"KOEI Adds a New Genre to it's List"

KOEI, at nearly 15 years of age, is finally making a come-back. Using the Romance of the Three Kingdoms story, KOEI has begun to create a game in every genre thought possible. Appealing more to the popular, action-oriented, crowd, DynastyWarriors roped in thousands of new KOEI fans, DynastyTactics is taking in more.

Graphics: 7

Like all KOEI games, good for what they are used for, decent on a comparison with others. Using the same graphics engine as Kessen2, character design and unit animations are essentially the same. Graphics tend to be blurry, but that doesn't hinder anything significant. Character portraits are done very well, more modern when compared to the classic RoTK7 water-color pictures.

Sound: 9

Finally!! A KOEI game with decent music! Powerful war music pounds in the background as you invade your enemies, truly enhancing the experience. Sound effects are poor at best, using cliche metallic clanging and overused warcries. Voices are well done, but only a few lines are actually said. The narrative is also well done, but only lasts in short briefing segments before a campaign. Most characters talk in dialog boxes, ala RoTK.

Gameplay: 7

Personally, I feel that this game is very shallow. Since it is not an RPG/Fantasy story, character development is virtually non-existent. Units obtain levels after acquiring enough experience, but this is nothing ground breaking to the genre. The game also focuses on a battlefield only experience. Battles, the main feature of the game, can tend to drag on, though, occasionally making this game a bit boring. A 'ComboSystem' is used for most of the fighting. This is a nice feature, which really helps you get into the strategy role (that KOEI always adds) of the game.

Longetivity: 9

With three leaders to choose from, branching paths, fun and interesting gameplay, DynastyTactics will offer you more than enough to keep it interesting. There is also a 2-Player Mode, which should pump extra life into this one.

Secrets: 10

Many characters to be acquired, numerous tactics and combos to be used, plenty of branching paths, this game has more than enough secrets to keep it interesting.

If you love Tactics games (FinalFantasyTactics, TacticsOgre, VandalHearts, FrontMission), or if you love KOEI/RoTK, then this game should be specially made for you. Be forewarned, though, that this game is solely based on battles and fighting. Those searching for an RoTK7-style, political AND battling, game will find this game lacking. For those looking for a great game to a great story, or just something to spend a lot of time with, DynastyTactics provides a fun and interesting experience.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 09/17/02, Updated 09/17/02