Deep strategy
The controls and the execution of the fighting manoeuvres will appeal to hack and slash fans, but the poor A.I and repetitiveness of each battle does get boring after a few hard fought rounds – not to mention heavy on the fingers.
Disappointingly the right thumbstick is not used in the game. This could have been used to direct the field of vision but instead you’ll need to click the left bumper to keep the action ahead of you. Although this can be frustrating don’t despair, there’s much more to Dynasty Warriors 5: Empires than meets the eye.
Click for larger imageEmpire Mode features the hack and slash style of Free mode with a strategic twist and is a fine addition to the relentless, unforgiving battles in which you’ll fight. Before each battle begins the player will meet with the war council to decide upon military and political policies for the kingdom. You’ll have full control over the Kingdom and can choose from 6 different scenarios that are unlocked as you progress. You’ll have a map of Ancient China divided into segments and need to conquer or defend these territories. The process of doing this initially appears confusing if you don’t know your Zhang Jiaos from your Zhang Liangs, but the fog does clear and takes the game to another level. Gold is the main resource in the game and is earned by, amongst other things, gaining territory. Gold is used for many things, such as employing more troops, sending officers out to report on areas, and even to gather public support by dishing it out freely to the inhabitants of an area.
Click for larger imageInitially you’ll select an unoccupied territory and create a new force. There’s the option to create officers in the main menu where you can customise certain aspects of the character; from gender to the sound of their voice (war cry), or you can jump straight in with the pre-selected officers. When choosing one of the six scenarios there are numerous settings that can be changed, from time limits to limiting the number of officers in each force. At this point you’ll enter the strategic phase. Still with me?
