Dynasty Warriors 4

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Koei
  • Release Date: Mar 25, 2003
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
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  1. GamingWorld X
    95
    With the exception of a few minor complaints, Dynasty Warriors 4 is as close to action-gaming Nirvana as you're going to get for quite a while.
  2. GameNow
    91
    Few hack-n-slash games feature the depth, strategy, and thrill of Dynasty 4. [May 2003, p.48]
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  3. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    90
    Regardless of its faults, Dynasty 4 is a pure adrenaline rush - the type, for me, that only the original "Devil May Cry" has rivaled on PS2. [May 2003, p.92]
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  5. GameZone
    90
    This game not only improves the game from all of its sequels, but it even manages to add new things, to keep the formula fresh and new. This is a game not to be missed!
  6. Armchair Empire
    88
    It looks better, it plays better, and brings a lot more to the table than any previous Dynasty Warrior. It’s a very worthwhile title for hardcore fans and those unfamiliar with the series.
  7. GamingTrend
    87
    I've put more than 100 hours into the game so far, and haven't unlocked everything.
  8. netjak
    87
    One of the most notable features of the new incarnation of the game is that you can finally make your own character. The options for customization are fairly limited, but having the ability to make your own character is a plus nonetheless.
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  9. IGN
    86
    Has everything that fans could have hoped for: More stages, balanced characters, smarter computer intelligence, and plenty of different modes to choose from... What it doesn't have, however, is innovation.
  10. TotalGames.net
    85
    Graphically, DW4 is a giant leap ahead of the past Dynasty Warriors games. The animation is now smoother and more imaginative, the effects wild and dazzling, and slowdown is thankfully rare.
  11. Gaming Age
    83
    With the exception of some minor A.I. issues, specifically with your troops and the enemy units staring into each others eyes until you get close enough for them to start combat, DW4 is a near flawless game, with airtight controls and beautiful graphics.
  12. Game Over Online
    82
    The number of hidden characters and items, some of which are carried over from previous titles, ensures plenty of replayability for those eager to get their money’s worth out of a game.
  13. G4 TV
    80
    AI is greatly improved.
  14. PSM Magazine
    80
    The game still rocks, but as this is the fourth game in the series, we really hoped for some more refinement and evolution. [May 2003, p.34]
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  15. PSX Nation
    80
    Graphics, control, strategic thought, brawn and even the so-cheesy-you-get-used-to-it rock music and voices work in tandem for an intense experience unlike any other on PS2.
  16. GameSpy
    80
    It makes only incremental improvements to the gameplay formula, as with the first and second sequel.
  17. GamePro
    80
    Koei's obviously performed emergency surgery on the AI routines, because everyone's a thousand times smarter now.
  18. Deeko
    80
    An unbeatable story, fantastic fighting engine and fantastic graphics really tie this package together well. Overall, it's a solid title.
  19. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    77
    No other game so seamlessly melds punch-n-munch gameplay with the stat management and grand scale of real-time strategy. [May 2003, p.116]
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Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Best PS2 Game of 2003
3
#3 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 220 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 188 out of 220
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 220
  3. Negative: 13 out of 220
  1. DogMat
    Apr 21, 2006
    10
    Awesome.
  2. AdamB.
    Mar 27, 2006
    7
    Serves as a great introduction to the series, but brings forth nothing fundamentally new. The character editor is a welcome addition, but Serves as a great introduction to the series, but brings forth nothing fundamentally new. The character editor is a welcome addition, but lacks depth. The remixed music is inspired, and the dialog is as always, both informative and humorous. And the gameplay remains as flawlessly fluid as fans have come to expect. But after playing the Xtreme Legends or Empires games, the standard games in the series feel just that: too standard.… Full Review »
  3. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    10
    The perfect DW, it would never be the same from this point on. As a teen I spent countless hours unlocking every single lvl 11 weapon of everyThe perfect DW, it would never be the same from this point on. As a teen I spent countless hours unlocking every single lvl 11 weapon of every character. To this day, I consider it one of the most addictive games I have ever played.… Full Review »
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