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Dynasty Warriors 3
Dynasty Warriors 3 Case
Developer(s): Omega Force
Publisher(s): Koei
Release Date:
PlayStation 2 Version
Japan: September 20, 2001
United States/Canada: November 26, 2001
Europe/Australia: March 22, 2002
South Korea: February 22, 2002

Xbox Version

Japan: September 26, 2002
United States/Canada: September 30, 2002
Europe/Australia: December 6, 2002
Genre: Hack and Slash
Game Modes: Single Player, Multiplayer
Ratings: CERO: B
ESRB: Teen
Platform(s): PlayStation 2, Xbox

Dynasty Warriors 3 (真・三國無双2, Shin Sangoku Musou 2) is the third title in the Dynasty Warriors series and the first to sell one million units. It is acclaimed by fans of the earlier titles to be one of the most difficult due to the enemies' AI.

The game's Chinese version is narrated by Liu Mingxun.

Gameplay

  • If they have a high ranked weapon, characters can now perform six hit combos. The four previous charge attack properties remain the same but add two more to the mix.
    • Square, Square, Square, Square, Triangle: Sends the opponent high into the air; continuing to press Triangle triggers a synchronized follow up. This additional combo is called a Charge Drive.
    • Square, Square, Square, Square, Square, Triangle: Triggers a unique combo or a entirely different unique attack; some officers can extend it by tapping Triangle.
  • Mounted attacks -as in, when the horse slays an enemy- can now affect the KO count for the player. Elephant mounts have also been added. Riding a specific steed, however, demands the player to be at certain level. For example, if the character is at a low level and tries to ride Red Hare, they'll likely be thrown off its back. To counter this setback, the player can level up their characters or equip saddles. Characters can now use Musou attacks while mounted.
  • When two players work together on a stage, they can perform an attack called a Double Musou. If they are close to one another and have their Musou gauges filled, they can press Circle together to unleash a powerful assault, where they automatically perform their True Musou Attack with the lightning element.
  • Power Guards (press Square while blocking) replace the original counterattack system, where they push back the attacker upon their attack connecting, but it does not interrupt their attack string.
  • For the first time in the series, characters can collect and equip various items and weapons before each battle. Playable characters can equip four weapons; characters can only have one copy of each weapon. Fourth weapons and rarer items must be unlocked through special conditions on Hard or the new Very Hard difficulty level on specific stages.
  • Stat boosting remains similar to the previous title except Dynasty Warriors 3 offers different stat boosts when the game is on harder difficulties.
  • Saving during battle can be done by choosing to quit from the pause menu. Only one game can be counted at one time and choosing to not continue it makes it invalid.
  • Enemy AI is much more aggressive and clearing crowds takes more effort. Even the most common soldier will actively run up to the player to attack.
  • Enemy and allied officers can replenish their health, and increase their attack and defense in a similar way as the player would charge their Musou. They will often do so when the player's character falls near them, regardless of somersault recovery. Enemy and allied officers always counter with their Musou if they get hit with a six-hit combo.

Modes

Musou Mode

Characters' modes are extended as they can participate in more battles than before. Many of their new scenarios involve the Southern Campaign to suppress the Nanman rebellion.

Free Mode

Similar as before, more stages and characters can be unlocked when the player completes Musou Mode. This is where the Other characters can be played.

Versus Mode

A mode that gives two players 90 minutes to compete with one another. They can chose to participate in the following challenges.

3 vs 3 Elimination - set at Hu Lao Gate's front, players engaged in an allied 3 on 3 can duel with one another on horseback in a barricaded arena.
Struggle for the Imperial Seal - search for the Imperial Seal in the one of the Wu Territory bases and earn more warriors while engaging in a 5 on 5 with other allied generals. However, one can have said warriors betray one another if an opposing player also finds another Imperial Seal.
Skirmish at Chang Ban Bridge - pave a clear path through the wall of enemies on the bridge.
Battle at Sea - defeat all your opposition's 100 total soldiers on one of the ships at Chi Bi.
Team Battle - defeat the three officers atop Fan Castle's walls in a unique 4 on 4 as they enter into the fray one by one.
4 vs 4 Elimination - be the first to climb Mt. Ding Jun's highest slope and meet the opposing commander at the top in an allied 4 on 4.
Valley of Stone Soldiers - a thick fog clouds the field and obstructs vision. Find any enemy officers and/or the opposing player inside Yi Ling's Stone Sentinel Maze under these conditions.
Duel - have a one-on-one battle within a barricaded spiked arena at Mt. Jie Ting's highest summit.

Challenge Mode

Within a 90 minute time limit, do one of the following.

Endurance - At Tong Gate's map, defeat as many officers as possible without being defeated.
Time Attack - Defeat all 100 enemies on the map as fast as you can. Takes place at the Raid on the Rogue Fortress.

Data Base

Includes an encyclopedia for various officers and showcases collected weapons and items.

Characters

Bolded characters are new in this title.

Shu Wei Wu Other
Zhao Yun
Guan Yu
Zhang Fei
Zhuge Liang
Liu Bei
Ma Chao
Huang Zhong
Jiang Wei
Wei Yan
Pang Tong
Xiahou Dun
Dian Wei
Xu Zhu
Cao Cao
Xiahou Yuan
Zhang Liao
Sima Yi
Xu Huang
Zhang He
Zhen Ji
Zhou Yu
Lu Xun
Taishi Ci
Sun Shang Xiang
Sun Jian
Sun Quan
Lu Meng
Gan Ning
Huang Gai
Sun Ce
Da Qiao
Xiao Qiao
Diao Chan
Lu Bu
Dong Zhuo
Yuan Shao
Zhang Jiao
Meng Huo
Zhu Rong
Fu Xi
Nu Wa

Expansions/Spin-Offs

Related Media

Kamaya released ten figurines of the cast.

Aside from the official guide books and character illustration book, Koei officially funded the following publications for this game:

  • Comic Shin Sangoku Musou 2 ~ Extra Stage Vol. 1 - collection of four panel parody comics created and illustrated by fans. ISBN: 4-87719-999-3
  • Comic Shin Sangoku Musou 2 ~ Extra Stage Vol. 2 - ISBN: 4-7758-0029-9
  • Comic Shin Sangoku Musou 2 ~ Extra Stage Vol. 3 - ISBN: 4-7758-0036-1

Image Song

Performed by Yō Hitoto

Allusions

Gallery

External Links

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