Xbox

Dynasty Warriors 3

However inspired most of Dynasty Warriors 3 is, the game is not without any fallacies. While the game can be technically astounding, the game engine has its limitations. When pushed to the max, massive slow-down in the gameplay occurs and 3D models have a nasty habit of magically disappearing and reappearing in order to compensate. In the two-player co-operative and versus modes, these problems are exasperatedly twofold.

Dynasty Warriors 3 mixture of classic beat em up gameplay and a healthy dose of strategy is an excellent combo plate. This is one order of Chinese that will keep you satisfied for months.

Obwohl das Spielprinzip im Kern unangetastet blieb und trotz oder gerade wegen der Einfachheit Spaß macht, kann Dynasty Warriors 3 auf der Xbox nicht richtig zünden. Daran ist größtenteils die Grafik schuld. Zwar hatte die PS2-Fassung auch grafische Schwächen, doch was Koei hier abgeliefert hat, nutzt die Xbox nicht mal ansatzweise aus. Flackernde Hintergründe und aufpoppende oder hereinfadende Figuren machen die unkomplizierte Prügelei zu Durchschnittsware. Verdammt schade, denn wer sich auf ein grafisches Feuerwerk gefreut hat, sieht sich tief enttäuscht und sollte sich lieber auf die PS2-Fassung stürzen, insofern Sonys Konsole neben der Xbox lauert und auf Futter wartet.

Dynasty Warriors 3 is a good, solid beat-'em-up with enough variety to stay fresh throughout. Unfortunately, the Xbox version offers very little to tempt gamers who are familiar with the PS2 version. New difficulty levels are available, and the characters have new costumes. You're also allowed more save data, thanks to the Xbox hard drive. Overall, though, this is pretty much the same game we saw last year. It's still a good one, though, so if you haven't played Dynasty Warriors 3 before, this is the version to play.

Like a parent trying to spoil an otherwise ignored child, here comes Koei with DW 3 almost a year after debuting on the PlayStation 2. It’s a small gesture, given that the title’s gameplay is limited, albeit spectacular, in its mauling. Still, while Xbox owners may frown at the fog and bad draw distance, they’ll never have to know the slowdown during the special Musou Attacks from the PS2 edition. It’s a hand-me-down with holes, but one that may still keep action fans warm at night.

En somme, Dynasty Warriors 3 est un jeu qui n'évolue que très peu dans cette version Xbox. Pas d'améliorations énormes par rapport au jeu PS2 et surtout un gameplay assez répétitif à la longue. Un bon défouloir toutefois pour les amateurs du genre mais qui risque de lasser un peu trop rapidement les joueurs en raison de son aspect très linéaire.

Generals! Swordplay! Elephant riding! Dynasty Warriors 3 lets you see Chinese history unfold through the eyes of Koei.

Dynasty Warriors 3 reminds me a lot of Capcom’s older arcade action games (Final Fight, Captain Commando, Knights of the Round etc...). If I’m not mistaken, I think they even had a game based off the same historical material (Dynasty Wars). While those games are incredibly simple at heart, and amount to little more than button pushing, I always found them wholly satisfying in their own way. Sometimes all you want to do is put your brain on hold and have fun beating up hordes of enemies (especially with a buddy). Dynasty Warriors 3 lets you do just that, and even throws in a some cool features to help break up the repetitive nature of the game.