Dynasty Warriors 4

Infobox VG


caption = North American PlayStation 2 cover art
developer = Omega Force
publisher = Koei
designer =
engine =
series = ^NA "Dynasty Warriors"
^JP "Shin Sangokumusou"
released = PlayStation 2:
^JP February 27, 2003
^NA March 25, 2003
^PAL June 27, 2003
Xbox:
^JP September 4, 2003
^NA September 30, 2003
^PAL November 14, 2003
genre = Hack and slash
Tactical action [cite web |title=EA Signs North American Distribution Agreement with Koei Corporation for Upcoming Tactical Action Game Samurai Warriors |url=http://www.info.ea.com/news/pr/pr456.htm |publisher=Electronic Arts |date=2004-02-24 |accessdate=2007-12-03]
modes = Single-player, Multiplayer
ratings = ESRB: Teen (T)
PEGI: 12+
OFLC: 15+
USK: 12+
platforms = PlayStation 2, Xbox

"Dynasty Warriors 4", known as nihongo|真・三國無双3|"Shin Sangokumusou 3" in Japan, is a hack and slash video game and the fourth installment in the popular "Dynasty Warriors" series. "Dynasty Warriors 4" was developed by Omega Force and published by Koei. The game is available on PlayStation 2 (PS2) and Xbox and is based on a series of books called "Romance of the Three Kingdoms", written by Luo Guanzhong. As the series has progressed, it has strayed further from the actual plot of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" but instead has given the user more input on how the storyline progresses. When it was released in Japan as "Shin Sangokumusou 3", it topped the sales charts, sold over one million copies within nine days,Cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ps2/action/dynastywarriors4/news.html?sid=6071208|title=Dynasty Warriors series sales hits 5 million|accessdate=2007-03-15|author=Justin Calvert|work= [http://uk.gamespot.com Gamespot UK] ] and received an average of 78 out of 100 on Metacritics reviews.Cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps2/dynastywarriors4|title=Dynasty Warriors 4 Reviews|accessdate=2007-03-15|work= [http://www.metacritic.com Metacritic] ]

Originally released on the PS2 in March 2003, it was later ported to the Xbox in September of the same year and, in 2005, ported to the PC under the name "Dynasty Warriors 4 Hyper". Two expansions were released for the PS2 version of the game, "Xtreme Legends" and "Empires". Whereas "Xtreme Legends" requires the player to use the original "Dynasty Warriors 4" disc to access all of its features, "Empires" is a stand-alone game and can be played with all of its content without the use of the original disk. The game is the first in the Dynasty Warriors series to introduce an "Empires" expansion pack and the second to include an "Xtreme Legends" title. These expansions are not available for the Xbox version of the game.

Gameplay

"Dynasty Warriors 4" expands on its predecessors by adding new characters, new modes of play and a completely new 'Edit Mode.'Cite web|url=http://www.netjak.com/Reviews/ps2/dw4.htm |title=Netjak Review|accessdate=2007-03-15| author=Clayton Chan|work= [http://www.netjak.com Netjak] ] Instead of having strict routines to follow during battle, officers, to some extent, will have a greater reaction to the events taking place on the battlefield in the game.

The aim of most of the stages in "Dynasty Warriors 4" is to defeat the enemy commander. The player must make their way through the stage, defeating enemy officers and troops while trying to keep their own commander alive.cite book | title=Dynasty Warriors 4 Game Manual| pages=16| publisher=Koei] Some stages have secondary objectives for the player to complete to make the stage easier, unlock new features, or help in later stages. Each playable character has their own unique weapon and individual superhuman abilities. The scope of each stage allows for each side to have thousands of soldiers in the battlefield. The game uses a fairly simple combination system so that players can chain attacks together; the highest possible attack combo being six.cite book | title=Dynasty Warriors 4 Game Manual| pages=26| publisher=Koei]

Playable starting officers include Liu Bei, Zhang Fei, and Guan Yu for the Shu Kingdom; Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, and Cao Cao for the Wei Kingdom; and Sun Shang Xiang, Huang Gai, and Sun Jian for the Wu Kingdom. It is possible to unlock new characters from other kingdoms as well as use a player created character in any of the campaigns. The new 'Edit Mode' allows players to create an officer from sets of different features, motions, and weapons to use in 'Campaign Mode.' The characters stance and motion are affected by their sex and the weapon the player has selected them to carry and use. The motions for the weapons are taken from pre-existing officers as well as from two characters removed from "Dynasty Warriors 4" that were in "Dynasty Warriors 3": Fu Xi and Nu Wa.Cite web|url=http://www.gamingworldx.com/ps2/DynastyWarriors4.shtml|title=Gaming World X Review |accessdate=2007-03-15| author=David A. Conaway|work= [http://www.gamingworldx.com Gaming World X] ]

Each playable character in the game has the ability to equip items. Weapons in the game, unlike its predecessors, are gained in levels. By defeating generals and lieutenants, the player's character is awarded experience scaled by the difficulty of each officer, and the amount of them defeated. This experience is allocated at the end of the level and allows the player to increase their attributes or obtain new forms. Each playable officer has 9 levels to achieve with their standard weapon, while a 10th level is accessible through special in-game requirements. Items can have a number of effects on the player such as increasing attack power, defense, and movement speed.cite book | title=Dynasty Warriors 4 Game Manual| pages=37| publisher=Koei] Special items can also be unlocked by fulfilling certain objectives during gameplay. Special items will grant the player, along with a statistics boost, a unique ability or skill. For example, one of the special items in the game allow the player's character to mount a horse or an elephant.cite book | title=Dynasty Warriors 4 Game Manual| pages=36| publisher=Koei]

'Musou Mode,' the main campaign mode, has separate campaigns for each kingdom rather than a separate 'Musou Mode' for each character, as was featured in "Dynasty Warriors 3".cite book | title=Dynasty Warriors 4 Game Manual| pages=8| publisher=Koei] While the storyline is still linear, 'Musou Mode' is rather open-ended in the sense that depending on the user’s actions, different events will occur, such as unlocking new characters for use or new kingdoms. The unlockable kingdoms in the game include the Wu, Shu, and Wei Kingdoms, and unlockable characters include warlords who were defeated in the book that the game series is based on, "Romance of the Three Kingdoms".

In-game features include large battlefields, a large number of enemies and officers to defeat, and multiple outcomes for each stage. Certain levels make use of the siege engine (A new feature to the series) and introduce specialized siege equipment such as bridge layers, battering rams and catapults to the stage. Although it is not essential for the completion of stages, having a siege weapon will increase morale for the player's forces, and help the player succeed.

The morale system in the game is similar to previous "Dynasty Warrior" games. Morale is increased and decreased by performing a number of positive actions for the player’s army.cite book | title=Dynasty Warriors 4 Game Manual| pages=19| publisher=Koei] Action that produce this effect include defeating enemies in multiples of fifty, defeating enemy officers, and completing special events such as ambushes, siege attacks, and finding enemy strongholds. Morale in the game has a strong effect on the player's forces, determining their strength and speed, as well as their ability to perform combination attacks.

Occasionally, when the player confronts an enemy officer, the officer will challenge them to a one-on-one duel. If the player accepts, they will be transported to a small arena away from the main battlefield where a one-on-one fight with the officer will take place until either is victorious or time runs out. If the player declines, your morale will drop. If the player wins, their morale will rise and the enemy officer will be removed from the battlefield.

Plot

etting

"Dynasty Warriors 4" is set in Ancient China during the time of the Three Kingdoms era. The game begins at the fall of the Han Dynasty, shortly after the death of Emperor Lingcite book | title=Romance of the Three Kingdoms| last=Luo Guanzhong| first=Translated by Moss Roberts| date=1995| pages=34-35| publisher=Foreign Languages Press] when the Yellow Turban Rebellion led by Zhang Jiao begun an uprising against the Empire. A number of elements in the game build on aspects of Chinese Mythology and there is a mix between fact and fiction as the game is built on the story of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms".

Many of the locations, characters, and events in "Dynasty Warriors 4" are reported to have happened in Chinese history although many have been exaggerated to make the game more appealing to the player. There are also some features that are historically inaccurate such as Zhou Tai’s weapon, a Japanese tachi, as there is no historical record of this kind of weapon being used in that era. The game features environments resembling that of ancient China and various items from the era. Common items throughout the game include Fairy Wine and Dim Sum’s.cite book | title=Dynasty Warriors 4 Game Manual| pages=35| publisher=Koei]

tages

Many of the stages are recreations of notable battles present historically or from the novel "Romance of Three Kingdoms", while original creations became more common with the newer installments.

Characters

Since "Dynasty Warriors 3", three new characters have been added, taking the total playable characters to 42. One new character has been added to each of the three kingdoms: Cao Ren from Wei, Zhou Tai from Wu and Yue Ying from Shu. Although the three new characters have been added, two characters, Fu Xi and Nu Wa have been removed since DW3. The characters in "Dynasty Warriors 4" are based around real and semi-fictional characters from "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and that era, where some characters personalities and traits have been exaggerated and where some remain fairly true to the novel. Females of that era didn't participate in any of the battles but there are a number of female playable characters in the game.

tory

Although "Dynasty Warriors 4" does allow for some player input into how the story unfolds, the three main kingdoms' 'Musou Modes' follow the main events of the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" story.Cite web|url=http://dynastywarriors.neoseeker.com/dynasty_warriors_5/PS2/pages/major_events/|title=Major Events in Romance of the Three Kingdoms|accessdate=2007-03-15|work= [http://dynastywarriors.neoseeker.com Dynasty Warriors – Neoseeker] ]

Han and Allied Forces Story

After the death of the Han Emperor in 189, He Jin took control of the Empire’s army while Zhang Jiao led an uprising against the Empire. [the Imperial Court sends out a call to arms across the land, raising an army under the command of General He Jin "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] This period is known as The Yellow Turban Rebellion. [All soldiers under Zhang Jiao wore yellow scarves around their heads as a tribute to their master. Thus, these soldiers came to be known as the "Yellow Turbans," and their movement would go down in history as "The Yellow Turban Rebellion." "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] He Jin fears that the rebellion will destroy the Empire and enlists the help of warlords from across China: Cao Cao from Wei, Sun Jian from Wu, and Liu Bei from Shu. With the help of the warlords, the rebellion is destroyed and they return to their provinces.

Shortly after Zhang Jiao is defeated, Dong Zhuo usurps the title of Emperor and causes disturbances throughout China. [Following the rebellion, it is Dong Zhou who seizes control of the Imperial Court "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] Lu Bu, known as the strongest fighter at the time, follows Dong Zhuo and fights for him, protecting him. [With the mighty Lu Bu by his side "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] Seeing the unrest in the Imperial Court, the warlords of the time gather again and appoint Yuan Shao as a temporary leader to rebel against Dong Zhuo. [an allied force is formed under Yuan Shao in an attempt to overthrow the evil dictator "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] At the Battle of Hu Lao Gate, the rebelling forces enlist the help of a battering ram and destroy the entrance to the castle. [Yuan Shao: Break down the gates with the ram! "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] Shortly after, Dong Zhuo is defeated and the warlords return to their own territory, eager to build up their own power. [The numerous leaders of the Allied Forces return to their territories, and begin their personal quests to take over the land "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] Cite web|url=http://kongming.net/dw4/stages/|title=Stage Flow Charts|accessdate=2007-03-22|work= [http://kongming.net Kongming's Archives] ]

All three major kingdoms share the Han/Allied Forces stages but depending on which kingdom the player chooses, the storyline will progress differently.

Wei story

The Wei Kingdom's story begins with “The Rise of Cao Cao.” After the defeat of Dong Zhuo, Lu Bu flees north and establishes a force of his own with loyal generals. Lu Bu invades the Yan Territory causing Cao Cao to create a temporary alliance with Liu Bei to defeat him. Lu Bu’s officers desert him and with the odds against him, Lu Bu is defeated and retreats. Shortly after, Lu Bu attacks Wan Castle and tries to defeat Cao Cao but Cao Cao's superior officers overpower Lu Bu and he is defeated.

After the defeat of Lu Bu, Liu Bei leaves the ranks of Cao Cao with his oath brother, Zhang Fei, and joins with Yuan Shao’s forces. Guan Yu remains with Cao Cao, feeling that he has a debt to repay to Cao Cao for saving his life. With confidence after defeating Lu Bu and a strong wish to expand his territory, Cao Cao heads north and invades Guan Du (Yuan Shao’s territory). [Stage: Battle of Guan Du "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] During the battle, Guan Yu leads a frontal attack against Yuan Shao, defeating several of his major generals, [Guan Yu: Lord Yan Liang, I have come for your head "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] but shortly after meets up with Liu Bei and Zhang Fei retreats with them from the battle field. [Guan Yu: I must return to my brothers side "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] With the loss of Liu Bei, Yuan Shao can't hold up against Wei, and is defeated.

With his forces substantially strengthened and the forces of Wu and Shu growing at the same time, Cao Cao chooses to declare war on Liu Bei. [There is one man whom Cao Cao considered to be a hero, and therefore a great threat. That man's name is Liu Bei "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] Liu Bei on the other hand is leading his troops through Chang Ban and is surprised by the sudden attack by Cao Cao, and fearing that his forces aren't strong enough to take on Cao Cao, Liu Bei tries to flee to his naval fleet [Cao Cao advances his army towards Jing. Facing certain defeat, Liu Bei decides to flee "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] but before he can reach them, Cao Cao’s forces defeat him and halt his seaward retreat. Instead, Liu Bei flees and finds shelter with Wu. Still pursuing Liu Bei, Cao Cao decides to attack Wu as well and leads his naval fleet against Wu's. Even with support from Shu, Wu is defeated and retreats back into their territory.

Cao Cao quickly continues his attack against Wu, invading Fan Castle, Shi Ting, and eventually moving towards He Fei, the capital of Wu. During the battle of He Fei, Sun Jian leads a full frontal attack against Cao Cao with the remainder of his army but is defeated after a lengthy battle. With only two of the three kingdoms remaining, Cao Cao turns his attention to Shu. While Cao Cao's forces were concentrated on Wu, Liu Bei had been improving his forces to repel him. The battles at Wu Zhang Plains and Cheng Du were major strategic battles, fighting for China itself, but Cao Cao comes out triumphant.Cite web|url=http://kongming.net/dw4/stages/|title=Stage Flow Charts|accessdate=2007-03-22|work= [http://kongming.net Kongming's Archives] ]

hu story

The main Shu story begins with Liu Bei leading his troops against Cao Cao at the Bo Wan Po. A notable character in Shu’s story line is Zhuge Liang, the Shu tactical adviser, revered in the game as a cunning strategist. He joins Liu Bei after Liu Bei visits Zhuge Liang three times, requesting his assistance. [He decided to serve Liu Bei after being honored by three visits from the Shu leader. "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] With help from Zhuge Liang, Cao Cao is defeated at Bo Wan Po and leaves Liu Bei free to escape to his naval fleet through Chang Ban. Cao Cao pursues Liu Bei but isn’t quick enough and Liu Bei escapes harm with help from his fleet.

Liu Bei heads towards Wu and forms an alliance with Sun Jian, [After safely arriving in Wu, Liu Bei successfully forms an alliance with the Sun Family. "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] reinforcing their troops for the naval battle of Chi Bi. Zhuge Liang prepares a strategy to burn Cao Cao’s fleet using a combination of a fire attack, linked boats, [Pang Tong has immobilized Cao Cao's fleet with chains! "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] and the wind. [Zhou Yu: Zhuge Liang will call forth the wind, we must endure until then. "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] Shu’s infiltrator into Wei, Pang Tong, successfully avoids detection and chains the boats together while Wu’s Huang Gai launches the fire attack against Wei. [Huang Gai: Now! Begin the fire attack! Once the fires catch, victory will be ours! "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] The wind blows and Zhuge Liang’s plan comes together, decimating Cao Cao’s fleet and defeating him.

After the end of this chapter, the player has the choice to go on to defeat the Nanman’s and Wu or to defeat Wei. Whichever is chosen first, the other will follow in the final chapter.

With the fear of a Nanman invasion from the south, Liu Bei turns his attention to the Nanman’s and their leader Meng Huo. He sends Zhuge Liang to deal with the threat. Although he is in unfamiliar territory, Zhuge Liang leads his troops through the dense jungles to do battle with Meng Huo and his wife Zhu Rong, encountering poisonous swamps, [Zhuge Liang: The swamp is poisonous. We should stay clear. "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] armored troops, [Soldier: That armour can't be pierced by arrows? Zhuge Liang: Nanman armour is quite resistant to blades and arrows. "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] and elephants [Soldier: The grounds shaking! Monsters! "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] throughout the way to the enemy stronghold. After being beaten back several times, Meng Huo finally accepts defeat. [Meng Huo's forces relentlessly engage the Shu Army, only to be repelled every time. Finally, Meng Huo accepts defeat, and surrenders. "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003]

Once the Nanman threat had been dealt with, Liu Bei focuses his attention on Wu and begins the battle of Yi Ling, [Infuriated by Sun Jian's unjustified attack, Liu Bei marches with his troops to Yi Ling to engage the Wu invasion force. "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] the deciding battle between Wu and Shu. Zhuge Liang uses a trap called the Stone Sentinel Maze to confuse Wu’s forces [Message: The Stone Sentinel Maze has slowed down the Wu Army's advance! "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] and also deploys reinforcements to the watchtower to foil Wu’s fire attack. [Soldier: Message from Zhuge Liang. He says to tighten security around the watchtower. "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] With Wu’s strategies defeated, Shu comes out victorious and is one step closer to defeating Wu. Liu Bei then leads his troops into the Wu capital, Jian Ye, to finish the battle with the Sun family.

The final battle between Shu and Wei takes place at the Wu Zhang Plains. Zhuge Liang sends the player's character to taunt Sima Yi from outside the castle walls, enraging him. [Character: If you were just you would come out and fight! Sima Yi: Fools! Fools! You know nothing of strategy! You wait and see. Message: The taunt against Sima Yi has worked! "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] Shortly after, Zhuge Liang fakes his own death [Zhuge Liang: Even my death cannot impede our march. Onward! To our Lords glory! "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] to lure the Wei army to charge [Sima Yi: All units, regroup, and launch a counter-attack! "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] and they are caught in his trap. [Sima Yi: Zhuge Liang...lives? Jiang Wei: It worked, the enemy is retreating. "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] Overwhelmed, Wei is defeated.Cite web|url=http://kongming.net/dw4/stages/|title=Stage Flow Charts|accessdate=2007-03-22|work= [http://kongming.net Kongming's Archives] ]

Wu story

After defeating Dong Zhuo, Wu has troubles in its own territory, with a small uprising that has started in the Jiang Dong district that poses an internal threat to Wu. Sun Jian orders his forces to deal with the offending generals and takes back the territory and most of Jiang Dong. [Wu not only seems able to retake their territory in Wu, but also conquer the entire region on Jiang Dong as well. "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003]

After stopping the revolt, Sun Jian moves onto defeating a small band of pirates with the help of Wu’s strategist, Zhou Yu. By spotting explosives on the enemy’s fleet, he sets them alight and the boats quickly catch fire, leaving Sun Jian victorious. [Zhou Yu: Those frigates are carrying gunpowder. If we could set fire to them, it would give us the advantage. "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] Soon after, he takes over a small area of the Nanman territory and then repels Cao Cao’s naval fleet at Chi Bi with the help of Shu’s Zhuge Liang. [Zhou Yu: The best course if action is to invite Liu Bei into an alliance and together we can defeat Cao Cao "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003]

Depending on the result of the fire attack at Chi Bi, the player will either go on to defeat Shu then Wei or vice versa.

With their alliance, Wu and Shu go on to attack the Nan Territory, which is currently controlled by Wei. Although they worked towards a common goal, Shu tries to take the territory for themselves by attempting to defeat the Wei generals first, but Sun Jian’s forces reach the territory before them and take the Nan Territory for themselves. Realizing that Shu is gaining power the alliance breaks and each kingdom goes their own way. Sun Jian invades the Nanman Territory, defeats Meng Huo, and claims the land for his own. Shortly after, Shu and Wu go to war and battle at Yi Ling. Sun Jian’s forces successfully navigate through Zhuge Liang’s Stone Warrior Formation and avoid detection, setting fires throughout the Shu camp. With their plans foiled, Shu falls and Wu is victorious.

Now only two kingdoms remain and Sun Jian chooses to attack Fan Castle [A raiding party is send to Fan Castle to flank the Wei forces. "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] and lays siege upon it. Using siege ramps to bypass the castle walls, [The Wu siege ramp has arrived at the west gate! "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] it is quickly overrun and Wu is victorious. Sun Jian moves towards Shi Ting, and with the use of a mole placed in the enemy forces, Wei's officers are led into a Wu trap and defeated. [Lu Xun: Wait until Zhao Feng lures Cao Xiu "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] Wei’s strategist, Sima Yi, is forced to retreat and Wu claims Shi Ting. Wu then assaults He Fei Castle, both sides later bringing reinforcements. [Enemy Reinforcements have arrived! "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] [Lu Xun's unit has arrived! "(Dynasty Warriors 4)" Omega Force, 2003] Sun Jian is led into a trap but pulls his forces together and leads an all out attack on the castle.

The final chapter of the Wu story is the battle between Wu and Wei at Xu Chang. Wu lays on a full attack at the castle at Xu Chang and, even with Wei's assault weapons attacking the Wu troops, they press on and defeat Cao Cao and claim Wei’s territories.Cite web|url=http://kongming.net/dw4/stages/|title=Stage Flow Charts|accessdate=2007-03-22|work= [http://kongming.net Kongming's Archives] ]

Development

Due to the success of "Dynasty Warriors 3", Omega Force began development on the sequel, "Dynasty Warriors 4", and its expansions. The fourth game in the series was the first to introduce an "Empires" expansion, but it wasn’t designed by the same person who designed "Dynasty Warriors 4", Tomohiko Sho. Although he was not the designer for all of the "Dynasty Warriors" games he was involved in the production for them, usually as the planner.Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2013678/|title=Filmography for Tomohiko Sho from IMDb|accessdate=2007-04-05|work= [http://www.imdb.com IMDb] ] Omega Force works under Koei as an internal development team and have mainly concentrated on the "Dynasty Warriors" series and the "Samurai Warriors" series. Similarities have been pointed out between the two series, such as the "Xtreme Legends" and "Empires" expansions, as well as a similar voice cast that has been used throughout a number of the games from each series. Repeated voices between games include Beau Billingslea, Steven Jay Blum and Richard Epcar.Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365144/fullcredits#cast|title=Cast for Dynasty Warriors 4 from IMDb|accessdate=2007-04-05|work= [http://www.imdb.com IMDb] ] Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0411822/fullcredits#cast|title=Cast for Samurai Warriors from IMDb|accessdate=2007-04-05|work= [http://www.imdb.com IMDb] ]

Audio

The "Dynasty Warriors" series has never used the musical style commonly made in the era that the games are set in. "Dynasty Warriors 4" is no different and features a similar style of music to "Dynasty Warriors 3", using a mix of rock, metal, and heavy metal with undertones of traditional Chinese music.Cite web|url=http://uk.ps2.ign.com/articles/390/390318p1.html|title=IGN Review|accessdate=2007-03-15| author=Jeremy Dunham|work= [http://www.ign.com IGN] ] Cite web|url=http://xbox.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r20588.htm|title=Gamezone Review|accessdate=2007-03-15| author=Eduardo Zacarias|work= [http://www.gamezone.com/ Gamezone] ] However, this does not detract from the fact that there are a large number of varied tracks throughout the game. The ending song of the game, "Cross Colors," is performed by Yuki KoyanagiCite web|url=http://kongming.net/dw4/cross_colors/|title=Ending Song Lyrics|accessdate=2007-03-23|work= [http://kongming.net Kongming's Archives] ] and the music was composed by Kazuhiro Hara. The song was performed in both Japanese and English by the same singer and was released for the US and Japanese versions of the game.

Reception

Before its main release, "Dynasty Warriors 4" was already looking promising after GameSpot UK’s preview two months before the game was released.Cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ps2/action/dynastywarriors4/news.html?sid=2909891&mode=previews|title=Gamespot UK Preview|accessdate=2007-03-16|author=Ricardo Torres|work= [http://uk.gamespot.com Gamespot UK] ] Although still very similar to previous titles in the series, the graphics engine had been tweaked and the gameplay been expanded, featuring more characters and stages.

After its release, it had high sales rates in Japan, selling over one million copies a short time after release.Cite web|url=http://www.gaming-age.com/cgi-bin/news/news.pl?y=2003&m=3&nid=11-34.db|title=Dynasty Warriors 4 Sells 1 Million|accessdate=2007-03-16| author=Craig Majaski|work= [http://www.gaming-age.com Gaming-Age] ] Its release in the US did not create as much hype as in Japan mainly because the market for the "Dynasty Warriors" series is smaller there, but it still sold fairly well and together with the Japanese sales, "Dynasty Warriors 4" entered into the Greatest Hits charts.Cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ps2/action/dynastywarriors4/news_6110336.html|title=Dynasty Warriors 4 goes Greatest Hits|accessdate=2007-03-16| author=Tim Surette|work= [http://uk.gamespot.com Gamespot UK] ] In its time "Dynasty Warriors 4" has managed to become IGN's 5th best co-operative game on the PS2 as well.Cite web|url=http://uk.ps2.ign.com/articles/535/535312p2.html|title=IGN's 12 Best Co-operative Games|accessdate=2007-03-17| author=Ivan Sulic|work= [http://www.ign.com IGN] ] The game is criticized for being very similar to older games in the series and retaining some of the features such as the fogging and repetitive gameplay. Even with these drawbacks, Koei went on to release two expansions for "Dynasty Warriors 4 Xtreme Legends" and "Dynasty Warriors 4 Empires". It had also been ported to the Xbox and to the PC as a "Hyper" edition. Armchair Empire commented that when there is a lot happening on screen at once, the game tended to slow downCite web| url=http://www.armchairempire.com/Reviews/ps2/dynasty-warriors-4.htm |title=Armchair Empire Review| accessdate=2007-03-15| author=Mr. Nash| work=Armchair Empire]

The English voice acting for the series, commonly criticized as being poor, has remained in "DW4".Cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ps2/action/dynastywarriors4/review.html |title=Gamespot Review|accessdate=2007-03-15| author=Brad Shoemaker|work= [http://www.gamespot.com/ Gamespot] ] The English voice-overs of "Dynasty Warriors" series uses straightforward English pronunciations for the romanized pinyin names of characters and locations. The results tend to leave errors in the dialogue, with incorrect English pronunciations of originally Chinese text.

Versions and expansions

"Dynasty Warriors 4" has had two expansion and a re-release. The first was "Dynasty Warriors 4 Xtreme Legends" and added new gameplay options and modes. The second was "Dynasty Warriors 4 Empires", which added a strategy mode of gameplay to the original. It has also been re-released as nihongo|"Dynasty Warriors 4 Hyper"|真・三國無双3ハイパー|Shin Sangokumusou 3 Hyper in Japan. "Hyper" is a port of "Dynasty Warriors 4" to Windows 2000/Windows XP.Cite web|url=http://pc.gamezone.com/gamesell/p28034.htm|title=Hardware Requirements|accessdate=2007-03-22|work= [http://www.gamezone.com Gamezone] ]

"Dynasty Warriors 4 Xtreme Legends"

nihongo|"Dynasty Warriors 4 Xtreme Legends"|真・三國無双3 猛将伝|Shin Sangokumusou 3 Moushouden is a PS2 "Dynasty Warriors 4" expansion developed by Omega Force and published by Koei. This expansion was released in the United States on November 4, 2003. "DW4XL", as it is sometimes abbreviated to, has slightly improved weather effects and character reflections within the overall graphics.Cite web| url = http://www.impulsegamer.com/igversion01/ps2/ps2xtremelegends.htm| title = Xtreme Legends New Features|accessdate=2007-03-22|work= [http://www.impulsegamer.com Impulse Gamer] ] The original "DW4" game disc is needed if the player wishes to play external modes such as 'Musou Mode.'

The expansion adds new difficulty levels ('Beginner' and 'Chaos') and new modes of play ('Arena Challenge' and 'Legend' modes). In 'Arena Challenge Mode,' the player can engage one-on-one duels against various opponents, where they'll be rewarded if they win. The new 'Legend Mode' elaborates on the individual prowess of each individual warrior within "Dynasty Warriors". Individual weapons are given the availability to have an 11th evolved state, increasing the weapon's stats further. Due to the great emphasis in the duelling system in this expansion, it is at times seen as its own individual game - separate from the original "Dynasty Warriors 4".Cite web|url=http://uk.ps2.ign.com/objects/552/552049.html|title=Xtreme Legends New Features|accessdate=2007-03-22|work= [http://www.ign.com IGN] ]

"Dynasty Warriors 4 Empires"

"Dynasty Warriors 4 Empires" (真・三國無双3 Empires ("Shin Sangokumusou 3 Empires") in Japan) is the second expansion of "Dynasty Warriors 4", released exclusively for the PlayStation 2 on August 31, 2004 in the United States.Cite web|url=http://uk.ps2.ign.com/objects/640/640704.html|title=Dynasty Warriors 4: Empires IGN Release Date|accessdate=2007-03-25|work= [http://www.ign.com IGN] ] The game adds a new strategy mode called 'Empire Mode'Cite web| url = http://www.koei.com/launch/DW4E/EmpireMode.htm|title=Dynasty Warriors 4: Empires Official Site|accessdate=2007-03-25|work= [http://www.koei.com Koei] ] which is based on the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" series. However, the gameplay during attacking or defending against opposing forces is exactly the same as the original "Dynasty Warriors 4". The main goal in Empire Mode is to conquer the land in order to beat the game, by invading and conquering all areas and territories of China.

In 'Empire Mode,' the player can choose a ruler for their forces, along with two main generals. Three minor lieutenants can also be chosen for support. In battle, the capture of enemy officers is possible by lowering their morale and defeating them. If, at the end of the battle, the player is victorious, it is possible to hire the captured officer or, alternatively, release them.

Before every battle, the player is given the choice of using 'Political Tactics,' such as increasing or decreasing time limit of battles or preventing enemy reinforcements from arriving during battles. The player can also secure alliances with other forces; these alliances can change how the game progresses, such as requesting reinforcements from the allied forces against opposing forces. However, these alliances only last for a set time decided by the tactic used.Cite web|url=http://www.koei.com/launch/DW4E/EmpireStrategy.htm|title=Dynasty Warriors 4: Empires Official Site|accessdate=2007-03-25|work= [http://www.koei.com Koei] ] There's also an 'Archives Mode' that shows the motions and voices of the officers. A gallery of character artworks and game movies is also presented within the Archives Mode.Cite web|url=http://www.koei.com/launch/DW4E/Archives.htm|title=Dynasty Warriors 4: Empires Official Site|accessdate=2007-03-25|work= [http://www.koei.com Koei] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.koei.com/launch/DW4/index.htm "Dynasty Warriors 4" official site]
* [http://www.koei.com/4xl/ "Dynasty Warriors 4: Extreme Legends" official site]
* [http://www.koei.com/launch/DW4E/index.htm "Dynasty Warriors 4: Empires" official site]
* [http://www.dw4hyper.com "Dynasty Warriors 4: Hyper" official site]
* [http://kongming.net/dw4/ "Dynasty Warriors 4" fansite – Kongming's Archives ]