• Publisher: Koei
  • Release Date: Nov 26, 2001
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 108 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 91 out of 108
  2. Negative: 7 out of 108
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  1. May 13, 2020
    8
    Still the 2nd best Dynasty Warriors game. Has all the great elements, just a slightly worse version of 4.
  2. Apr 20, 2019
    9
    in 2019 nothing could be said to endorse this game, it's outdated
    but this is my childhood, was my passion and my number 1 game
  3. Jul 21, 2016
    9
    You may like or hate the Musou series, but 99% of the people agree that DW3 is the best game of the series thanks to its over-the-top visual effects, good weapon drop system and the sense of euphoria it gives you. If you could ignore the freezes (Koei can't find any good programmer) you would spend hours and hours on this addicting game. Just hack and slash and enjoy - but watch out forYou may like or hate the Musou series, but 99% of the people agree that DW3 is the best game of the series thanks to its over-the-top visual effects, good weapon drop system and the sense of euphoria it gives you. If you could ignore the freezes (Koei can't find any good programmer) you would spend hours and hours on this addicting game. Just hack and slash and enjoy - but watch out for the archers! Expand
  4. Dec 26, 2013
    10
    one of the Greatest games i have ever played to this day. This owned my life most of my four years in high school. I had d w 2, 3, and 4. 3 was by far the best. The user score for this game is more realistic. Imagine being a warrior on a battle field and turning the tide of battle by yourself. Every character has sweet mosou modes and items was a nice upgrade by d w 2. I love this game. Ione of the Greatest games i have ever played to this day. This owned my life most of my four years in high school. I had d w 2, 3, and 4. 3 was by far the best. The user score for this game is more realistic. Imagine being a warrior on a battle field and turning the tide of battle by yourself. Every character has sweet mosou modes and items was a nice upgrade by d w 2. I love this game. I must of played this game for at least 300 hours total. I pawn my d w collection. however i missed 3 so i bought it again. Expand
  5. Oct 28, 2013
    10
    The classic Dynasty Warriors game. Great gameplay, great progression. KOEI had ruined the series by DW5, making it a horrible, easy grind-fest. This game is not that at all. You need to make tactical decisions on the fly, and use cleverness to win battles and beat advanced enemies.

    If only someone would make an MMORPG of this instead of that horrible DW Empires water-down that is DW Online.
  6. Apr 13, 2011
    9
    hi.................................................................................................................................................................................
  7. Mar 26, 2011
    10
    One of the best games I have ever played. I don't think i've played any other game as much as i've played this. 40+ characters, loads of stages, levelling, secret items and weapons, coop, versus and awesome music. Definitely the greatest Dynsty Warriors game so far (will probably be better than 7 too). Dynasty Warriors 4 is a close second. Everyone with a PS2 should have this game =]
  8. AndrewY.
    Mar 16, 2004
    10
    This game rocks. it almost feels like your in a real battle!
  9. TysonB.
    Feb 13, 2004
    9
    This game is still one of the best fighting titles yet.
  10. JoeyR.
    Oct 18, 2003
    10
    This game is awesome.
  11. Akucat
    Jun 27, 2003
    10
    Great game. This is one of those games you can play even after you beat it over and over again. The variety of characters also makes it a great game. This is kind of like Super Mario Smash Brothers, it will never really get old. My first favortie ps2 game out there.
  12. JoeC.
    May 29, 2003
    10
    One of the greatest games ever invented!
  13. S.B.
    May 21, 2003
    10
    2nd best game on the market in my opinion.Ive beat DW3 multiple times.I fall in love with it all over again every time I play it.Its action mixed with adventure.Its all the fun from Tekken Tag Tournement and Tekken 3 put together and a bag of chips.Voices come a little early befor the characters mouth is moveing but the 4th weapons make up for that.Musics decent but it could be 2nd best game on the market in my opinion.Ive beat DW3 multiple times.I fall in love with it all over again every time I play it.Its action mixed with adventure.Its all the fun from Tekken Tag Tournement and Tekken 3 put together and a bag of chips.Voices come a little early befor the characters mouth is moveing but the 4th weapons make up for that.Musics decent but it could be improved.Havent found a better action/adventure game yet except for DW4.10/10 Expand
  14. SenoirCheese
    May 9, 2003
    10
    Great! This Game Rocks and is miles better than any other game!!!!
  15. JamesC.
    Dec 27, 2002
    10
    This game kicks major @$$!!! I haven't played DW1 or DW2 but it is awesome! There are lots of characters and weapons and you get to step on people with an elephant! What more could you ask for?
  16. TarikT.
    Nov 21, 2002
    10
    Great game, if u dont have a game to play get this one it will last you for at least three months, a good time killer, and a good game to relieve your anger.
  17. ZinnyW.
    Nov 15, 2002
    8
    Can be rewarding after unlocking all the character, but with all the mist you can hardly see where you 're heading.
  18. DanielL.
    Nov 1, 2002
    10
    It is a wicked game i have it myself a must have for the ps2.
  19. Daedalus
    Oct 23, 2002
    10
    A great game, one of my all time favorites. Excellent gameplay, replay value, and graphics. The audio is pretty good too, the sound effects are great i think the music could use some work but fortunately you can turn it down. A must have game for the PS2. Lets all just hope they make a Dynasty Warriors 4 and bring it stateside.
  20. ArthurA.
    Jul 28, 2002
    10
    This is a great game. I love the story line and it has lots of action by the way does anybody know if ther is going to be a 4 coming out any time soon .
  21. Winson
    Jul 24, 2002
    10
    This game is awesome and all the names are all true and the battle places.
  22. Blade
    Jul 21, 2002
    10
    This game rules!!!! It has lots of weapons, chearters, and levels, i love Lu Bu he kicks ass i love the weapons all of the people have!!! they're awesome!!!! u should BUY IT!!!!!
  23. TonyC.
    Jul 21, 2002
    10
    The people in the game that kick @$$ r LU BU and Xiahou yaun.
  24. Pete
    Jul 13, 2002
    10
    This game is the sweetest game ever. The graphics are great, lots of characters, and you can ride a big nasty elephant!
  25. JonM.
    Jul 5, 2002
    8
    The game was overall really good but i couldent keep up with all the weird chinese names and story.
  26. Enthasius
    Jul 2, 2002
    10
    The graphics may be only reasonable, but I don't play games for pure graphics (though I do like something to look at) Dynasty warriors 3 is a clear masterpiece for gameplay, and its re-play value is awesome. Ive never played any game, besides certain RPG's, more than this game, Brilliant work Koei, I hope part four of this game is even better, if possible.
  27. Kyle"KMan"
    Apr 26, 2002
    10
    No matter what my favorite game! Rented it for a week and went crazy over it with my older brother!!! My Character : Zhao Yun Force: Shu Weapon: 4th Weapon : Fierce Dragon(fire charged dragon spear) My Bro`s : Dian Wei Force: Wei Weapon: 4th Weapon : Madbull (electrically charged bull axe).
  28. RickR.
    Apr 7, 2002
    10
    Easy to get into, fantastic amount of depth, totally addicting gameplay, incredible replay value, lots of items/weapons/characters/levels to unlock, will take weeks/months to unlock everything.
  29. LukeA.
    Mar 21, 2002
    10
    This is by far the best game PS2 has ever come out with in my opinion. It ROX!!!
  30. JahretheBiasOne
    Mar 18, 2002
    10
    I am completely addicted to this game! I stay up all night trying to build up my character. Then, build up others. Each character adds various fun to the game!

Awards & Rankings

51
14
#14 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. There are those ever-pesky inadequacies in the engine which project simply dreadful draw distances in addition to creating the dual annoyances of fog and slowdown.
  2. I enjoyed the violence in Dynasty Warriors 3. However dignified the game’s treatment of its subject may be, I was neither appalled nor enlightened by the violence. I was thrilled by it.
  3. Offers lengthy replay value by allowing players to take up a number of roles on all three sides in the otherwise fixed campaign.