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Nice combo of real-time strategy and hack-and-slash fun.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 25 / 28
Date: December 18, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Dynasty Warriors 2 is one of four games I currently own (including Tekken Tag, Ridge Racer V, and Madden 2001), and quite frankly, Dynasty Warriors has been the only one I've played on PS2 since I bought the game. By way of history, I'm an old gamer, and have been playing Koei games since "Nobunaga's Ambition" back on the NES, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms through its various incarnations. Koei took a SimCity approach to ancient warfare in China and Japan and the results were city micromanagement and hexagonal warfare with many of the characters currently in Dynasty Warriors 2. And they're all here...Cao Cao, Lu Bu, Zhang Fei, Lui Bei, Zhao Yun -- except this time they're full size animated characters with individualized weapons and attacks. Zhang Fei uses a snake spear, while Dian Wei uses a huge axe, and so on. The action is fast and furious, but also progresses better when a plan is executed. By looking at the map prior to game play, or pressing "start" during game play, the player sees where the enemy generals are fighting (knocking them out opens gates, and drops morale of the enemy boss). There are also smaller maps (pressing R2 switches overhead perspective) showing where the flow of the battle is going (the enemy is orange, the "good guys" blue). I have come to depend on these "onscreen" maps, as you can get lost without them. Hints that I've noticed: 1.) it's hard to do, but try to keep your bodyguards alive, otherwise you're fighting solo...try to build them up in the "free" mode so they get tougher; 2.) take out archers ASAP...they become a huge pain in the neck; 3.) try to team up on tougher generals with another good allied general on your side -- you can sometimes just swoop in after the target is banged up and finish him off with a special move; 4) break all the boxes and jars for saves, health and "mosou" (special move) power-ups. Graphics-wise the game is excellent, with little pixilation, beautiful scenery and cut-scenes. Drawbacks are the repetitious nature of free mode, the fact that levels 3 and higher are VERY hard (at least in normal mode), and the annoying ability of the tougher generals to FULLY re-heal in a second. In any event, Koei has set a great standard for other games to follow and here's hoping they move into similar PSII simulations for perhaps the American Civil War, Waterloo, WWII or other scenarios.

How Dynastys become Legends...

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 23 / 27
Date: October 28, 2000
Author: Amazon User

As one of the first consumers to purchase a Playstation on launch date, my first selection for a game had to test out the power of the newly designed PS2. So ideally I choose Dynasty Warriors 2 in hopes of utilizing it's amazing graphics display.

I was so blown away that when disc loaded in the machine and the intro began I forgot that I was looking at a video game and was lost in a movie. The sensational inroduction storyline was extremely breathtaking alongside the mindblowing graphics and smooth finishing graphics. It including real background graphics, realistic human movements and unforgettable designs.

The setting takes place in ancient china and puts you in the place of several different soldiers who must lead a vast army against the notorious Han dynasty. As the Lead commander you are responsible for fighting your troops into battle. With control of only the main character you fight through thousands of troops to help the army take strategic points of a territory. Some territories more than 5 acres long, you must plow through soldiers and fight constantly in battle ground atmosphere.

With weapons in hand you can engage in furious battles and summon special attacks by saving energy in one powerful burst. Arrows are also shot across distances. One of the greatest highlights of the game is being able to ride on a abondon horse which allows for quicker coverage and towering advantage over your enemies.

Though DW2 is filled with spectacular army combat at times it seems inveitable to have this a multi-player game. Unfortunately its 360 degree style can only allow 1 person to play.

Fighting swarms of people are impossible but while bodies fall like flies a body count is given for each enemy that falls underneath your blade.

Small details provide the most greatest advantages. Costumes and names of the characters are those which could have existed in that time. But Rembering and ally and enemy with chinese names can be easily confusing.

In conclusion the graphics are compared to no other, fighting styles are somewhat repetitive after 200 kills and single player situations can make this game flat, though it provide the greatest strategy and leadership to pass the levels it's no easy task to lead a dynasty.

Even Decently Historically Accurate! I Love These Guys!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 14 / 16
Date: April 17, 2001
Author: Amazon User

My personal reasons for loving this game, for those who care- My story starts about 11 years ago, when I accidentally got an old RPG for Christmas called "Destiny of an Emperor", wondering what it was. I soon found out it was meant for my cousin, but since he asked for it so much, we found there were two copies bought, and I kept my copy just the same. It played like Final Fantasy I (years before I ever saw a Final Fantasy), but with armies of troops instead of HP. I learned the names of these heroes over the years of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun...etc, and the lands, such as Chen Du, Shu, and The Han Dynasty. The game took me over 5 years to beat. It was a superb game!

Then around the time of the PS2 launch, a local store was playing this game as a demo. "Damn!" I thought to myself, "Look at that simple interface! Look at those amazing graphics!" I knew that this game would eventually come into my PS2 library, but I didn't know it had to be soon until a month later when I saw that the character name was "Zhao Yun"! I knew this character! He is like an old best friend of mine! I looked further and found the familiar names of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. I got this game for Christmas! Now I only pray that every time I get a game about "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" Era (what the era is called), I hope I always receive it on Christmas! For the record, I used to pronounce Liu Bei as "Loo-ee Bell."

Now the game itself- Like I stated earlier, the gameplay is clean and simple, and the graphics are phenomenal! Nobody will ever have a hard time adjusting to playing the game, or believing it to be real characters or people. This game can be learned in less than three minutes, and mastered in about another hour, so that then you are a powerhouse of skill and technique! The story is told in cutscenes before each level, each that psyche you up to fight, but leave you wondering what is going to happen, whether you are going to triumph, or fail due to the enemy's great strategies.

While individual units have low AI, the collective of about 5000 troops, all at once combined, must use the PS2 emotion chip to full extent. You are only forced to sit through 40 seconds of loading before each level, and that is to generate the AI and the textures and polygons of thousands of units. Sometimes do you get slowdown, but it's incredibly rare, sometimes not for weeks straight of playing; and when it does slow down, it's more like a dramatic slow-motion effect rather than becoming choppy. This game gives you hours of fun, and never ceases to be cool. Even the out-of-place music is really cool here! The worriers dance to it!

However, amidst the greatness', there are three major problems that make me give this a review lower than the perfect score. #1-Any side you choose to play will win, and you don't exactly know who won the war in official history, at least not much until you take notes of the dates and forces involved. #2-The first two levels are easy (except Lu Bu), when suddenly the third level (whichever Kingdom you choose) turns up the difficulty exponentionally. And #3-It is only five missions per scenario. I know that it is because there weren't that many actual battles, no more than that really, and being the way it is, it is more non-fictional than long-lasting fun. At least the replay value is very high!

Overall, if you can forgive the game for its shortcomings, then get up right now and buy this game (or buy it here) immediately! It is one of the funnest and most energetic games I have ever played, and it shows off a good chunk of the PS2's capabilities! Han Dynasty Forever!

At first, it was terrible, but then it got soooo much better

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 14 / 17
Date: April 17, 2001
Author: Amazon User

This was the very first game I purchased for the PS2. It was out of a lack of better options at the store, so I just decided on a whim to pick it up. When I first put it in the PS2, I was sorely disappointed at the repetitious gameplay and graphics that obviously didn't utilize the power of the PS2.

However, after playing it for a while, I soon realized how incredibly fun and addicting it truely was. The strategy involved was just so engrossing, that I couldn't help but love the game. In addition, the historical background they give you on all the characters and battles I found to be really interesting (although I can see some just hating that sort of stuff). It's a unique pace of gameplay, and I think that if more people would give it a chance, it could be massively successful.

Oh, and btw- It's not an easy game either. As in all strategy games, be prepared to lose a couple of times before you understand what to do.

Although it isn't the best PS2 out there, it certainly is an entertaining one.

Dynasty Warriors 2 strikes big in the U.S.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 9 / 9
Date: January 14, 2001
Author: Amazon User

I purchased this game along with my PlayStation 2 for Christmas. I was NOT dissapointed at all! The game has excellent graphics with an excellent story line to bring the history of China back to modern day life. Choose one of the Dynasty Warriors and become a legend of China. Fight through ( 5 ) different stages destroying hundreds of troops, privates, seargents, majors, captains, generals, and other feirce warriors. I would have to say that this game is the most addictive game that I have on PS2 for now. I have Madden 2001, TimeSplitters, Smugglers Run= 2 thumbs down, and Dynasty Warriors 2= Great game. I love hopping on a horse and just slicing through a salvo of troops. I have already unlocked alot of characters. By the way, if you want to defeat Lu Bu, then just keep your block up. Press the attack button after the first block while holding down the block button too. It's Lu Bus ONLY weakness. I hope this revierw is helpful. Now go to the battlefields of china and become a legendary hero!

A Must have for Gauntlet Lovers

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 11 / 13
Date: November 10, 2000
Author: Amazon User

To fully appreciate this game, I think you kinda have to have a little understanding of Chinese History. Or if you like Romance of the Three Kingdoms, well this is it. This game is based on the 3 Kingdoms of the Wei, Wu, and Shu. According to my family, most of the names in this game are of real persons during the era. Or at least in the old books that they've read when they were growing up. (My family is Chinese) The gameplay is very reminisant of the Gauntlet series. Which I loved. Except this game has way better graphics and throws in a little strategy into it. You must pick and choose some of the routes and help your allie troop when needed, because if you are fighting your little war on the east side, and your allies are getting ruined on the west side, the enemy will easily take down your emperor and the game is over. On one of the levels, I had to ride my damn horse from one side to the next and back again for like 4 or 5 times. And the Map is HUGE. Each level will take at least 30-45 minutes to finish. The cutscenes are also gorgeous, kinda like Kessen, which is also made by Koei. The replay value depends on how much you like the game to go back and play. There are tons of characters in the game and there are 2 modes. One is the Story part and the other is Free Play. You select a character in Story and you can build up his/her attack, defense, and other stats in the Free part by getting KO's and fighting bosses. This is essential because you can't just go through these long levels with a weak character. Maybe levels 1-3 but I'm on 5 and I still can't beat it even with my guy having almost full stats. ..., but anyways, you have to build up if you're a novice player. If you loved games like Gauntlet, and love Chinese history, like me, then this is the perfect game for you.

Superb video game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 9 / 10
Date: December 04, 2000
Author: Amazon User

In order for anyone to understand this game, they sort of need to understand the history of this game. It is based on the Chinese history of Romance of Three Kingdoms and its character that lived in that period.

I decided to rent this game after I played it at CompUSA. When I played it the first time I was blown away... I even forgot my girlfriend was there in the store with me.

It's a strategy game. Some people might think all you do is walk around and fight people but it's not like that at all. There are different characters in different stages that you have to fight. They are usually the generals from different kingdoms. You have to defeat these special character to go through a gate or advance to the next level.

I beat this game in about 3 hours but only in the easy level... tried it in normal but it was too hard. Plus it was only with one of Wei's characters. Each kingdom has their own characters and this creates different battles in the game. So if you decide to use Wei's character you will fight in different battles than if you were to use characters from the two other kingdoms. Each character start from a different route in each battle. Some could be closer to the enemy and some might stay back in the headquarters. Each charater gets 5 or 6 body guards in the start of the game. These bodyguards grow stronger, more skillful, and their ranks go up couple levels after each battle just like you do. How many people you kill in each battle determine what rank you are. How many or what items you pick up help you become stronger or give you more life. There is a lot that's in this game and I'm simply not able to give you all the information.

It is a strategy game therefore you have to plan out your strategy before going into battle. For instance, in one of the battles in order for you to advance to the last general, you have to pick the fastest and most effective route. Each road is guarded with one of their characters so you have to pick the weakest character to fight to get to the boss. Which route you choose and how fast you beat the different characters determine whether you beat that specific level. Study your map before and during the game also helps. The board is huge, you have to pick the right routes everytime. If you don't beat it on time or if your emperor gets killed before you finish then you lose the game.

It's not an easy game, it takes time and some luck! You have to know when to retreat, when to shoot your arrows, or when to get on your hourse. Another words you need to be smart! Plan out every route before you attack. Pick the right character, this of course will limit you to one scenario but do it until you're good enough to use others. Different characters have different strengthes and moves. Some are more powerful, some have a wider swing so it could hit more enemies at a time, some have special moves that could kill more people, and some just suck (Never use the girl). Make sure you read the background at each battle. It helps you to understand why the battle takes place or how it started. I don't think renting it for three days is enough time for anyone to explore the game unless you spend all three days playing.

Take your time and enjoy this game. The graphics are awesome and make sure you learn to pause, rest, or ice your thumbs down during the game. Because mine still hurt right now and it's been a week already.

Awesome, addicting hours of fun...

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 9 / 11
Date: January 11, 2001
Author: Amazon User

When I was lucky enough to get a Playstation 2 days before Christmas, the first game I bought was Madden 2001. Since I like adventure games, I purchased this one next. It was suggested by a store clerk at Wal-Mart. I have not been disappointed.

The graphics are awesome, the character moves are sweet. The game can lead to frustration at times, but if you are a competitor you keep playing over and over. I would suggest going to Prima Publishings site for tips on playing, but I purchased and recommend their strategy guide which has helped a lot. Reading the included user guide is also very beneficial.

The game is based upon old China and the various wars amongst the different leaders. The various characters that you can choose from have advantages and disadvantages in their strength, fighting style, and ranks. My first success without the book came with the girl, but I couldn't get past the second stage. I now learned that you can build up your character in the free mode, but I switched to Zhou Yu. He's a bad dude if used right. The girl is very fast and knows the martial arts, but she isn't very strong.

I totally recommend this game. Although it only has 8 levels, I believe that it will give you months of play before their all conquered. You can then switch characters which adds more challenge. As you win with various characters it unlocks more characters to choose from in the future. My goal is to be able to challenge and defeat Lu Bu who is the baddest and strongest character in the game. I suggest not wasting your time fighting him, because you will not win. Built yourself up in free mode to the highest level before challenging him. I suggest fighting along with your commander and not getting ahead. If they get ambushed your games end very quickly. Overall this game will be the one that you will play the most.

One of the Best PS2 Games Out There

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 6
Date: January 09, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Dynasty Warriors 2 (DW2) is awesome! One of the few games that delivers hours and hours of fun and action-packed gameplay. DW2 is one of the best strategy/action games I've ever played, comparable to classics like Age of Empires. Here's how I rate it (out of 5)...

Graphics: DW2 has beautiful graphics. The great detail and overall quality of the picture allows for smooth battle scenes and cinematics. The only problem is the character pop up which after a while, gets pretty annoying. Rating: 4.5

Sound: The worst aspect to the game. For some reason, the makers of DW2 decided to make Heavy Metal the background music of a game about the unification of 3rd century china. However, the stupid music is made up for by awesome sound effects. Rating: 4.0

Gameplay: the controls are easy to learn and moves/combos are numerous. You can chose from 3 roles at any given time... an infantry man fighting with your allies or solo, an archer in first person view, or a calvary man trampling mass numbers of your enemy. Rating: 5.0

Fun: DW2 delivers hours of action-packed fun. The only thing you have to worry about is falling in for hours. Rating: 5.0

Overall: DW2 is a great game and a must have for any PS2 gamer. It has an element of realism, excitement and fun that makes it a great game. OVERALL RATING: 5.0

Excellent GAME!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 6
Date: May 06, 2001
Author: Amazon User

When I first played it, I was amazed by the graphics. The graphics are very lifelike. You can even see the "ripped" muscles on the different characters.

The setting is in very early A.D. China. You have your choice of three different kingdoms.

You start out with nine characters. There are plenty more and I am working on finding them all. Some characters are just nothing but brute power, while some are very weak but extremely fast, while others are well-balanced out. Using a character like Zhang Fe or Dian Wei, you can kill up to 15 enemies at once with the Musou button. While it can take several minutes with someone who is weaker.

Your character starts out very weak, but you can power them up by fighting battles. Each stage contains several enemy Generals. For each General that you kill, you get a power-up item that increases either your Defense or Attack. Also you can go up in rank. You can go from 1st South General to a Grand General. As you rise in rank you get bodyguards who help you out on your quest. If you get the elite bodyguards, you can just sit back and watch as eight of those guys fight off the enemies for you.

I strongly recommend this game to anyone.

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