"Dynasty Warriors...tooken to a complete new level! You wouldn't even think it's Dynasty Warriors!"

Introduction:
Dynasty Warriors 5 Empires is based on the popular Dynasty Warriors series that's based on actual ancient Chinese history. The Dynasty Warriors series started at in the late 80s and ever since then, they have been coming out in all shapes and forms; from strategy games to war games. But, onto the Dynasty Warriors Empire series; there is only one, Dynasty Warriors 4 Empires. It's based on the same type as Dynasty Warriors 5 Empires.

Gameplay:
The gameplay is the most fun I've ever had in a while. The controls are simple. The difficulty varies as you get close to full domination. The game's pride and joy is the main empire mode. It works in time periods that varies kingdoms able to play as. They have included a lot more kingdoms such as, Zhang Lu and Zhang Yan have their own kingdoms now. It also contains 75 policies that can be found through the three main ways of choosing them; Consult, Delegate and Assign. Consult is where you choose an officer's suggestions. Delegate is to entrust an officer of choosing the policies for you. Assign is where you choose your own policy through the collection available. After that the strategy phase, you then go onto positioning your officers at your own territories and whether or not to invade another territory or defend from any other attacking kingdom. The Battle itself is the same hack and slash and taking over bases to secure the main camp whole protecting your own. The new feature that makes the battles so much more depth is; the ability to command your own units. This opens so much strategy which makes the game fun. After the battle, you receive any items/gold you picked up and any attributes you found that can modify your weapon.

During your quest to unify the land, there will be earthquakes and plagues that may effect your kingdom. This offers some more strategy. To upgrade your weapons combos, you have to upgrade your blacksmiths. It takes quite a while but it's eaier and cheaper compared to the last empire game. Another few features they've added is the execution option and the unlimited time option allowing you to have fun ending officer's lives as well as, having the whole game last forever! Lastly, they have added a free mode allowing you choose a map and customise the options yourself such as, choosing your own units and the strength of your army and the enemy's.

Story:
The Story is the same story as the last instalments based on the history. The battles range from the Yellow Turban Rebellion to Wu Zhang Plains. Unfortunately, there is not very much drama or feelings expressed. Such as, the three brothers; Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei just seem as officers, no actual relationship.

Graphics/Sound:
The graphics have improved slightly. Such as; the shadings, no “ghostly” horses/elephants and the capes not going through the horses/elephants. The sound however, is the same rock mixed in with Chinese music but, they allow you to choose the music throughout all the Dynasty Warriors in the battles which I, think is a big improvement as, it makes the battles more enjoyable in my experience.

Playtime/Replayability:
The playtime and replayability is high. Since one empire game takes at least 12 hours to complete while another 20 kingdoms to play it with mixed in with the strategy will keep you amused for a long time. Don't forget the free mode, allowing you choose your battles and customise them. There is simply enough to keep one amused for nearly a month or two.

Final Recommendation:
I say for Dynasty Warriors fans; a buy. For outsiders; rent. This game will send Dynasty Warriors fans like myself to complete content. While those of you who don't know anything about the game's story and officers, can look at the game's encyclopaedia which explains the story and gives a brief description about the officer.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/26/06