Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends - Definitive Edition

 Switch
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. Digitally Downloaded
    Jan 2, 2019
    100
    DW8:XL remains the series peak across all of the innumerable Warriors titles that Koei has produced, and having it on a portable for the first time only cements the Nintendo Switch further in my esteem.
  2. We Got This Covered
    Jan 23, 2019
    90
    Absolutely jam-packed with content and technically proficient on the Switch, Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Definitive Edition is far and away the most complete entry in the long-running franchise.
  3. Nintenderos
    Aug 25, 2019
    85
    Dynasty Warriors 8 has arrived on Switch to catch Nintendo fans. It is a saga of an increasingly important genre. The amount of mechanics, its careful character design and its scenarios are impressive. If you are interested in Musou games like Hyrule Warriors or Fire Emblem Warriors, it is highly recommended.
  5. Cultured Vultures
    Jan 24, 2019
    85
    This game slashes a lot of nails on the head and excels in so many areas that the most recent releases seem to have forgotten about. I just hope taking a look at this game reminds Omega Force and Koei Tecmo what is supposed to be at the heart of a Warriors game and the Warriors series.
  6. God is a Geek
    Jan 9, 2019
    85
    If you’ve never played Dynasty Warriors 8 before, this release is absolutely a must buy if you enjoy the Warriors games. If you’ve never played a Warriors game before, look into Fire Emblem Warriors or Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition. While those two games are overflowing with superb content, DYNASTY WARRIORS 8: Xtreme Legends Definitive Edition is the first non Nintendo Warriors release that is an easy recommendation for me not only for the great content but also in terms of how good it plays on the Switch.
  7. Nintendojo
    Jan 17, 2019
    83
    Yes, the focus on fast-paced action on a large scale remains unchanged, but actually thinking ahead feels more important now than ever before in the franchise. Ultimately, this means that Dynasty Warriors has evolved beyond being just an interesting niche title and into an outright good action game with fun mechanics and a massive amount of content. So, if your interest has been piqued by Hyrule Warriors or Fire Emblem Warriors, this is easily the best time to jump into the other side of the crossover equation.
  8. Nintendo Insider
    Jul 18, 2019
    80
    There is nothing truly new or boundary-pushing in the monstrous game package that is Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends Definitive Edition yet the sheer amount of content and potential for replayability makes this a worthy buy whether you’re new to the series or long in the tooth with your Chinese army plowing. With a staggering price-for-content value proposition, near-flawless performance outside of co-op and some of the most entertaining hack-n-slash experiences on the market, you can’t go wrong with picking up Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends Definitive Edition.
  9. Worth Playing
    Jun 10, 2019
    80
    Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Definitive Edition won't win over any new fans due to the core act of long battles against hapless minions, but existing fans will love the sheer amount of content here. With the many long modes available and all of the DLC present, this title offers some real value, and while the presentation isn't breathtaking, it is good enough to keep up with the relentless action. For fans of the series, DW8 on the Switch is well worth picking up.
  10. Switch Player
    Mar 4, 2019
    80
    DYNASTY WARRIORS 8: Xtreme Legends Definitive Edition is probably the most content-rich, sit-down and zone-out kind of game that has ever existed. With a multitude of modes at your disposal, and with friends in tow, you can’t go wrong with this.
  11. FNintendo
    Feb 6, 2019
    80
    Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends Definitive Edition is a long but accurate title, as this really is the definitive edition of the eighth chapter of the Dynasty Warriors series. With its immense amount of content and competent gameplay, this version of Dynasty Warriors 8 is a very enjoyable and long-lasting experience and it's only harmed by an occasional feeling of repetitiveness and some fluidity issues on multiplayer.
  12. Gamers' Temple
    Jan 10, 2019
    80
    Overall, if you enjoy Dynasty Warriors 8 and you want the console version that runs the smoothest, be sure to check out the Switch version. Even with the slight flaws it carries, the Switch version is the ultimate version of DW8 for me.
  13. Nintendo Life
    Jan 7, 2019
    80
    While it might seem odd for Omega Force to opt to port the five-year-old Dynasty Warriors 8 over the more recent Dynasty Warriors 9, it’s by and far the right decision for Nintendo Switch owners. Not only is Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Definitive Edition the best version since Dynasty Warriors 5, it comes to the hybrid platform offering more stable performance than the versions that once graced PS3 and Xbox 360. Even when its framerate takes a knock when playing co-op, it’s a remarkably robust port boasting an obscene amount of content fresh out of the box.
  14. DualShockers
    Dec 28, 2018
    80
    Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Definitive Edition is a great addition to the Switch library and sits well amongst the many other Warriors games already available on the platform.
  15. Wccftech
    Dec 28, 2018
    68
    This is a game with genuinely days upon days worth of missions, challenges, objectives, characters and things to collect. It's not content light by any means - though it also doesn't change up at any point during its entire playtime. This is a pretty great Dynasty Warriors game, and Warriors fans will find hours of fun, but I'm not sure that more casual fans of action games will find it as endearing.
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  1. TheSixthAxis
    Jan 2, 2019
    Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Definitive Edition had to go through a lot of visual changes to be able to find a home on the Nintendo Switch. They aren’t pretty changes at all, but they’re changes that helped ensure the gameplay was unchanged and remains as smooth as ever. It’s tough to have to pick between sharp visuals or consistent performance, but when it comes to this kind of game, performance is key, and they nailed it with this port.

Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Best Switch Game of 2018

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 64 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 64
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 64
  3. Negative: 6 out of 64
  1. Corificness
    Apr 28, 2019
    10
    I really loved this game! It was the most fun I have had with a dynasty warriors game since DW3. In this entry they got rid of the enemiesI really loved this game! It was the most fun I have had with a dynasty warriors game since DW3. In this entry they got rid of the enemies coming through gates that you can close and added a weapon switching system. I kinda miss being able to shut off the enemies in some levels but it did seem to make it a bit more realistic. The weapon switching was a bit challenging to learn at first but once I got the hang of it, it made the game that much better. It allowed me to use other general's weapons that I might have already leveled up with my weaker characters which made getting them stronger a bit more interesting. I also liked how the story system changed in that you start at the beginning of each respective faction and go through a timeline using many different characters. It was a bit different than just choosing one guy and going through the same 6-7 levels over and over again. They still retain the free mode where you can play all the levels you've unlocked and added in a dynasty mode where you can choose one character and build up a city with defeated generals joining your cause. The game looked great in handheld mode, as I saw very little difference between playing on a tv. I really have no complaints about this game. It was really the perfect Dynasty Warriors game.… Full Review »
  2. tomflanders
    Dec 3, 2021
    9
    Has everything you want from a Dynasty Warriors title (except for bodyguards). Only enjoyable if you are strict with yourself about only usingHas everything you want from a Dynasty Warriors title (except for bodyguards). Only enjoyable if you are strict with yourself about only using the weapon designed for your character, otherwise it becomes utterly pointless.… Full Review »
  3. Escargot
    Jan 1, 2019
    4
    I personally found this series of games to be very inaccurate to history or the original novel even though it uses terms like "historicalI personally found this series of games to be very inaccurate to history or the original novel even though it uses terms like "historical route" inside the games. The story isn't written with the values of that time period in mind. Some of the content is very rude towards particular historical figures of China, while the developers' favourites gets special treatment. I just cannot give the game a higher score because of how disrespectful I found it to be.

    The game has lots of content, but it is very repetitive grind. It works like an RPG where you can upgrade characters and collect weapons doing different stages. Most of the stages involve you running around a map to complete some tasks, mostly killing some enemy, to unlock the next area. You get to see your character execute cool looking attacks simply by pressing attack buttons randomly. Or when you're more accustomed to your character your will learn different button combinations give different attacks.

    It would have been good if it was coupled with a well written story, but even though the story was taken from a Chinese classic, I found the delivery to be very disappointing. The developers favour particular characters over the actual important people in history and novel, the story makes an effort to criticise particular characters and it shows that they don't understand the values of China at that time. The dialogue is cheesy and lack depth, and it just feels like a poorly written anime. This is a very bad version of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. If you're wanting to learn about Chinese history or culture, I recommend looking elsewhere. Looking to grind and collect items? You can consider this game.    … Full Review »
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