitiated), this time they all handle differently thanks to distinctive moves and special attacks. Take two of the nine newcomers, for example: the Wu kingdom’s suave Lu Su sweeps aside opponents with a rake, while Shu’s Guan Xing carries a pair of wingblades, gliding and swooping across the battlefield. I also enjoyed Jin’s Jia Chong, albeit less for his combat style than his dark personality and devious machinations; he’s the kind of ally you can never fully trust. They’re brought to life with the usual hammy or overly mannered performances that have grown oddly endearing over the years, though it’s about time Omega Force did something about the battle cries of the defeated, which repeat ad nauseam.




Shu fetish.
Reviewed on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360

→ July 18, 2013 Dynasty Warriors 8 once again folds the territorial conflicts of Three Kingdoms-era China into a histrionic hack and slash: it’s a formula that’s served Koei well since the turn of the century, and you’d be foolish to expect anything drastically different here. Yet while the publisher fair churns out the Warriors spin-offs and add-ons, the mainline entries always feel like they’ve had a bit of extra love lavished on them, and that’s certainly evident this time. The recipe may be familiar, but Dynasty Warriors 8 skillfully addresses fan criticisms in the most engaging, well-rounded entry in the series to date.

It does this not just by adding more stuff, as is the way of the sequel, but by making that stuff matter. So while a host of new playable characters takes the roster well over the 70 mark (and thus making it a bit confusing for the uninitiated), this time they all handle differently thanks to distinctive moves and special attacks. Take two of the nine newcomers, for example: the Wu kingdom’s suave Lu Su sweeps aside opponents with a rake, while Shu’s Guan Xing carries a pair of wingblades, gliding and swooping across the battlefield. I also enjoyed Jin’s Jia Chong, albeit less for his combat style than his dark personality and devious machinations; he’s the kind of ally you can never fully trust. They’re brought to life with the usual hammy or overly mannered performances that have grown oddly endearing over the years, though it’s about time Omega Force did something about the battle cries of the defeated, which repeat ad nauseam.

Elsewhere the developer does its best to alleviate the inherent repetition of its simple combat systems, giving each character a preferred weapon that conveys an attack bonus and a unique
Dynasty Warriors 8
July16, 2013

Dynasty Warriors 8 follows the stories of the kingdoms of Wei, Wu, Shu and Jin through the actions of historical military and political figures of the time as they fight to gain control over the Three Kingdoms of China.
→ Much More
Chris Schilling Says
Fine China

Jade Empire
Sleeping Dogs
Deus Ex: Human Revolution

EX attack triggered by a simple combo. The second weapon they carry into battle can be selected from a generous array of alternatives that only increases the longer you play and the more officers you beat. While in the past it’s been all too easy to stick with the same weapon type, here you’re actively encouraged to switch during battle thanks to a new affinity mechanic: for Heaven, Earth, and Man (read: rock, paper, scissors). Deliver repeated attacks to opposing officers holding a weaker weapon type and you can launch into an unstoppable flurry of blows that not only looks great, but rapidly drains your rival’s health bar – and usually takes out any nearby troops into the bargain. An exclamation mark alerts you to enemies with a stronger alignment, but even here you can turn things to your advantage: wait for them to launch a charge attack and a well-timed switch can lead to a powerful counter.

Finishing off an opponent like this is satisfying enough, but you’ll also benefit in other ways. Defeating officers with a full health bar or while they’re afflicted with a status effect, for example, upgrades a series of abilities, of which five can be equipped at any time. These offer passive buffs like increased fortitude against projectile attacks, or more frequent item drops. In fact, by the time I’d finished the second of the four campaigns - each of which lasts around five hours - every enemy with a title was coughing up weapons, meat buns, gold, and refills for my Musou gauge, enabling me to pull off those spectacular special attacks increasingly often.

The latter is particularly useful when it comes to making the most of your character’s Rage meter. When filled, a click of the right stick allows you to go on an extended rampage, and combined with a Musou attack, you can chain a truly ludicrous number of hits (well into four-figure territory) until you’ve bled the gauge dry. Essentially you become a human cyclone, striding forward as clusters of dazed grunts whirl around you; it’s particularly amusing as Jin officer Zhong Hui, who waltzes along spinning his finger in the air, casually conducting this whirlwind of pain.

Indeed, most characters have subtly tweaked movesets, and everyone benefits from three unique Musou attacks: ground and airborne variants are joined by a third special move. The latter is your reward for reaching a higher character level, just one element that gives DW8 a much stronger sense of progression than its predecessors. It’s persistent across all game types, too, so you can start the next kingdom’s story (or a different mode) with the abilities and weapons you unlocked in the previous one. In other words, starting over doesn’t feel like a step backwards.

The four campaigns offer more variety, while their longevity is boosted by branching paths, triggered by failing or fulfilling certain objectives. In some cases, it’s as simple as character appearances in later battles; in others you get to play side stories or several battles in a whole new hypothetical timeline that rewrites history. The objectives are kept secret until you complete them or finish the campaign, meaning you won’t have to keep plugging away using different tactics until you happen across them by accident.


Shu fetish.
Reviewed on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360

→ July 18, 2013 Dynasty Warriors 8 once again folds the territorial conflicts of Three Kingdoms-era China into a histrionic hack and slash: it’s a formula that’s served Koei well since the turn of the century, and you’d be foolish to expect anything drastically different here. Yet while the publisher fair churns out the Warriors spin-offs and add-ons, the mainline entries always feel like they’ve had a bit of extra love lavished on them, and that’s certainly evident this time. The recipe may be familiar, but Dynasty Warriors 8 skillfully addresses fan criticisms in the most engaging, well-rounded entry in the series to date.

It does this not just by adding more stuff, as is the way of the sequel, but by making that stuff matter. So while a host of new playable characters takes the roster well over the 70 mark (and thus making it a bit confusing for the uninitiated), this time they all handle differently thanks to distinctive moves and special attacks. Take two of the nine newcomers, for example: the Wu kingdom’s suave Lu Su sweeps aside opponents with a rake, while Shu’s Guan Xing carries a pair of wingblades, gliding and swooping across the battlefield. I also enjoyed Jin’s Jia Chong, albeit less for his combat style than his dark personality and devious machinations; he’s the kind of ally you can never fully trust. They’re brought to life with the usual hammy or overly mannered performances that have grown oddly endearing over the years, though it’s about time Omega Force did something about the battle cries of the defeated, which repeat ad nauseam.

Elsewhere the developer does its best to alleviate the inherent repetition of its simple combat systems, giving each character a preferred weapon that conveys an attack bonus and a unique
Dynasty Warriors 8
July16, 2013

Dynasty Warriors 8 follows the stories of the kingdoms of Wei, Wu, Shu and Jin through the actions of historical military and political figures of the time as they fight to gain control over the Three Kingdoms of China.
→ Much More
Chris Schilling Says
Fine China

Jade Empire
Sleeping Dogs
Deus Ex: Human Revolution

EX attack triggered by a simple combo. The second weapon they carry into battle can be selected from a generous array of alternatives that only increases the longer you play and the more officers you beat. While in the past it’s been all too easy to stick with the same weapon type, here you’re actively encouraged to switch during battle thanks to a new affinity mechanic: for Heaven, Earth, and Man (read: rock, paper, scissors). Deliver repeated attacks to opposing officers holding a weaker weapon type and you can launch into an unstoppable flurry of blows that not only looks great, but rapidly drains your rival’s health bar – and usually takes out any nearby troops into the bargain. An exclamation mark alerts you to enemies with a stronger alignment, but even here you can turn things to your advantage: wait for them to launch a charge attack and a well-timed switch can lead to a powerful counter.

Finishing off an opponent like this is satisfying enough, but you’ll also benefit in other ways. Defeating officers with a full health bar or while they’re afflicted with a status effect, for example, upgrades a series of abilities, of which five can be equipped at any time. These offer passive buffs like increased fortitude against projectile attacks, or more frequent item drops. In fact, by the time I’d finished the second of the four campaigns - each of which lasts around five hours - every enemy with a title was coughing up weapons, meat buns, gold, and refills for my Musou gauge, enabling me to pull off those spectacular special attacks increasingly often.
“

DW8 has a much stronger sense of progression than its predecessors.

The latter is particularly useful when it comes to making the most of your character’s Rage meter. When filled, a click of the right stick allows you to go on an extended rampage, and combined with a Musou attack, you can chain a truly ludicrous number of hits (well into four-figure territory) until you’ve bled the gauge dry. Essentially you become a human cyclone, striding forward as clusters of dazed grunts whirl around you; it’s particularly amusing as Jin officer Zhong Hui, who waltzes along spinning his finger in the air, casually conducting this whirlwind of pain.

Indeed, most characters have subtly tweaked movesets, and everyone benefits from three unique Musou attacks: ground and airborne variants are joined by a third special move. The latter is your reward for reaching a higher character level, just one element that gives DW8 a much stronger sense of progression than its predecessors. It’s persistent across all game types, too, so you can start the next kingdom’s story (or a different mode) with the abilities and weapons you unlocked in the previous one. In other words, starting over doesn’t feel like a step backwards.

The four campaigns offer more variety, while their longevity is boosted by branching paths, triggered by failing or fulfilling certain objectives. In some cases, it’s as simple as character appearances in later battles; in others you get to play side stories or several battles in a whole new hypothetical timeline that rewrites history. The objectives are kept secret until you complete them or finish the campaign, meaning you won’t have to keep plugging away using different tactics until you happen across them by accident.

Ambition mode is another successful addition. Offering a twist on the aptly named Legend mode from DW7: Xtreme Legends, it asks you to build up a settlement from meagre foundations, turning a dilapidated camp into a thriving city, fit for welcoming the Emperor to your cause. Its missions are short compared with the epic battles of the campaign: brisk skirmishes allow you to pick up materials to develop shops and facilities, while rescue missions earn you additional fame, which in turn allows you to recruit allies from battles. Famous officers bested in duels can be pressed into service as bodyguards, offering support bonuses as their bonds with you grow, as well as dual Musou attacks if they’re close by when you let loose.

Again, there’s a tangible sense of progression, each trip outside the gates prompting a development of some sort, whether it’s the arrival of a merchant selling animal companions (because who doesn’t want to ride a bear into battle?) or troops you’d sent to another province returning with a sizeable haul of materials to forge new weapons. You’re handsomely rewarded for engaging in successive battles in a single outing, though with your health bar only replenishing a little between encounters, there’s always the risk you’ll return empty handed. It’s a smart piece of design in a mode that is, like so much of Dynasty Warriors 8, a welcome refinement of past ideas.

The Verdict

Dynasty Warriors 8 is the most satisfying and complete Warriors game yet, dethroning the excellent Warriors Orochi 3. It’s at once familiar and fresh, instantly recognisable at its core yet subtly transformed by intelligent additions and a series of small but noticeable tweaks. Wider changes may come in future instalments, but if this is the last we see of Dynasty Warriors in its current form, then it’s a hell of a way to bow out.

Stealth Inc.: A Clone in the Dark Review

Excellent puzzles, stealth mechanics, and a spirit of deviousness make Stealth Inc. a memorable puzzle-platformer.


http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/27/s...ark-review

Rogue Legacy Review

Ever played as a hero suffering from vertigo and OCD? How about a colour blind protagonist with Alzheimer’s? Welcome to one hell of a unique game.


http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/26/r...acy-review

IGN's Saints Row IV Live Stream

Thursday, IGN's diving into Saints Row IV, and you're invited to come along for the ride. Oh, and we're giving away copies of the game.


http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/29/i...nts-row-iv

Your First Look at PS3's Saint Seiya Brave Soldiers

With over 50 different characters, Saint Seiya's roster of fighters is vast. Take a look at some of the characters you can play as come November, when the game launches on PlayStation 3.


http://feeds.ign.com/~r/ign/ps3-videos/~...e-soldiers

Why Core Gamers Hate Free-to-Play

What if Borderlands 2 were freemium, instead of $60? If this idea horrifies you, it is time to think about why...


http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/29/w...ee-to-play

GS News - PS4 vs. Xbox friends limit, GTAV screens, Fez II axed

The PS4 one-ups the Xbox One on friends limit, GTAV reveals more details, Fez II won’t see the light of day and Microsoft delivers on accessory pricing!

Assassin's Creed IV: The New Wolfpack

Kevin VanOrd exercises his prowess and his patience in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag's Wolfpack multiplayer mode.

Journey of a Roach Screens

7 new shots posted.

Introducing Xbox One
The all-in-one entertainment system.



Be amazed.

Welcome to a new generation of games and entertainment. Where games push the boundaries of realism.
And television obeys your every command. Where listening to music while playing a game is a snap.
And you can jump from TV to movies to music to a game in an instant. Where your experience is custom
tailored to you. And the entertainment you love is all in one place. Welcome to the all-in-one, Xbox One.



Simple. Instant. Complete.

Xbox One is a state-of-the art gaming console, a new
generation TV and movie system and a whole lot
more. Gone are the days of switching inputs on your
TV to play a game or watch a movie. With Xbox One,
you can quickly jump from TV to movies to music to
a game. Just with the sound of your voice.



Be immersed.

With Xbox One, games are so lifelike, you’ll swear
they’re real. Immerse yourself in cinematic worlds
with characters that are more human than ever.
And reach into television, sports, music, and even
the web in ways you never imagined possible.



Be recognized.

Xbox One gets to know you. It learns what you like
and what you don’t. And brings it all together on
your own personal home screen. And because every
Xbox One comes with Kinect, it responds naturally to
your voice, movements, and gestures. Say goodbye
to the days of one-size-fits-all entertainment.




Be connected.

Xbox One brings you closer to the entertainment you
love and the people you care about. You can chat
with your friends on Skype while watching football
on TV. Or show off your best game highlights
instantly with Game DVR. And because Xbox One is
powered by the cloud, you won’t have to wait
around for game updates. It looks like the living room can finally start living up to its name.




All the entertainment you love. All in one place.

From the biggest blockbuster games to the most popular TV shows to the best
of the Web, Xbox One does it all. But this is just the beginning. Thanks to the
power of the cloud, Xbox One will keep getting better, with more games,
TV, movies, music, and apps launching all the time.


Home sweet home screen.

Xbox One’s custom-tailored experience starts at
Home. From the moment you say “Xbox On,”
you’ll be instantly recognized and welcomed by
a personalized Home screen with all your favorite
games, apps, and content. You can pin movies, music, and more for instant access, so that the things you love most are right where you want them.


Always ready when you are.

Xbox One was designed for today’s fast-paced
lifestyle. It wakes up instantly when you say,
“Xbox On,” and even turns on your TV. Downloads
and updates happen behind the scenes, so you can
jump right in. And when you need to pause, your
games are suspended right where you left off,
so you can resume instantly.



The new way to watch TV.

Connect your cable or satellite box to Xbox One and watch all your favorite television
shows right through the console.1 All your favorite channels. All your favorite shows.
All with the sound of your voice. You can even create your own personal channel
by pinning the shows and apps you watch most. Gone are the days of switching
inputs to watch TV or play a movie. Xbox One can do it all.



Come together
with Xbox One.

Xbox One was built to be social. Chat with friends
using Skype on your TV while you watch football.
Share your best game highlights with Game DVR.
You can even see what TV shows your friends are
watching most, simply by using your voice. And with
Xbox Live, you’ll be part of the most exciting social
entertainment network in the world.
Skype on Xbox One.

Skype has been specially designed for Xbox One.
Chat with friends on your TV in stunning HD. Use
Skype in Snap mode to chat while you watch TV.
Or do three-way Skype calls with people around the
world, all from the comfort of your living room.
Keep your finger on the pulse.

Xbox One lets you discover what TV shows and
movies are popular among your friends and tells you
what is trending within the Xbox community. It’s a
great way to stay on top of what is happening now.


All your favorite sports.
All in one.

Xbox brings your favorite sports together while giving you
command-center control of your favorite sports and teams.
Live games, fantasy sports, and a new generation of stats,
all on one screen. Xbox One is your new home for sports.
The NFL on Xbox.

Xbox and the NFL are partnering to shape the
future of football – forever changing the game.
Xbox One will transform the way fans experience
the NFL from the living room, through an
unparalleled, integrated fantasy experience on
the television that is truly social and personal,
and new innovations in connected experiences
with Skype and Xbox SmartGlass. Xbox is proud
to be the Official Interactive Content Provider
of the NFL.


A new generation of
apps on your TV.

Your favorite apps will find their home on Xbox One.
Find the apps you want instantly. Pin your favorites
to your home screen. Best of all, jump between
apps instantly, or snap them side by side to do
two things at once.
A new way to
explore the web.

Explore the web on your TV with Internet Explorer
for Xbox One. Use your voice to browse your favorite
sites with ease. Use Bing to find the best of the web.
Or use Xbox SmartGlass on your phone or tablet to
control your experience.


Features and requirements are under development and may change prior to release. Available features and content may vary by country. Broadband internet (ISP fees apply) and advanced TV hardware required. Games sold separately.