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Dynasty Warriors

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Dynasty Warriors (真・三國無双, Shin Sangokumusō, lit. "True - Unrivaled Three Kingdoms") is a series of tactical action[1] video games created by Koei. The award-winning series[1] is a spin-off of Koei's turn-based strategy Romance of the Three Kingdoms series, based loosely around the Chinese epic of the same name. The first game titled Dynasty Warriors, Sangokumusō in Japan, is a versus fighting game and not a true part of the series. All English titles are a number ahead of their Japanese counterparts due to the English localization of naming Shin Sangokumusō, a spin-off of the previously mentioned Sangokumusō game, as Dynasty Warriors 2.

As of November 18 2006, the Dynasty Warriors series has sold more than 9 million units worldwide.[2]

The series is often criticized for its repetitive gameplay,[who?] yet sale count is always extremely high among most games in the series.[citation needed] At one time these games were the highest selling series in Japan.[citation needed]

Games in the series

True series

Spin-offs

Game characteristics

File:Xiahoudunmusou.jpg
Xiahou Dun uses his Real Musō no Ranbu in Shin Sangokumusō 4.

The first Dynasty Warriors was a traditional one on one fighting game, released in 1997 on the PlayStation. Its play style was reminiscent of Tekken with the addition of weapons and some more exotic moves.

The next game was released in Japan as 'Shin (True) Sangokumusou'. This game was released in other countries as Dynasty Warriors 2, leading to the discrepancy in title numbers. From this game onward, the player chooses a playable character general, and plays through a number of levels representing particular conflicts in the time of the three kingdoms, eventually defeating both of the other kingdoms and becoming the ruler of a unified China. In this mode, known as Musou Mode, the generals are usually chosen from one of the three kingdoms (Wu, Shu or Wei; however, from Dynasty Warriors 3: Xtreme Legends onwards, independent generals were given full stories as well). Dynasty Warriors 3 had two secret characters, Nu Wa and Fu Xi, that were not playable in Musou Mode.

Both Dynasty Warriors 3 and Dynasty Warriors 5 have individual Musou Modes for each character. Dynasty Warriors 4 has a single, but much longer, Musou Mode for an entire Kingdom. For example, all characters aligned with Wu play through Wu's Musou Mode. This allows the player to switch characters with another general from the same kingdom as they play through the story if they wish.

The stages are presented in a third-person view, with the camera set behind the player as they engage the enemy forces. Each scenario can have different win/loss conditions, although the player's own death invariably leads to the game over screen. Less common loss scenarios usually involve the death of the player's superior officer, the loss of a critical ally or fortification, or the escape of an enemy leader. The generals in Dynasty Warriors have relatively superhuman abilities and can send enemy soldiers flying through the air with a blow, if not killing them instantly. Certain generals can fire magical projectiles or pound the ground to create massive shockwaves. It is possible for a single general to kill hundreds or even thousands of enemy soldiers and defeat their commander without the aid of any AI controlled allies. In fact the game will declare the player as unrivaled (either through the character or the character's superior officer) at every 1000 kills.

The order of events in a full Musou game follows the general order set by the Romance of the Three Kingdoms story, with allowances made for non-canon results (e.g. the player's army winning a battle they historically lost).

  1. Put down the Yellow Turban Rebellion.
  2. End Dong Zhuo's reign of terror.
  3. Defeat various 'other' warlords of the time period (i.e., not Shu, Wei, or Wu; however, this varies depending on the Kingdom—may include Yuan Shao, Gongsun Zan, Liu Biao, or others).
  4. Defeat one of the other two rival kingdoms.
  5. Defeat the last remaining rival kingdom.

Missions on smaller maps are interspersed between the major levels, and each of the main three kingdoms has additional levels that deal mainly with internal problems, or with small skirmish-like battles between kingdoms. Since Lü Bu, Yuan Shao, Dong Zhuo, Meng Huo, Zhang Jiao and Zhu Rong are all defeated in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Diao Chan leaves the arena of war and politics shortly after Dong Zhuo's downfall, and Zuo Ci never participated in battle, their Musou Modes are pure fiction.

Dynasty Warriors 5 introduced a relatively more realistic Musou mode. Instead of fighting in the entire set of their kingdom's events, the generals participate in battles they would have been alive for. The generals therefore start out at different points in time, and some generals will never encounter one another. In between stages are dramatic scenes in which the general will discuss the battles and their feelings on what is happening. This gives the game more of a personal view as well as keeping the player up to date with what has happened in the story. Dynasty Warriors 5 also deviates from the goal of unifying China. Not all characters are interested in conquest, and a general's Musou mode may end just after their kingdom is established instead of after the last rival kingdom is defeated. However, Cao Cao, Liu Bei and Sun Jian's Musou modes still vary from history. Although these characters die in history, story, and other generals' Musou modes, if you choose them as the playable character, the gameplay deviates from the original story and they continue to participate in events taking place after their deaths.

Due to the space restraints of the Game Boy Advance cartridge, Dynasty Warriors Advance only has 13 playable characters. The battle system has been reduced to basic moves and a power-up system added. The weapon system has also been overhauled with over 200 weapons. Each character can equip three different kinds of weapons adding for a unique experience. For instance, Zhen Ji can equip flutes, fans and swords while Sun Shang Xiang can equip a chakram, claws and maces. The maps are a tactical type system with characters moving between spots on the map in a turn-based manner while fighting real time battles on a small battle field. The plot is essentially the same; however due to the limited number of maps and characters, several events have changed. For example, Sun Ce can show up at the battle of Yi Ling despite the fact he was dead before the battle was fought. Cao Cao is also present at the battle of Wu Zhang plains when should have been long dead. Those characters who are not playable in Dynasty Warriors Advance but are in other Dynasty Warriors games are present as generic generals with their respective profile image. However, there are some generals such as Sun Quan, Yuan Shao and Dong Zhuo who have unique sprites leading some fans to believe that there are more than 13 playable characters. Koei has not confirmed this.

The Dynasty Warriors series is known for both portraying some of the characters with personalities that are far-fetched and eccentric, such as the flamboyant Zhang He and the bestial Wei Yan, while portraying others with characteristics that are quite consistent with the novel, such as Cao Cao and Dong Zhuo. Some generals wield weapons that are rather anachronistic, such as Ling Tong's nunchaku, Zhou Tai's katana, and Sun Ce's tonfas. Additionally, characters that were non-combatants in the stories or in history are included in the battles, as demonstrated by the inclusion of the female characters (in the original novel, Lady Zhurong was the only female who fought, using throwing knives). Finally, the issue of mysticism is touched upon with the characters Zhuge Liang (lasers), Sima Yi (lasers), Pang Tong (tornados), Cao Pi (ice orbs) and Zuo Ci (mystical paper talismans) who possess magical attacks.

Characters

Main article: List of Dynasty Warriors characters

There are, as of Dynasty Warriors 5, a total of 48 playable characters in the Dynasty Warriors series. 4 characters found in earlier installments have since been removed. With the release of Dynasty Warriors 6{Shin Sangoku Musou 5} it's been found that 7 additional characters had been removed. Each character is armed with a weapon, which may be a conventional historical weapon, an exotic martial weapon, or a magical weapon enhancing their mystical powers and their stats.

Wei

File:Cao Cao Art.jpg
Cao Cao, father of Cao Pi, who became the strongest warlord after defeating Yuan Shao and established the basis for the Kingdom of Wei. Died of a neurological disease.
  • Xiahou Yuan (夏侯淵) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 2
    Weapon: Battle Rod (Mystic Fang), Iron Rod (Ogre Rod)
  • Dian Wei (典韋) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors
    Weapon: Hand Axe (Bull Rampage)
  • Cao Pi (曹丕) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 5
    Weapon: Dual Sword (Chaos)
  • Sima Yi (司馬懿) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 2
    Weapon: Strategist Fan (Abyssal Feather)
  • Xu Zhu (許褚) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors
    Weapon: Mace (Earth Shaker)
  • Cao Ren (曹仁) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 4
    Weapon: Buckler Blade (Kai)
  • Xu Huang (徐晃) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 3
    Weapon: Poleaxe (Annihilator)
  • Pang De (龐徳) Only available in Dynasty Warriors 5
    Weapon: Dual Halberds (Heavenly Halberd)
  • Zhen Ji (甄姫) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 3
    Weapon: Flute (Twilight Flute)

Shu

File:Liu Bei Art.jpg
Liu Bei, first ruler of the Kingdom of Shu, and the eldest sworn brother of Guan Yu (right) and Zhang Fei (left). Died of illness shortly after the defeat in Yi Ling.
  • Liu Bei (劉備) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 2
    Weapon: Taijijian (King of Shu)
  • Guan Yu (關羽) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors
    Weapon: Guan Dao (Divine Dragon)
  • Zhang Fei (張飛) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors
    Weapon: Snake Spear (Venom)
  • Zhuge Liang (諸葛亮) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors
    Weapon: War Fan (Divine Feather)
  • Zhao Yun (趙雲) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors
    Weapon: Qiang (Raging Dragon)
  • Huang Zhong (黄忠) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 2
    Weapon: Dao (Venerable Master)
  • Ma Chao (馬超) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 2
    Weapon: Mao (Last Stallion)
  • Wei Yan (魏延) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 3
    Weapon: Double Voulge (Meteor Strike)
  • Jiang Wei (姜維) Avaliable in Dynasty Warriors 2-5
    Weapon: Trident (Prodigal)
  • Pang Tong (龐統) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 3
    Weapon: Staff (Great Phoenix)
  • Yue Ying (月英) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 4
    Weapon: Scythe (Nether Realm)
  • Xing Cai (星彩) Only available in Dynasty Warriors 5
    Weapon: War Fork (Ambition)

Wu

File:Sun Jian Art.jpg
Sun Jian, father of Sun Ce, Sun Quan and Sun Shang Xiang, who established the basis for the Kingdom of Wu. Killed in an ambush by forces of Liu Biao during the Assault of Jing.
  • Sun Jian (孫堅) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 2
    Weapon: Taijijian (King of Wu)
  • Sun Ce (孫策) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 3
    Weapon: Dual Tonfa (Hierophant)
  • Huang Gai (黃蓋) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 3
    Weapon: Iron Rod (Shade)
  • Sun Quan (孫權) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 2
    Weapon: Taijijian (Legacy)
  • Zhou Tai (周泰) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 4
    Weapon: Tachi (Setsuna) Note: His weapon is mislabeled as Katana
  • Zhou Yu (周瑜) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors
    Weapon: Sword (Scion Sword)
  • Gan Ning (甘寧) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 2
    Weapon: Dao (Leviathan)
  • Lu Meng (呂蒙) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 2
    Weapon: Ge (Mystic Hunter)
  • Lu Xun (陸遜) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors
    Weapon: Dual Sabers (Raptor)
  • Taishi Ci (太史慈) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors
    Weapon: Dual Hard Whips (Demon Slayer)
  • Da Qiao (大喬) Avaliable in Dynasty Warriors 3-5
    Weapon: Folding Fan (Mortal Beauty)
  • Xiao Qiao (小喬) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 3
    Weapon: Folding Fan (Fatal Grace)

Others (他)

File:Lu Bu Art.jpg
Lu Bu, renowned as the mightiest warrior during the era of the Three Kingdoms. Defeated and executed by Cao Cao at Xia Pi.
  • Lu Bu (呂布) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors
    Weapon: Ji (Maelstrom)
  • Zuo Ci (左慈) Only available in Dynasty Warriors 5
    Weapon: Card Deck (Trump Deck)
  • Yuan Shao (袁紹) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 2
    Weapon: Taijijian (Majesty)
  • Dong Zhuo (董卓) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 2
    Weapon: Jagged Sword (Pandemonium)
  • Diao Chan (貂蝉) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors
    Weapon: Dual Chúi (Muse)
  • Meng Huo (孟獲) Avaliable in Dynasty Warriors 3-5
    Weapon: Gauntlets (King of Nanman)
  • Zhang Jiao (張角) Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 2
    Weapon: Staff (Staff of Peace)
  • Zhu Rong (祝融) Avaliable in Dynasty Warriors 3-5
    Weapon: Boomerang (Fire Goddess)
  • Nobunaga (織田 信長) Only available in Dynasty Warriors
    Weapon: Yari Spear
  • Toukichi Only available in Dynasty Warriors
    Weapon: Sword
  • Fu Xi (伏羲) Only available in Dynasty Warriors 3 and 3 XL
    Weapon: Referred to as a Bastard-Sword, but is actually closer to a Zweihänder (Fengshen Sword)
  • Nu Wa (女媧) Only available in Dynasty Warriors 3 and 3 XL
    Weapon: Rapier and Buckler (Fengshen Rapier)

Stages

Many of the stages are recreations of notable battles present historically or from the Romance of Three Kingdoms novel, while original creations became more common with the newer installments. Here is a list of stages from Dynasty Warriors 2 to Dynasty Warriors 5 that appear quite often throughout the series.

Notes

Due to the enormous popularity of Dynasty Warriors, Koei released numerous additional games to the series as well as spin-off games.

In 2002, the Xtreme Legends (in Japan, Moushouden) series was introduced as a kind of supplement to the original game, featuring story modes for the "other" generals. Starting from Dynasty Warriors 3, every new version number of the game was followed by an Xtreme Legends. The same applied to the Empires series starting from Dynasty Warriors 4. Introduced in 2004, Empires was a mix of the pure action of Dynasty Warriors series and the tactical and strategic gameplay of Koei's other popular series, Romance of the Three Kingdoms. In 2006, Koei introduced a surprising new game to the series – Dynasty Warriors Mahjong, a mahjong game with the characters of Dynasty Warriors. Kessen II is considered a Dynasty Warriors spin-off.

Expanding their market into other game consoles, Koei released Xbox and PC versions of the games, as well as the specially designed Dynasty Warriors Advance for Game Boy Advance and Dynasty Warriors for PlayStation Portable. An online PC version of the game, entitled Dynasty Warriors BB (BB for broadband) has been released in Japan, and the name is going to be changed to Dynasty Warriors Online. The original payment method is going to be abolished(which was at first monthly payment and pay a small amount every battle, then to paying a small amount of money every battle.) to be come free to play with cash shop. China and Taiwan version of this game is also going to be released soon. Jay Chou is the official mascot for the Taiwanese version of the game.

Spin-off series of this game include Dynasty Tactics, first released in 2002 and followed by a sequel in 2003. Samurai Warriors (Sengoku Musou) has the same proven game engine, and portrays the Sengoku period of Japan, like Dynasty Warriors, Koei released Xtreme Legends and Empires expansions to the Samurai Warriors games. Dynasty Warriors: Gundam, an Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 collaboration between Koei and Namco Bandai, was released on March 1, 2007. It features Gundam mecha instead of historical people.[1] On February 3, 2007, Koei announced its first cross-over with characters from Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors, entitled Warriors Orochi, it introduces a new system in which the player can switch between three characters at will.

The next installment to the series, Dynasty Warriors 6 (Shin Sangoku Musou 5 in Japan), will be released November 11th 2007 in Japan and February 19th 2008 in North America. Currently, 41 characters from Dynasty Warriors 5 have been confirmed as playable characters in Dynasty Warriors 6.

Criticism of English voice-work

The English voice-overs of Dynasty Warriors series wrongfully[citation needed] uses straightforward English pronunciations for the romanized pinyin names of characters and locations. The results are rather humorous to Chinese speakers and misleading to its Western audience. Some unfortunate examples are the mispronunciations of Cao Cao (pronounced cow cow instead of tsao tsao, if using Wade-Giles) and Cao Pi (pronounced cow pee instead of tsao pee). However, the recent Warriors Orochi has started to change the pronouncing of the names to fix this.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "EA Signs North American Distribution Agreement with Koei Corporation for Upcoming Tactical Action Game Samurai Warriors". Electronic Arts. 2004-02-24. Retrieved 2007-12-02.
  2. ^ "Corporate Profile". Koei. 2006-11-18. Retrieved 2007-12-03.
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