Dynasty Warriors 6

For the sixth installment of Dynasty Warriors, veteran publisher Koei draws even more inspiration from Chinese literature’s Romance of the Three Kingdoms. As in previous titles in the action-packed series, players select from various stalwart heroes and noble warriors before engaging in historically inspired battles with hundreds of combatants. While the series has been chastised for its lack of significant changes from one installment to the next, Dynasty Warriors 6 adds several improvements to the well-traveled franchise. Despite lacking the graphical flourishes found in the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, the PS2 edition of Dynasty Warriors 6 includes ten new scenarios, five new stages, and a slew of new weapons. The emphasis remains on defeating hordes of enemies with swords, giant hammers, polearms, and other weapons, with varied attacks allowing for lengthy combo chains. As players gain combat experience, they can select from various skills to customize their heroes as they see fit. Characters can earn immediate combat bonuses through dexterous play using a new “ren bu” system, but these bonuses are lost once the battle ends. Characters can swim across water and scale walls to launch surprise attacks on enemy camps. Another change is the absence of bodyguards, which forces players to go alone rather than with a personal entourage. In their place is a dependable steed that can be summoned in an emergency to make hasty retreats or charge at full gallop into groups. Characters’ horses will level up alongside them, improving attributes such as speed and combat power. Musou Mode, a character-specific campaign; Challenge Mode, which offers specific goals to complete; and Free, which involves building a character’s stats on any unlocked battlefield, are all featured game types. Split-screen mode allows players to collaborate with a friend.