Dynasty Warriors 4 Empires

Expanding the quaternary installment of the Dynasty Warriors series, Dynasty Warriors 4 Empires is a standalone expansion to Dynasty Warriors 4. Only available for the PS2, Empires doesn’t require the regular disc for DW4, letting Empires stand on its own two feet. Of course fans of Dynasty Warriors and Berserk and the Band Of the Hawk will enjoy this game, as will fans of the boardgame RISK.

Additions to the Dynasty

While the Dynasty Warriors formula was truly set in stone by the time Dynasty Warriors 4 released in 2003, DW4: Empires adds a bit of something new with the somewhat-titular Empire gamemode. In Empire mode, players are tasked with conquering China by invading and attacking all of the areas shown on the game’s map.

After selecting their ruler of choice, two right-hand generals, as well as their minor lieutenants, players are then sent off to take over China battle by battle. During combat, players can seize enemy soldiers for their own use

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.

At the start of each battle, players can also conduct a bit of diplomacy through the ‘Political Tactic’ mechanic, where players can manage to change the timespan of the incoming battles, stop reinforcements, and create alliances that can be called for in the midst of battle. The expansion also adds what the game calls the ‘Archives Mode’. In this mode you can view game assets and artwork, as well as cutscenes.

RISK-y business

Reviewers of Empires pointed out the many similarities the game has to the classic board game of RISK. The wider focus on strategy makes Empires have a lot of similarities with the well-known board game, such as growing your monetary resources as you gain more regions of influence, which can then be used to gain soldiers, improve your weapons, and even improve your standing amongst the people of China.

All Strategy No Story

Being based on the 14th century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, story and narrative has been a large part of Dynasty Warriors. And yet, in Dynasty Warriors 4: Empires, there isn’t any story to be found. Since the game is more of an experiment than a fully-fledged entry in the main series, it makes sense that the story wouldn’t play as a central role, but it still feels amiss from the Dynasty Warriors experience players have come to expect.

PROS

• Adds a whole new layer to Dynasty Warriors 4
• Can run as its own separate game to DW 4
• Clever blend of strategy and hack ‘n’ slash

CONS

• Iconic Dynasty Warriors story is absent
• Not much motivation