Samurai Warriors 2: Empires Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)KOEI is back with yet another Dynasty/Samurai Warrior hackenslash game.This genre is now infamous for its simplistic run around aimlessly killing dumb soldiers until you reach a slightly more difficult to defeat general.The franchise hasn't changed much over the past few years.This is both good and bad.From year to year we are subjected to sequels which are more along the lines of touch up packages.A few added characters, a few added features, and just barely updated graphics.However, recently with there new "Empires" series they seem to be hoping to add an element of strategy to a franchise that as of late has been becoming quite stale.

The game has 2 modes of play.The usual "free" mode which is essentially the pickup and play mode where you select a section of the map then pick your generals and lieutenants (up to 3 of each) then go to battle.Then there's "empire" mode where you become a Japanese feudal lord.You are assigned a fief and from here it is your job to expand your territory.The fun part is that how you do it is up to you.You can use force, diplomacy or trickery as you build your army recruiting new generals, lieutenants, and boosting your number of troops.

During battle you can order your soldiers to protect a base, attack individual bases or generals, and defend another general or even yourself.The best part about this game is that your generals now level up with you and are no longer the sissy's whining for help that they were in the other games.On one occasion my round ended while I was off fighting a rival general my troops had already captured the main camp.Keep in mind that your opponents are no longer slouches either.You'll have to work a little to defeat them as the strength of the characters and AI has been revamped slightly.Formations are used in a rock paper scissors fashion.When they are employed they give you a stat boost however the army using the stronger formation is the only one to receive it.

The game does a good job making you feel like you are in charge of a powerful army.You can trade with China or Western nations; tax the people, train your generals and lieutenants, there are so many options as far as what you can do it would take forever to name them all.
So in summing up this game, SW2 Empires is still an upgrade package.Don't be fooled.It does however improve vastly with a strategy element and AI.So here's a comparison list so that you can make the decision

PROS:
-essentially still running off of the Dynasty warriors engine
-create a character feature
-added strategy element
-slightly tougher AI, your army now fights for themselves
CONS:
-essentially still running off of the Dynasty warriors engine
-not much variety in the battlefield maps
-slightly tougher AI, you may have a little difficulty fightingyour opponents in the beginning

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samurai Warriors 2: Empires

Product Description:
Samurai Warriors 2: Empires brings back tactical action with a new look! Long before the twilight of the samurai, Japan was ruled by powerful leaders hungry to unite the land under one banner. The samurai and ninja who defended their land and honor became legends. In Samurai Warriors 2: Empires, you'll live out their incredible stories. Team up with friends for Two-player Co-op play or compete with them at Sugoroku, a bonus party game for up to 4 playersChallenge an opponent in two-player Vs. play exclusively through Xbox LiveOver 70 cinematic sequences and new Music from fusion artist Minoru Mukaiya

Want to read more honest consumer review about Samurai Warriors 2: Empires now ?