Dynasty Warriors 4: Empires

Worth Playing

The new addition of the empire mode and addition of the political policy, a stronger focus on strategy and improved character edit mode and the addition of new moves and combos really gives the game a kick.

TotalGames.net

Koei's feudal epic continues to go from strength to strength and while it only offers subtle improvements over Xtreme Legends, it's still a very comprehensive package. Roll on "Dynasty Warriors 5."

GamingTrend

Despite the repetitive nature of the game it just doesn’t seem to get old. There is always one more territory to take, just one more turn.

GameZone

There are load times and the missions are timed, but even though you have 30 minutes to meet the winning conditions of battle, the AI seems smart enough to challenge and force players to work quickly and smartly.

Game Over Online

If the less than stellar updates to the Dynasty Warriors series has left you cold, take a look at Empires: You may just rekindle that conquest flame.

Weekly Famitsu

9 / 7 / 8 / 8 - 32 gold [Vol 797; 26 Mar 2004]

PSM Magazine

This is every strategy-action gamer's dream. [Oct 2004, p.34]

TotalPlayStation

Even with the strategy elements, this is still Dynasty Warriors, and for whatever reason, Koei seems keenly aware of how to craft a game that should get tired and repetitive, but still manages to pull you in time and time again.

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

Simple prebattle strategy does a lot to enhance an already strong gameplay formula, more addictive than ever. [Oct 2004, p.110]

GMR Magazine

A thinking person's game with just enough button-mashing to keep things snappy. [Oct 2004, p.110]

IGN

The RISK-style gameplay lends an interesting twist to the same action, but there is still something missing without the storylines and the lack of multiple goals.

GameSpot

Empires actually brings some much-needed depth to the aging Dynasty Warriors formula with a new strategy-oriented game mode.

Warcry

A decent game with albeit repetitive, but addicting, gameplay. If you are looking for a fun action game with cool visuals that doesn't require a ton of thought, Dynasty Warriors 4: Empires is one game worth playing.

IC-Games

Ultimately, there’s perhaps been just enough evolution to make buyers of the series impressed, but for the rest of the market there’s perhaps just been too little revolution to entice us to its charms.

Sydney Morning Herald

Tactical combat on a grand scale, but of questionable value to owners of its predecessors.

GamePro

Contains the most enjoyable modifications the series has seen in some time. [Oct 2004, p.82]

netjak

This game isn't as revolutionary as I'd hoped, and what was changed for the most part was changed in a way that I didn't like so much.

Game Informer

While each iteration of the series makes minimal improvements, serious issues like the pathetic draw distance and poor camera remain unfixed. [Sept 2004, p.109]

PSX Nation

The new gameplay tweaks (which I personally dislike) and low retail price (under $30 if you know where to shop) go a long way to lessen the lack of improvement on the graphics and sounds.

1UP

More strategy could have been applied, and moving that strategy into the multiplayer game would have added a lot. Otherwise, what you have is the same DW4 with a slightly more tactical story mode.

G4 TV

There are moments of painful slowdown, and you may very well have done something very similar before, but take it from your oath brothers at X-Play, Dynasty Warriors: Empires is an easy game to enjoy and an easy game to recommend.

AceGamez

Simply put it's an interesting concept and at first certainly an engaging experience but ultimately it just doesn't work.

GameSpy

If you've been off the Dynasty Warriors wagon for a while, this may bring you back. It offers some new depth and motivation to fight lots and lots of stupid bad guys, and should keep a smile on your face until the next inevitable sequel.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

The twixt-battle strategy curves the game throws in - take on temporary status effects, recoup numbers lost in battle, form alliances with other clans - make it a notch more interesting than any other Dynasty title. [Oct 2004, p.102]

Gaming Age

Where DW4 Empires makes its biggest advancement is in the Empires mode itself. This addition gives the series the oh, so, much needed depth that keeps it from being a monotonous hack and slash title.

GameBiz

The attempt at injecting a strategy theme into the series just doesn’t seem to fit in with the game’s arcade feel and the battling is repetitive and generally bland.

My Gamer

Fans of the series as a whole will enjoy it until "Dynasty Warriors V" comes out, but the casual gamer will be turned off by the fact that it is essentially the same game over and over again.

My Gamer

Fans of the series as a whole will enjoy it until "Dynasty Warriors V" comes out, but the casual gamer will be turned off by the fact that it is essentially the same game over and over again.

eToychest

Koei should stop feeding its fans new gameplay through an intravenous drip, especially if they expect them to pay for their games.

Eurogamer

Empire mode becomes repetitive too quickly, and doesn't provide either the strategic depth in the "board" sections or the real thrill, bluster and mania of "Dynasty Warriors 3" (elephants!) in the combat sections to keep you truly interested.