"Finally A Strategy Game that Truly Surpasses Final Fantasy Tactics"

Overview: I know its hard for anyone to believe that a strategy game could ever be more challenging and exciting than FF Tactics, but with the advent of the PS2 such a game is finnaly possible....its name Dynasty Tactics. Simply put, this game puts all the emphasis on what really matters in a strategy game, the BATTLES. For those who grew tired of FF Tactics random battles and constant fiddling with abilities, this game is for you. It works like this, you organize your armys, send out envoys to recruit new officers, fool around with various unit types and choose your ''Tactics'' (special moves that allow the user to recieve no damage and link combos with your allies), start the battle and choose a formation, and go to work.

General/Summary: I came into the world of Romance of the Three Kingdoms via Kessen 2. Now that game was alright, but it really lacked any real strategy. All you did is watch things happen...with little control over anything but charging and magic. Kessen 2 was a good rent, but I desired something more, and I bought ROTK VII, and I was blown away by how complex and fun it is. However I was very dissapointed in some of the graphics - (which are naturally bad considering the game is two years old) Now Dynasty Tactics changes everything. Not only is it better than any strategy game out there....it has incredible graphics to boot. This game is so challenging and fun it can make you feel like God one moment, and like pulling your hair out the next. As an avid strategy fan, I loved it. I recommend this game to ANYONE, whether they are interested in strategy games or not....this game will get you hooked.
Gameplay: Gameplay is where this game shines because it is all about the battles. In other video games you spend too much time in menus, fitting your character just right. In Dynasty Tactics you have more freedom. You can send envoys out to other cities to recruit officers, or just go straight into battle with your toughest generals.
Heres the battle layout, you start a battle, choose a formation, build a supply depot and towers if you want (providing you have someone with the Build class)....and go to work. The AI in this game is a genius. In short, the game makes you think hard in order to win.

Graphics: The graphics to some may seem minimalistic...but to me they are just what I wanted. You have a square field with mountains and/or rivers, and the area outside the battlefield is just black ''space''. Theres a little fog of war going on to, it adds to the overall ''epic battle'' feel of the game. Also when you attack, or do anything you see a beautiful Kessen 2 style animation...Graphics are great, no prob here.

Sound: The music really fits the feel of the game. Big orchestra style music that makes one reminice of games like Xenogears and Crono Trigger....a bit of everything really. I loved the music, and it didn't get annoying even after 20 hours!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 09/15/02, Updated 09/15/02