Fights AND flight

The Dynasty Warriors series of hack and slash 'em ups has always let you unleash your own special brand of mayhem on to hordes of angry, sword-wielding foes. So what has Koei's latest offering, Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce (released 1 May 2009 on the PSP), to further satisfy your heightened bloodlust? Well, it's gone multiplayer. And you can fly. You weren't expecting that, were you?

The gameplay is based upon Dynasty Warriors 6, and you begin by choosing from the warring kingdoms of Shu, Wei or Wu, selecting your character from the extensive line-up that we've got used to from the franchise. However, Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce you to combine your destructive powers with up to three mates, in order to tackle the challenges that lie ahead, and which now require a level of strategic gameplay to conquer. Once you've assembled your strikeforce, it's off to war.

As you head into battle, you'll see that the vast arenas and teeming enemies which characterised previous Dynasty Warriors outings are no more. Instead, you'll find yourself immersed in more dynamic, incredibly intense combat zones, armed with a greater range of weapons and more special moves, which will help you to dispatch all who stand in your way.

Lock on to an enemy and the coloured crosshair lets you see how effective your current weapon will be. Also, for the first time you can wield two weapons at a time and now you have a huge arsenal to choose from. Which is handy bearing in that you have to destroy.

During the game you visit cities and villages, which are known as hubs. As you approach people or noticeboards, a crosshair appears – this lets you accept quests, team up with other players and customise your warrior with a range of weapons and potions, which gives the game the feel of Monster Hunter. Also, as you progress you can upgrade the hubs by building bigger and better shops.

The theatres of war are custom-made for multiplayer action and defeating the impressively huge bosses is hugely satisfying when performed as a team. That said, while the multiplayer mode offers extremely gratifying multi-attacks and the opportunity to both outslash and outwit your enemies, finding three chums who all own a PSP and a copy of Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce might take some serious organising. Leaving it to chance might be a little too much to ask of the fates.

The gameplay in multi- or singleplayer mode is incredible fun. The established attacks remain powerful and it's still a joy inflicting all kinds of death upon every foe in sight. There are some new weapons to go with the lightning-fast moves, and the all-new Awakening Mode transforms your character into a crackling, spinning angel of death. Flight Attacks equip you with more aerial firepower and agility than a heavily armed flying gymnast, but your enemies now have enhanced intelligence and you'll need both thumb- and brain-power to take them out. If only you could persuade a few mates to give you a hand…

GAME's Verdict

• Ad hoc multiplayer gameplay lets you combine strategy with all-out chaos.
• Fresh attacks and upgrades create a whole new level of fun.
• Smarter enemies require a more skilled approach and add a new challenge.

• Finding three mates who all have the game to exploit the multiplayer action is tricky.
• Enemies can seem quite 'samey'.
• The repetitive catchphrases of the previous games can needle.

Review by: Simon Kirrane
Version Tested: PSP
Review Published: 01.05.09