Recent reviews by Eboreus

The game does NOT currently work. I have confirmed with multiple people that the issue is consistent. The servers are inaccessible due to an API issue and have been for several days at this point. If this is a sign that Asmodeee/Twin Sails Interactive/Playsoft no longer intends to support the game, they need to take this game off the store and bar further sales.

I have been playing Dynasty Warriors and its other series (ex. Samurai Warriors, Gundam, etc.) since Dynasty Warriors 2. I've seen the rise and fall of mechanics and its different iterations of button-mashing mayhem. I have been partially underwhelmed with recent entries in the series, but I am fairly happy with this, having sunk several hours in at this point. Here are my subjective thoughts on where the game delivers well and where it still falls short of former glory. Please keep in mind, I only have several hours and it has been limited to the story/campaign mode thus far.

I will start with what impresses. Despite this being the billionth entry into the series, they still shake things up enough to offer some new aspects to the game, mainly in the battle experience itself. Several of the classic DW entries had me exercising my OCD as I went around hunting every single soldier I could find on the battlefield. That was joyful in its own ways, but this game offers a new alternative in pressing the player into what feels like quicker, more objective-based, and more adversarial engagements. Gone are the days where enemy officers with barely a name to them or less were just fodder to fill your kill count. This game provides more challenging fights through stronger oppositional AI. Standard soldiers have some new tricks up their sleeves, but it is primarily enemy officers with the largest upgrade. They provide a much more robust fight and this game rewards players who utilize the more prevalent blocking, dodging, and strong attack mechanics. This means the game is less mindless than prior entries where you could slaughter with a single button to answer just about anything (both a pro and con). How the player goes through the story mode also comes with an overworld map that isn't too annoying to navigate and offers the player the option to explore, do side missions, or go straight for main story completion. However, the player is contained to certain areas of the map until certain main story progress is attained, which is to be expected.

There are some things I am mid on, feel ambivalent towards, or are just continuations of things done in the past (both good and bad). The story mode offers an MC who can utilize multiple weapon types as they become available. There are still skill trees, gems, and varying equipment levels to utilize. There is still plenty of slaughtering masses of enemies to be had despite my earlier description of how engagements feel. The new MC storyline is something I am still unsure of. It feels okay so far, but in a game with so many familiar favorite characters, I realize it can be my own bias going against a new character being inserted the way they do here.

Where the game falls short is intermingled with some of what I've already discussed. There are some distinctions worth highlighting explicitly though. The English voice acting is still not top notch. Even some of our favorite warriors sound less commanding and capable in tone, which erodes upon any immersive factor they are going for. This could be a sign of my limited exposure, but the flavor of objectives and engagements they offer in side missions feels somewhat limited and will probably become stale by the end of the campaign mode. The prevalent fight mechanics of blocking and dodging aren't always the smoothest to utilize and where your hits could stagger enemies in prior games, this feels like it has that occurring less. This does make your hits feel less weighty at times when you've just landed combo after combo on an enemy and they just continue their attack rhythm through your onslaught. However, this may change with getting higher up the power curve.

All that being said, I think I feel much more on the positive side than negative so far. If anyone has anything else to add or challenge my thoughts on, feel free to comment. Otherwise, happy hunting.

Incredibly solid bullet hell with enough aspects to get an excellent amount of enjoyment out of it.

Slice of life appeal that will bring some calm to your day.

This game strikes a nice balance in strategic thinking, easy to pick up game mechanics, game replayability, and providing enough challenges to delve further into its nuances. The time commitment for a game isn't overbearing. I would highly recommend giving this game a shot if you are on the fence at all.

This game is excellent brain floss. To no surprise, it plays similarly to Stardew Valley, but has enough variance to stand by its own merits. It definitely scratches the itch for a slice-of-life style game. The gameplay is enjoyable, the music is relaxing, and the zen it can bring is top tier.

This game is an absolute gem in every sense. The story is compelling, the visuals are next level, and the gameplay replayability/content is off the charts.

This game is rather addictive. It has enough elements to keep it challenging and still makes it so that it rewards effort. It isn't overly punishing as long as you are thoughtful to how you play. It has more content coming along as well, so I'm excited to see how much more this game develops.

In true Sid Meier's fashion, the scope of the game continues to reinvent itself with each iteration, even with each playthrough. One consistent note through all Civ games is that without fail they all provide an extreme amount of entertainment value.

If you want pure, relaxing whimsy, this is the game for you.