Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Action-packed tactical sequel for fans of sword fighting.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Dynasty Warriors 8
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
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : KOEI
- Release date : July 16, 2013
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship , History
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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