Dynasty Warriors 5

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Koei
  • Release Date: Mar 29, 2005
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Siliconera
    80
    Dynasty Warriors 5 fixes the [slowdown] problem by using a smoother game engine. Not only does the game look sharper, but slowdown is reduced to almost nil.
  2. 1UP
    80
    While ancient China seems forever destined to bust apart at the seams, and Koei seems forever destined to remind us of this, DW5 rejuvenates the series with a series of subtle changes that make it worth taking the plunge yet again.
  3. Computer Games Magazine
    80
    What's truly satisfying is these games make history entertaining. [June 2005, p.90]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Play.tm
    80
    Any hardcore DW fan will be ecstatic to find another billion hours of gameplay to wade through.
  6. GameCritics
    80
    The critic in me tells me this series needs to innovate, but as a gamer I'm once again completely satisfied by the experience. Defying conventional wisdom, Dynasty Warriors is unique in that the gameplay achieves a near perfect harmonious balanced and change would only upset that.
  7. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    78
    With the fog finally pushed back to a manageable horizon and smooth gameplay, this is the version to get. [May 2005, p.134]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. IGN
    77
    Just be warned that this is one long, long fight and even though the game may be epic it would be nicer if it was not quite such a gigantic tale to slowly read through.
  9. PSM Magazine
    75
    After seven games in 4 1/2 years, we simply need more evolution in the next iteration. [May 2005, p.74]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. GameZone
    75
    The game is no way lacking button mashing. If you have a little pent up anger, or are just tired of thinking and want to take a break from what’s going on around you, Dynasty Warriors 5 will be just what you’re looking for.
  11. PALGN
    75
    Improves on its predecessors in the right ways, and removes a lot of the useless features. That said, the core gameplay is still the same, and may strike some as being either repetitive or milking a series to near death.

Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2005
94
#94 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 84 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 67 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 84
  3. Negative: 5 out of 84
  1. tomflanders
    Mar 31, 2018
    8
    The graphics, gameplay, movesets and character choice all improves on 4, but the item and bodyguard system of 4 was epic and it was removed here.
  2. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    6
    They dropped the progression system from the 4th entry, making It pointless after beating it.
  3. Kai55
    May 25, 2023
    10
    Pinacle of the series. Played them all

    For a long time I've debated 3vs5. Hot take, but I see 4 as a step in the wrong direction and 5    Pinacle of the series. Played them all

    For a long time I've debated 3vs5.

    Hot take, but I see 4 as a step in the wrong direction and 5 reverted back towards the look and feel of Dynasty Warriors 3. Not sure how DW4 has become a fan favourite, its dull, slow, poorly balanced and the sound effects are close to unbearable to me. If DW4 didnt exist, DW5 would be a seamless, perfect sequel to DW3, however i do miss my bodygaurds!    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »