Graphics
(93%)

Controls
(89%)

Sound Effects
(89%)

Music
(89%)

Voices
(85%)

Story
(86%)

Multi-player modes
(73%)

Fun factor
(87%)

Game Difficulty
(82%)

Game Length
(80%)

Manual Explanation
(89%)

Manual Length
(85%)

Manual Design
(86%)

Package Design
(87%)

Overall
(86%)

9 March 2009, 1:48am by ZhouTai50. Shin Sangoku Musou 5 Review

(Note: This review is based on the Japanese release, not the NA or EU release.)

Koei's fifth full installment of their popular Dynasty Warriors series brought many changes to the game, both good and bad. But, how does the game rate overall?

Gameplay: 9/10

Moveset System: KOEI has really outdone themselves in this aspect, creating an entirely new system, called Renbu, for their fifth entry into the series. No longer are your attacks limited to how far you are in your S-String, but can be used at any time. S-String attacks go on infinitely, and gain more attacks as your Renbu meter to the left increases. You now have a Charge attack string, using the Triangle button, at your disposal as well. Like the S-String, it also gains more attacks as your Renbu meter levels up. Also, you now have access to five other charge attack types in the game. You can tap the Triangle button for a quick and varying charge attack. You now have a running charge, usable by the Triangle button while running at full dash. Aside from that, you have grapple charges as well, usable by holding the L1 button and pressing either Square or Triangle. Jump Charges remain from previous games as well. In addition to that, characters now have access to one of five Special Moves, usable by pressing L2 while holding a Legend Book. Some characters have similar movesets to others, mainly the non Musou Mode characters. They start out roughly the same, but gain individuality as you level them and their skill trees up.

AI: One of the best changes about this edition is the difficulty of the AI. In previous games, most enemies were mindless drones, attacking rarely and only using very little of their moveset. This has been fixed here, as enemies are much more intelligent than before. Soldiers will hit you out of your chain from behind or the sides if you get to close, and officers, even generics, are hard to defeat on even Hard mode.

Skill Tree: Each chracter now has a unique skill tree instead of equipable items. Skills may boost stats, increase the maximum number of Legend Books you can carry, Increase the maximum level your Renbu gauge can go up to, and provide other effects. You get one point to add to your skill tree each time your character levels up.

Weapons: Weapons now come in three types: Normal, Power, and Technique. Normal weapons increase your attack range as your Renbu gauge goes up, Power weapons increases the likelihood that you will break enemies guard as your Renbu gauge goes up, and Technique type weapons increase your attack speed as your Renbu gauge goes up. You can also get skills and elements on your weapon that have various benefits. Getting weapons is now random, with you never knowing what skills or atrack power you may get, with better weapons generally being found on higher difficulties. Each Musou mode character gets three different looking weapons, one for each type, but non Musou Mode characters have weapons that look alike. Some may lament at the fact that there are no more fourth weapons from previous games.

Horses: Horses, like weapons, can have skills and elements on them. Getting horses is also random, and getting one of the famous horses is very difficult.

Stages: While there may only be 19 stages this time, they are all very well done, with vast battlefields and beautiful designs. Most stages have several sides to play as, but some like Guandu, Hulao, or Yellow Turban Rebellion, do not have sides for forces like Yuan Shao, Dong Zhuo, or the Yellow Turbans.

Swimming/Climbing: Two new features in the game, you can now swim through any body of water to ghet where you need to go, and climb up gates and towers to continue travel or kill enemies. Swimming can be a bit frustrating at times, but if you use it strategically, it can be useful. Climbing is essential in this game, especially in levels like Xudu, where you need to climb over the walls to get inside and let your other forces in.

Graphics: 7.5/10

The graphics are a definite improvement now that the series has gone next gen. They may not be the best we've ever seen in a game, but they do look good. Lighting and Shading are both done very well in the game and the draw distance is greatly improved. Character models, especially of the playables, look great in this game as well.

Story: 9.5/10

Yes, the story is mainly the same as the others, but that is to be expected with a game based in history. Having said that, however, there are a few twists this time around. With over three hours of CG scenes telling the story and character interactions, you can expect to be thrilled wit hthis part of the game.

Replay Value: 8/10

You have 41 characters to level up and 17 musou modes to complete in this game. Challenge Mode adds a bit of replay value as well. However, those who were fond of getting the ultimate weapons and horses from before may be dissapointed in this aspect, and the lack of Musou stories for some characters cuts it down as well.

Music/Sound: 10/10

The music is much the same as before, so if you liked it then, you'll most likely like it now. Still, I feel that it is the best assortment in the series, with the songs drawing you into to the battle. Actual in game sounds are buffed up now as well, adding to the sense of being in a battle.

Overall: 9/10