Dynasty Warriors 4: Xtreme Legends

What hasn't changed, however, is the series' incredibly addictive and impressive-looking wall-to-wall action. [Nov 2003, p.92]

That’s the largest issue to be found within Xtreme Legends: the simple fact that you’ve seen this action before. How many times can players put down the Yellow Turban revolt or other issues from the same period before they get bored?

Best recommended for those completely new to the series or feverishly devoted to it. [Holiday 2003, p.48]

With the exception of the Dynasty Warrior masters out there, death will not be avoided by anyone. But that makes it more fun.

Koei certainly knows how to sell an add-on without leaving its consumers feeling cheated - basically, this is how expansion packs for console games should be employed.

There's not even the slightest attempt to string together the gameplay with a storyline; every mission is a self-contained hunk of hardness.

Despite some new modes and rules, deep down it's undoubtedly more of the same and definitely targeted at hardcore Dynasty Warriors fans who already own DW4. Given that, it's definitely a quality product.

It's great fun, and I don't know how Koei does it, but they manage to keep this series fun and entertaining without really changing the overall mechanics all that much.

If you’re new to the game, go out and get the original instead as it has a fun campaign to follow. For those who just can’t get enough Dynasty Warriors, you’ll probably have a blast from the mix of modes this expansion has to offer.

Yes, [it's] still using the same dated graphics engine that appeared in "DW4", and the music and sound effects likewise remain the same. But the fun, challenging, and over-the-top gameplay that has made this series so successful is also still here.

The new Legend, Challenge, and Xtreme modes offer more scenarios for each character. This helps keep things fresh, even if the beat 'em up routine is the same. [Dec 2003, p.150]

Dynasty Warriors maniacs (i.e., people like me) will love it. The rest of you should only bother if you'd rather pay 20 bucks less for a stripped-down version of what the full game has to offer. [Dec 2003, p.156]

Only dedicated fans of the series will get enough mileage out of the add-ons to make it a worthwhile purchase, while the standalone elements lack the sense of achievement and progression of Dynasty Warriors 4. That said, the core game is accomplished enough, and XL is an affordable and enjoyable pick-up-and-play option for those looking for a little no-nonsense mass slaughter. [Feb 2004, p.109]