Dynasty Warriors 8

Name: Dynasty Warriors 8
Item: Dynasty Warriors 8
Rating: 4
Author: Marc Saltzman

Game review by

Marc Saltzman, Common Sense Media

Common Sense says

age 14+

(i)

Action-packed tactical sequel for fans of sword fighting.

PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
$59.99
2013

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age 13+

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X of Y

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A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

Educational Value

Dynasty Warriors 8 wasn't created with educational intent, and we don't recommend it for learning.

Positive Messages

This game is about fighting to gain control over ancient China. On one hand, there are threads of honor, family, and history -- which sounds positive on the surface -- but on the flipside, this is a violent game with plenty of battles, fought with deadly weapons. There are also references to alcohol consumption and suggestive visuals.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Because there are more than 70 playable characters in this game, it can be difficult to assess whether the role models are positive or not. Many of them seem honorable and righteous but they all use violence in attempting to win over the kingdom.

Ease of Play

The game is no cakewalk, but it's not difficult to learn the controls after a few short minutes. A tutorial and thick manual takes the player through the basics.

Violence

Much of the focus in this tactical action game is on fighting against enemies using swords, axes, maces, spears, and other weapons. Enemies scream out in pain and fall to their (presumed) death. Non-playable cut-scene sequences might also be disturbing for young players, including someone's neck being snapped and a soldier's body filled with arrows. However, the game is not gory and doesn't show blood.

Sex

Many -- nay, most -- of the female characters have large breasts that appear to jiggle when attacking enemies. Just as there is plenty of cleavage, women's buttocks are also exposed somewhat due to revealing clothing. There is also some sexy talk.

Language

Consumerism

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

The game has a few references to characters drinking and enjoying their alcohol, including a few random comments about consuming wine.

What parents need to know

Parents need to know Dynasty Warriors 8 is a "Teen"-rated game with plenty of violence -- but not blood or gore -- as well as some suggestive imagery (mostly women's cleavage) and references to alcohol. Also be aware the game also supports voice chat, meaning two people can chat online in an unmonitored environment, while they team up and play together.

User Reviews

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Teen, 15 years old Written bySaad1Khan November 21, 2014

age 13+

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What's it about?

DYNASTY WARRIORS 8 is an epic adventure that follows a number of heroic characters, each of whom are fighting to gain control over ancient China. Similar to past games in Koei's Dynasty Warriors series, the game has a main story that lets you assume the role of some famous figures of the time -- fighting for the kingdoms of Wei, Wu, Shu, and Jin -- but this new disc also houses a number of "What if?" scenarios, including some fictional accounts of historical, political, and military might in the region. This includes branching storylines, multiple endings, and more than 70 playable characters in all -- including many fan favorites from previous games. The game also supports cooperative (co-op) multiplayer, online leaderboards, and achievements/trophies for extra clout in the Dynasty Warriors community.

Is it any good?

Yes, this is a very good sequel –- though it’s not without a couple of issues. First the good news: Fans of the franchise will immediately find themselves in familiar territory here, as you run around huge battlefields and take down many hundreds of enemy soldiers using swords, spears, mallets, and other weapons. But you’ll need to apply some brains to your brawn, too, with many tactics to employ for maximum impact. But there is enough new content here to justify the purchase -- especially for long-time fans. Dynasty Warriors 8 offers new modes -- including the "What If?" challenges and the role-playing, game-like Ambition mode -- dozens of unique male and female fighters, fast horse mounting, more than 40 new stages (castles, forests, plains), and online and offline co-op player. A few issues exist, though, such as bland level design, no drop-in-and-out support for co-op play, and a patch coming to Xbox 360 owners to address online slowdown issues. Overall, though, while this game isn’t for everyone, fans of massive battles, strategy, and Chinese history should enjoy hacking and slashing through this sequel.

Talk to your kids about ...

Does it matter if video game violence takes place in contemporary times -- such as shooting a gun in Grand Theft Auto -- or hacking and slashing swords in a game that takes place centuries ago? What is the impact of media violence?
Do you like games that are set in the real world or in fantasy?

Game details

Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Subjects: Social Studies: events, geography, history
Skills: Collaboration: cooperation
Self-Direction: achieving goals, time management, work to achieve goals
Thinking & Reasoning: applying information, decision-making, strategy
Price: $59.99
Available online? Available online
Developer: KOEI
Release date: July 16, 2013
Genre: Action/Adventure
Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Sports and Martial Arts, Adventures, Friendship, History
ESRB rating: T for Alcohol Reference, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence