Dynasty Warriors 3

"A game that will keep you playing for ages"

The Dynasty Warriors series is based on the early years in china (100 AD) based on the time of the Three Kingdoms. Published into a game by Koei it is made on the Three Kingdoms, Wei, Wu, and Shu that battle against each other in war to gain control of china and thus, begin the next dynasty. This game is a beat-up type of game and does not require too much thought. At the beginning, you are able to choose from about four members of each kingdom and support that kingdom to victory. I would rate this game a nine, I felt it was one of the funniest games I have played in a long time.

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Gameplay 10/10
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It is amazing how fun this game is. Battles have tons of soldiers on one screen and your job is to take out these enemy soldiers and defeat their leader. I truly gives you a feeling of being in war and being in critical situations. As well as it is very fun to beat up hundreds of soldiers.

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Graphics 9/10
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The graphics are also something to be looked at. In most video games, when many characters are packed into one frame the graphics are usually turned down a bit to avoid major slow down. The graphics are always intact, always clear, and models themselves are very detailed to make your jaw drop. Kinematics as well is very impressive with the amount of detail and interaction included. Graphics were as well improved from Dynasty Warriors 2, by having more soldiers on the screen with minimal or no slow down.

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Sounds/Music 9/10
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The rating on the music is based on opinion really. During each stage is a heavy-metal song setting more of a mood for beat-em up. An electric guitar is mostly used during every stage. Some people would prefer some Chinese music instead and that is fine, but it is nothing like that. Sound effects are usually intact during most of the game, hitting a soldier with a certain weapon will change it's sound, as well as breaking vases make sounds, and firing arrows. Some people feel the voice acting in this game sounds too cheesy and was just thrown together, once again an opinion, personally, I had no problem with the English voice acting.

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Background Story 8/10
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Dynasty Warriors 3 does provide an interesting background on the three kingdoms time, but does not get very in-depth. It provides some basic facts of conflicts that went on during these times of war. Another game like Kessen II provides an in-depth story of the Three Kingdoms. However, you have to admit when playing an action game like this, you would not want too much talking and just more kicking butt.

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Improvements from Dynasty Warriors 2 (N/A Rating)
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Some improvements from DW2 are major and some a minor. The bodyguard system was turned up to a better level; you can change their weapons from a sword, bow, and pike or spear this time. Bodyguards used to steal some general kills right under your feet, now you have the option to be able to adjust the number of bodyguards in a stage from 0-8 (you start off with 2 and make your way up.) Your allies are not as stupid as they were and fight more aggressively. As well as the enemy AI was turned up a notch, more characters, and more cut scenes during battles to spice things up. One more major improvement is easier killing of generals! Generals used to get health each time they stand up, now they have to charge up to get health, which leaves you in a perfect stance to attack the enemy before they can.

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Replay Value 10/10
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Personally, this game has kept me glued to my seat for hours. They give you so much to do in this game. You have over 40 generals to play around with an you'll feel tempted to level up all these generals to full status. As well as it takes time and effort to unlock everyone. In addition, getting the entire fourth weapon for all the generals takes time. I would say this will take you over 200 hours to do EVERYTHING and it does not even get boring!

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Bottom Line 9/10
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This game is truly a must-buy for any Three Kingdoms fan. Renting this game will not be good enough for there is too much to unlock in this game within five days. If your looking for a beat-em up type of game this is your one.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/25/02, Updated 07/01/02