Dynasty Warriors 4: Empires

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Koei
  • Release Date: Aug 31, 2004
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
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  1. Worth Playing
    84
    The new addition of the empire mode and addition of the political policy, a stronger focus on strategy and improved character edit mode and the addition of new moves and combos really gives the game a kick.
  2. TotalGames.net
    83
    Koei's feudal epic continues to go from strength to strength and while it only offers subtle improvements over Xtreme Legends, it's still a very comprehensive package. Roll on "Dynasty Warriors 5."
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  3. GameZone
    82
    There are load times and the missions are timed, but even though you have 30 minutes to meet the winning conditions of battle, the AI seems smart enough to challenge and force players to work quickly and smartly.
  5. GamingTrend
    82
    Despite the repetitive nature of the game it just doesn’t seem to get old. There is always one more territory to take, just one more turn.
  6. PSM Magazine
    80
    This is every strategy-action gamer's dream. [Oct 2004, p.34]
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  7. TotalPlayStation
    80
    Even with the strategy elements, this is still Dynasty Warriors, and for whatever reason, Koei seems keenly aware of how to craft a game that should get tired and repetitive, but still manages to pull you in time and time again.
  8. Game Over Online
    80
    If the less than stellar updates to the Dynasty Warriors series has left you cold, take a look at Empires: You may just rekindle that conquest flame.
  9. Weekly Famitsu
    80
    9 / 7 / 8 / 8 - 32 gold [Vol 797; 26 Mar 2004]
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  10. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    Simple prebattle strategy does a lot to enhance an already strong gameplay formula, more addictive than ever. [Oct 2004, p.110]
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  11. GMR Magazine
    80
    A thinking person's game with just enough button-mashing to keep things snappy. [Oct 2004, p.110]
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  12. IGN
    77
    The RISK-style gameplay lends an interesting twist to the same action, but there is still something missing without the storylines and the lack of multiple goals.
  13. GameSpot
    76
    Empires actually brings some much-needed depth to the aging Dynasty Warriors formula with a new strategy-oriented game mode.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 23
  3. Negative: 2 out of 23
  1. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    10
    Sadly, this game makes you start from the beggining even if you have literally everything unlocked in DW4 and DW4:XL. Still, tons of fun to beSadly, this game makes you start from the beggining even if you have literally everything unlocked in DW4 and DW4:XL. Still, tons of fun to be had here.… Full Review »
  2. RamiW.
    Apr 8, 2006
    10
    I`ve been a fan of DW games since the beginning and this just makes it a whoole lot better. And by the way the guy (or Girl) thats named I`ve been a fan of DW games since the beginning and this just makes it a whoole lot better. And by the way the guy (or Girl) thats named logan this game is 2 players it even tells you just above from here.… Full Review »
  3. AdamB.
    Mar 27, 2006
    9
    An outstanding remix of the classic Dynasty Warriors formula, successfully introducing some Risk-like strategy into an aging hack-and-slash An outstanding remix of the classic Dynasty Warriors formula, successfully introducing some Risk-like strategy into an aging hack-and-slash franchise which truly needs (and deserves) it. The introduction of strongholds brings this strategy to the battlefield as well. The only drawbacks are lack of two-player modes, no online play, and at times frustratingly repetitive gameplay. For example, to eliminate enemy officers from the battlefield you must beat them no less than three times. Still, a refreshing diversion for fans of the series.… Full Review »
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