What about the graphics? Well, Omega Force simply ported the PSP game to the PS3, then went back and added new content, updated the visuals, etc. So if you were wondering about the graphics, don’t… the graphics are very similar to Genji, which was a PS3 launch title. Ouch. So don’t go in expecting to begin drooling all over your controller; expect barely next-gen visuals and a low enemy on-screen count as well.
Another note, the voice acting is still..well, cheesey as hell. Whenever you kill a general or officer, your character will scream something like “Another one has fallen to my blade!!” and it just sounds so corny. Then again, the series has never been known for it’s voice-acting, so nothing new here. Maybe it sounds much cooler in Japanese.
You’re probably thinking to yourself “Gosh, you sure hate this game!!” Well guess what? I don’t. There is some shinning light through the darkness… the online multiplayer mode. Hacking away at mindless enemies over and over is enjoyable for awhile and saved the game from getting a 1 out of 5, although it was laggy at times. While running around the city lobby it seemed like other player’s characters would glide around and the same happened during the quest. Heck, I even lost connection to the server several times. Sure, the game’s servers might have just been switched on, but this is Dynasty Warriors, not MAG. Why should there be any type of problem with the online mode when the online community is so small?
In the end, it’s hard to recommend Dynasty Warriors: StrikeForce to anyone. Unless you’re a uber-hardcore fan of the series, it’s just not worth the $50. The DW gameplay will stay the same old, same old and until Koei Temco does something about it, the series will continue to move down the chain of video game respectability. The problem? The games continue to sell well in Japan. So unless sales tank there, don’t look for any major changes to come the series anytime soon. The Online mode is a step forward, but many, many more steps are still needed. Do yourself (and wallet) a favor and pass on Dynasty Warriors: StrikeForce.
PlayStation LifeStyle’s Final Score
Online game play is fun but laggy. The Dynasty Warriors series needs a makeover big time. |