Conclusion
Graphically Dynasty Warriors 5 Empires doesn’t look like a Xbox 360 game, more like a high-end Xbox game – that’s not to say the graphics are bad. Whilst the characters are intricately detailed and rich in colour, the environment lets the game down with plenty of browns and grey colours combining to make rather dull fighting arenas.
The destructible environment slightly makes up for the wearisome surroundings; wooden guard posts can be sent crashing to the ground with immense force taking out enemies, and crates can be smashed into pieces if that’s your thing, but overall it’s a mediocre effort from the boys at KOEI. A great game isn't always about stunning graphics it's just slightly dissapointing that more hasn't been achieved with the power of the Xbox 360.
Click for larger imageDynasty Warriors 5 Empires is a 1-2 player game where co-op split screen can be played in Empire and Free modes, but there is no Xbox live play. It's a real shame as the game would have been a great battle of minds against human oppostion. If there is a Dynasty Warriors 6, which is rumoured to be coming to the PS3 (KOEI have not made any announcements), then online play is surely a must.
Dynasty Warriors 5 Empires does get better if you give it a chance. Initially, after playing free mode, I was disappointed at the continuous non-rewarding battle segments, but in Empire mode the game is very more-ish. The blend of strategy and action keeps you keen and you’ll be eager to see how your actions off the battlefield affect the overall war for control. It won’t win any awards and some would say that the Dynasty Warriors franchise has outstayed its welcome, but I’d say it’s worth a rental and, for fans of the series, it's worth checking out the new features.
Pros
Decent strategy additions
Good combat system
Empire mode
Custom built officers
Cons
Poor A.I
No next-gen graphics
Repetitive fighting
Voice acting
No Xbox live play
Hire this one before you buy and make sure you have an instruction manual handy!
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Dynasty Warriors 5 Empires is available now, click the following links to order:Play.com
