- The new Active Mission System(AMS) triggers new mission variations each time the game is played.
- Auto-Formation System(AFS) randomly generates castle levels and conquest routes, for a new experience with each play.
- Unique graphics render game environments in deeply saturated, chromatic tones -- the entire game feels like a classic samurai film.
- Warlord Mode lets you create characters by playing a series of mini-games.
- Avoid the many traps and obstacles you'll face - Circular blades, false staircases, and other traps lay hidden within each castle.
Product description
-------------------
Samurai Warriors brings the ancient world to life, throwing you
into the heart of combat. In 1467, the Sho's rulership
collapsed, ushering in the Sengoku - The "time of warring
states". During this civil war we meet brave Sanada Yukimura, a
young soldier. His elite team of samurai and ninja will travel to
the renowned battlefields and temples of Japan, as this great war
emerges from the shadows. Control the island nation's legendary
warriors, from Oda Nobunaga to Hattori Hanzo -- and battle for
rulership, honor and glory. Use historical weapons from the
traditional katana to the more unusual kunai or kuzarigama -- you
can decide what your character uses Scenarios based on historical
and fictional accounts, for thrilling battle in 30 exciting
locales Incredible Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound
puts you in the middle of the action
Review
------
Koei continues to find new ways to milk the Dynasty Warriors
engine for all it's worth. After Dynasty Warriors 4: Extreme
Legends tried the "1.5" sequel tactic, this time around the
company has changed the title altogether and switched the setting
from ancient China to16th century Japan.
There have been some improvements in the gameplay package. The
combo system accommodates a larger variety of tactics, and the
different characters have wildly varying styles of combat. In
addition, the Musou special moves are devastating and shown in
even greater graphical splendor. Still, I doubt even the most
ardent Dynasty Warriors fans will be able to cl this is any
sort of dramatic reinvention of the well-used combat scheme.
While the missions and levels are no great feat of game design,
there are some interesting twists that will keep the experience
fresh enough for many. There is now some degree of castle
randomizing, which should help add to the replay factor for
hardcore players. Yes, many of the missions are still pretty
simplistic, but every once in a while you'll perform a unique
task or be surprised by the traps in interior environments.
In the end, Samurai Warriors is not a bad game. In fact, for some
people, it might be just what they need – solid hack n' slash
action that does a great job of making you feel that you're part
of a much larger conflict. However, for me, it's obvious that
Koei has become complacent. Samurai Warriors is merely mediocre
in terms of graphics (including the pitiful draw-distance in
multiplayer), and simple problems like the inept camera have yet
to be fixed. Its strong gameplay manages to squeak out a passing
grade, but I really don't feel this franchise is living up to its
potential.
Concept:
The same old hack n' slashin' in a new setting
Graphics:
I think it's time for Koei to radically upgrade or scrap this
engine
Sound:
A nice score with Dolby Pro Logic II support
Playability:
Does a good job of providing some depth to the basic combat, but
the camera still blows
Entertainment:
Don't be fooled by the new title, this is Dynasty Warriors all
over again
Replay:
Moderately High
Rated: 7.5 out of 10
Editor: Matt Helgeson
Issue: May 2004
2nd Opinion:
The bottom line is that the biggest difference between Samurai
Warriors and Dynasty Warriors is the name. It's the same old hack
n' slash action that Dynasty Warriors has offered for years with
a slightly different setting. Every battle in the game is
basically the same as those that came before it, the combat isn't
too deep, and the environments are bland. But, on the other hand,
upgrading my abilities and getting new skills was engaging enough
to keep me playing for a while. If you're one of those Warriors
fans that picks up every iteration of the series, you won't be
disappointed. If you're just a fan of action games, you may also
get a kick out of it – for a while. This title truly epitomizes
the phrase "dumb but fun."
Rated: 7.5 out of 10
Editor: Jeremy Zoss
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