• Publisher: Koei
  • Release Date: Oct 25, 2000
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 17
  2. Negative: 1 out of 17
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  1. 90
    A wild, chaotic, and intense strategy game as much as it is an action title, so those of you who've always wanted to be a war hero can strap on some armor and get to it.
  2. Antagonist
    89
    The best action/adventure-style game in the PS2 launch, so if you're looking for a beat-em-up with depth, DW2 is your game.
  3. Being part of a battle on such massive scale has never been as convincingly portrayed before.
  4. It's as close to a non-EA Sports "must-have" game as any of the PS2 launch titles.
  5. Despite its simple core, Dynasty Warriors 2 is appealing to me. The action gets very intense with the sheer number of people on screen.
  6. 80
    If you like relentless beatings with no real plot or thought required, definitely pick this one up.
  7. 79
    It's a great game despite its limitations, but I just wish that after three levels I wasn't bored to tears smashing the same set of buttons over and over.
  8. Dynasty Warriors 2's beat-'em-up gameplay is simple enough to make it easy to get in to, and the game is interesting enough to keep you entertained for a while.
  9. Da Gameboyz
    76
    A bit too simplistic and lacks in replayability. Unfortunately there is also no multiplayer option, but the smooth graphics and unique elements to the game may redeem this.
  10. Daily Radar
    75
    It's certainly not the game for everyone, but those of us seeking a slightly more sophisticated take on old-school beat-'em-ups will find many hours of blistering goodness.
  11. The more aggresive and less deep cousin of "Kessen" (the system's current champ for armchair generals who dig the strategy more than action, the exact opposite of "DW2"), and a fine way to kill an afternoon without having much to show for it.
  12. CNET Gamecenter
    70
    Character detail comes at the cost of the environments, which are bland and plain. However, the onscreen action gets so hectic that players won't have much time to hang out and take in the sights.
  13. The best thing about the game is the freedom to do whatever you want.
  14. You get the feeling that they're on the verge of something great. With a few more strokes of the design pen -- more control, better AI, improved graphics -- this could be a fantastic game.
  15. TotalGames.net
    62
    A lack of any multi-player action just adds to the pain and is as heinous a crime that a videogame could commit.
  16. Graphics alone can't make up for blunt, repetitive gameplay and a grating soundtrack.
  17. Spank!
    30
    If you've only got an attention span of ten minutes this is great. If you've got an IQ in double digits you should take this as a direct insult to your man/womanhood. Absolute cack.

Awards & Rankings

21
5
#5 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2000
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 41 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 41
  2. Negative: 4 out of 41
  1. Mar 2, 2023
    10
    Was an amazing game back in the day, true and through hack slash ( one of the best ever ) and just like most of the original DW game’s itWas an amazing game back in the day, true and through hack slash ( one of the best ever ) and just like most of the original DW game’s it holds up to this day. Full Review »
  2. Jan 22, 2023
    10
    I started the Dynasty Warriors Saga with number 2 on ps2, I still have the CD in my possession still working, it's a limited French edition.I started the Dynasty Warriors Saga with number 2 on ps2, I still have the CD in my possession still working, it's a limited French edition.

    I can tell you that this game is a nugget, despite being old, but it has aged well.

    Always good to play.

    At the same time it is one of the games of my childhood which will remain in my heart.
    Full Review »
  3. Jul 22, 2020
    8
    Of course this game has it's flaws, looking at it in 2020. However, considering it was made in 2000, it's an incredible piece of work. EndlessOf course this game has it's flaws, looking at it in 2020. However, considering it was made in 2000, it's an incredible piece of work. Endless fun, great job by the developers. Had tons of fun playing this game as a kid. Full Review »