We've all been dancing the Dynasty Warriors boogie so much, we could do it in our sleep. It's followed the successful formula of "sequel followed by handful of semi-sequels" since the inception of the PlayStation 2. In fact, Dynasty Warriors is at risk of becoming the successor to the Army Men franchise's reputation for tired rehashes and being barraged with the same ire, except for one thing: it's still a hell of a lot of fun to play. I wish they would just hold their horses and put out definitive sequels instead of mini-updates (I barely consider Dynasty Warriors 4 a true sequel), but each one still suckers me in just the same.

You're not going to find much new in the gameplay realm. As always, button-mash to kill a slew of brainless drones and put another notch on your victory belt. The combo system is looser, like Samurai Warriors', so you can move around to target new enemies while still keeping the combo alive. Also, you won't find bodyguards or many items on the battlefield, so you'd better have your head on straight.

The real enhancement for this update comes in a new gameplay mode. Empires lives up to its name, allowing you to be part of massive empires trying to rule the land. Look at the map and plot whether to invade, defend against attacks, or even conspire with other lords. Choose "Historical Scenario" to stick to real-life facts, though you can change the course of history. "Fictional Scenario" divvies up land and lords randomly for an unpredictable experience (something this series can always use).


Selecting your territory and your ruler is a strategic decision. Coastal regions like Jiao Zhi and Xia Pi may have the advantage of fewer enemy nations around them, but at the same time are vulnerable to becoming painted into a corner by larger empires. Each area also produces its own unique items, which also weighs in on your decisions. More choices come in the form of which general to listen to between turns (between healing troops, appeasing peasants, or bringing in special units) and hiring lieutenants from defeated armies. Rival lords will propose trades of products or temporary allegiances, which is yet another point to ponder.

Perhaps the coolest thing about Empire mode is how nonlinear it is (especially in Fictional Scenario, as Historical makes Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu -- my arch nemesis -- a little too powerful). As you plot your course, so does every other territory. Some will be driven from the land, while others will grow to intimidating size. I played through a bunch of times, and each time some curveballs were thrown. Tiny nations would defend themselves valiantly, or a pact I made would result in me being unable to advance my kingdom for many turns. I definitely prefer it to the win/lose approach of older Dynasty Warriors titles, since you can dig yourself into a hole and then be forced to dig out of it. This should keep you from reloading anytime you lose a battle, too.