What you need to know: The latest instalment of the popular Chinese historical action video game Dynasty Warriors has been released in the UK. Dynasty Warriors 8, from the Koei franchise, is based on the Chinese writer Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The game features 77 characters and revolves around the territorial conflicts of Three-Kingdoms-era China, during the 2nd and 3rd centuries, when the land was divided between the Shu Han, Cao Wei and Eastern Wu kingdoms. Players choose warriors and weapons as they take sides in the territorial conflicts. They can also build alliances and engage in individual battles in the Ambition mode. What the critics like: This is "the most satisfying and complete Warrior game yet", says Christ Schilling on IGN. At once familiar and fresh, there's a host of intelligent new additions and tweaks, including new playable characters and combat styles - great. Fans of the series shouldn't hesitate to buy the new Warriors game, says Mike Splechta on Gamezone. It's brimming with new battlefields to cut down and there's 70 more characters to play, making it the definitive instalment. Dynasty Warriors 8 is one of the best titles the series has yet offered, says Kevin J on Metro Gaming. Dramatically improved visual quality, extended campaigns, revamped difficulty settings and all new 'what if' scenarios make it not just another instalment, but the best. What they don't like: There is greatness in the Dynasty Warriors games, but it can be tortuously slow, painfully restrictive, and often ridiculously hyperbolic, says Tony Coles on Eurogamer. New players might want to stick to the shorter skirmishes in the Ambition mode. · For further concise, balanced comment and analysis on the week's news, try The Week magazine. Subscribe today and get 6 issues completely free. Source: The Week UK, Image: flickr.com
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