Dynasty Warriors 3, released on the PlayStation 2 and Xbox all the way back in 2001, is still considered one of the better entries in the long-running franchise. Now, 25 years later, developer Omega Force has released DYNASTY WARRIORS 3: Complete Edition Remastered, a modern version of the original classic.
Available on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, what can fans expect from this remaster? It’s rare to see Omega Force bring back an older game, especially one that debuted so long ago. Sure, we’ve seen some ports here and there, but this is almost uncharted territory for the developer. I’m excited to see if it plays just as I remember!
It’s 1 vs. 1,000 in DYNASTY WARRIORS 3: Complete Edition Remastered!
A quarter of a century may have passed (urgh), but I still have fond memories of playing this game as a kid. In fact, I had a lot of good times playing the Warriors franchise titles over the years. But, before we take a trip down memory lane, I’d like to ask what your favourite game in the series is. Maybe it’s the equally as fantastic Samurai Warriors series? Perhaps one of the licensed ones, such as Hyrule Warriors? Let me know in the comments below!
Gameplay
For franchise fans, DYNASTY WARRIORS 3: Complete Edition Remastered will feel instantly familiar. For the most part, gameplay is the same as it was in the original. The two-button combo system and Musou attack making up the bulk of your offensive capabilities. Aside from named officers, most enemies not putting up much of a fight. Charging in alone (or with a friend in local and online co-op!) as the allies you fight with are still useless. The ultimate power fantasy, as you take out hundreds, if not thousands, of soldiers in each battle, being just as exhilarating as ever. Yep, sounds like Dynasty Warriors to me!
However, there are some new mechanics that have been implemented. You can both evade and counterattack, both of which can help escape from a tough situation that would have seen your health bar take a beating in the original. There’s also the ability to execute a new Perfect Power Guard manoeuvre. This effectively is just a well-timed block that stuns your enemy and creates an opening to bring the hurt. For purists, though, you can opt to play without all these new additions, making it play much more like the original.
As for game modes, Musou Mode is the main attraction. Each character has their own story to follow, which also allows you to unlock new warriors to play as. Free Mode lets you customise a battle and play as either side with any character. Challenge Mode gives you various categories in which to earn high scores. Enemies defeated, combo score, and so on. Finally, VS Mode has you face off against another player to see who comes out on top. Obviously, Musou Mode is the one that players will return to most often. But it’s nice to see some variety, even if the modes aren’t all that different from one another.
Graphics & Audio
Initially, I had just assumed that DYNASTY WARRIORS 3: Complete Edition Remastered would be more of a HD version rather than a full rework. However, thanks to Unreal Engine 5, the game looks so much better than I anticipated. Both characters and environments benefit greatly from improved resolution, higher quality textures, a wider colour range, and so much more.
Animations are a bit stiff, but if anything, not overhauling these keeps some of that original Dynasty Warriors 3 feel that veteran fans will appreciate. I can understand why people may be disappointed at the lack of an update with character movements, though. However, they’re not terrible by any means! Having 60 fps helps smooth them out a little bit, although the frame rate can dip during particularly crowded areas.
Keeping the feel of the original goes hand in hand with the audio as well. The soundtrack is still full of high-energy rock and traditional Chinese instrumentals and serves as great background noise for all the killing you’ll be doing. The voice acting is still woefully bad, but again, I think that it adds to the charm. It’s campy, unintentionally hilarious, and definitely a product of its time. If lines like “Ah! The wind!”, “Feel the power of my MAGIC”, and “Great King! Flee!” don’t crack you up, then I can see the dialogue getting irritating very quickly.
Longevity
With both the original Dynasty Warriors 3 and the Xtreme Legends expansion included, there’s quite a lot of bang for your buck! Plus, with 42 characters, each with their own set of 7 missions in Musou Mode, there is enough here to keep you coming back for a long, long time! Of course, not everyone has their own unique missions, and you’ll often repeat scenarios you’ve already seen countless times. In the end, it comes down to just how much fun you get out of laying waste to entire armies time and time again. There are also plenty of items to collect, characters to unlock, stats to increase, and weapons to find and fuse to create more powerful versions. Whilst each gameplay mode isn’t exactly varied, there’s no doubt that there is a lot to do here!
If you’re a Platinum Trophy hunter, then you’re looking at close to 100 hours to get that coveted award. As I’ve already mentioned, there’s a lot to get through and unlock, so good luck! It’s a grind, but at least it’s a simple enough title to play in short bursts.
Final Thoughts
DYNASTY WARRIORS 3: Complete Edition Remastered is a very good remaster for a game I loved as a child. Will more modern gamers like it as much as us older ones? Possibly, as there is undeniably a lot of fun to be had in hacking and slashing your way through entire armies! It can and will get repetitive, characters don’t play all that differently from one another, and the voice acting is dire, but it perfectly encapsulates that classic Dynasty Warriors feeling.
For a 25-year-old game, I’m actually surprised at how well it holds up. The improvements to the mechanics are minimal, but still welcome changes that modernise the gameplay. A game I’d highly recommend, especially for PS2/Xbox players who want a lovingly recreated hit of nostalgia.
Therefore, DYNASTY WARRIORS 3: Complete Edition Remastered receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award!
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
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