Dynasty Warriors 7 Empires

Same old story.

If, however, you’re looking for a deeper strategic element to go with your hacking and slashing, Empires should fill that hole very nicely.

If you are a fan of Dynasty Warriors, especially the Empires series, then by all means pick up the game. However, as I mentioned earlier, there are lots of Dynasty Warriors to choose from, and if you are looking for a more traditional experience, you might want to stray away from the Empires series.

One of the best entries in the Dynasty Warriors universe, with tons of playable characters, customization options and interesting tactics elements.

Dynasty Warriors 7 Empires lets you manage your kingdom, and steer it in the direction you prefer. Its complete editor mode, alongside a wide array of in-game options such as leveling up your character, or even marrying, make this title an ideal option for both hack'n'slash and strategy fans.

Tecmo Koei and Omega Force have finally hit their stride with Dynasty Warriors 7 Empires and hopefully won't tamper with the solid strategic elements they've crafted here by the next inevitable installment. While it's surprising to learn that this title is only available through download and only has Japanese voice work, that's completely tolerable if the developers continue to put out quality titles in the franchise like this.

It has its share of issues, but DW7: Empires turns out to be an incredibly addictive experience.

Although they may not override the series’ fundamental shortcomings, Empires’ tactical nuances and approach to player agency make it the most refined spin-off to date.

This is a step forward for the series rather than a revolution. There are indeed some improvements, but it's probably recommended for those looking for these strategic elements included. Otherwise, you might want to keep an eye on Dynasty Warriors 8.

Dynasty Warriors 7: Empires is one of the best games in the franchise, thanks mainly to its solvent mixture of action and strategy. As a result, it is harder to become monotonous.

Dynasty Warriors 7: Empires is just a little step forward in the action-musou saga developed from Tecmo Koei.

There's a pleasingly deep character creator to fiddle about with. [Apr 2013, p.118]

Dynasty Warriors 7: Empires can improve the original formula, proving deeper and more able to attract the attention of a wider audience.

For those who love the Dynasty Warriors game franchise, the latest instalment may leave them feeling as hollow as the terracotta warriors of the Qin dynasty.

Dynasty Warriors hasn't changed much as a franchise over the years. Each episode has its additions, of course, but the developers have never really strayed from the beaten path. Dynasty Warriors 7, dubbed Empires, is not a great game. There's a bunch of technical problems, the graphics are disappointingly average, the menu stutters and the camera irritates. Fans will probably like it, though - newcomers won't. And it's a shame the multiplayer's a waste - there's hardly anyone online to play with.

With Dynasty Warriors 7 Empires, we will again beat up Chinese soldiers, 1 Vs. 100, over the hours. In addition to the impressive selection of characters and stories, the new way of creating heroes is quite nice. They have also added a small amount of strategy (alliances, diplomacy...), but it is quite limited, unlike the battle arenas, which are larger than ever. Graphically, it is the equivalent to a game at the end of the Xbox life... yes, the first one. Finally, no major changes to the series: the fans will be pleased, the others, those who moved on to something else a long time ago, will remain unmoved.

Mindless, shallow fun if you’ve never played one before but it really is the same as 6 and 5 and 4. [April 2013, p77]

The Empires series is generally considered the best type of Dynasty Warriors spin-off, but with Koei's latest efforts smacking of no effort at all, this particular release comes across as unnecessary and pointless, especially with Dynasty Warriors 8 already out in Japan and inevitably preparing for a Western launch in a matter of months.