Dynasty Warriors (2004 video game)

Gameplay

The 2004 installment of Dynasty Warriors builds upon the series with fresh characters, additional game modes, and an archive library that holds character artwork and game movies. As in its predecessor, each stage tasks the player with conquering territory by defeating the enemy commander. Players control an officer, fighting through waves of enemy soldiers and officers while ensuring their own commander survives. Beyond defeating hundreds of foes per stage, secondary objectives exist that can assist players in later stages. Completing these tasks also unlocks new features such as items, clothing, bodyguards, skills, and weapons. Every playable officer and commander possesses unique skills, weapons, and superhuman abilities. These abilities are triggered through a combination system, letting players craft their own fighting style by chaining different attacks together.

The campaign mode, called Musou Mode, begins with the player selecting an officer or commander from the Three Kingdoms of Shu, Wei, and Wu. Nine characters are initially available: Liu Bei, Zhang Fei, and Guan Yu for Shu Han; Cao Cao, Xiahou Dun, and Xiahou Yuan for Wei; and Sun Jian, Sun Shang Xiang, and Huang Gai for Wu. Additional characters are unlocked by performing special events or through encounters during battles. In total, 42 playable characters can be earned throughout the campaign, all based on the book Romance of the Three Kingdoms from the Han dynasty.