DYNASTY WARRIORS 9 Empires Review Summary

Satisfying combat and improved performance keep this enjoyable, though limited character creation, repetitive siege battles, and a purposeless open world hold it back.

Combat system is satisfying: Combat is described as good, satisfying, and retaining the traditional feel, with improvements over older entries. The action system has strategic depth and is fun, with combos easy to execute and satisfying.

Game remains fun and enjoyable: Multiple reviewers consistently report that the game is still fun, enjoyable, and not a bad experience overall. This positive sentiment appears across several clusters, indicating broad satisfaction with the core gameplay.

Performance improved over previous games: Reviewers note that performance and fidelity are better than Dynasty Warriors 9 and 8 Empires, with the game running at 60 FPS in full HD. This technical improvement enhances the overall experience.

Strategy and development elements are strong: The game is great as a strategy and development game, with a well-designed strategy system and lots of options to manage the kingdom. The strategy mode is well balanced and fun, and the financial management is challenging.

Visuals and graphics are improved: The game looks better visually, with improved graphics compared to DW8 Empires and beautiful original art. Character models maintain the familiar style, and cloth physics are good.

Character creation is limited: Players report that character creation offers too few presets, clothing options, and customization controls compared to previous games, making characters look similar and the system feel like a downgrade.

Siege battles are repetitive: The game focuses almost exclusively on castle siege battles, which become monotonous and lack variety in objectives and maps, leading to repetitive gameplay.

Open world lacks purpose: The open world is described as empty and meaningless, with no quests or engaging activities, serving little purpose beyond recruiting officers and fighting random enemies.

Game is overpriced and cash grab: Players perceive the game as overpriced for the content it offers, with heavy reliance on DLC monetization, leading to accusations of being a cash grab.

Loading times are long: Frequent and lengthy loading screens interrupt gameplay, causing frustration and reducing immersion.

Castle siege battles central: The game focuses heavily on castle siege battles, with mechanics like siege equipment and defense modes. This is a core gameplay element that players frequently mention.

Character creation system included: The game features a robust character creation system, allowing players to customize their own characters' appearance and clothing. This is a highly mentioned feature, indicating its importance to players.

Relationship and affinity systems: The game features relationship mechanics, including sworn sibling and marriage systems, allowing players to form bonds with other characters. This adds a social simulation layer.

Open world exploration available: The game includes an open world, primarily used for strolling and interacting with officers. This feature adds a non-combat dimension to the gameplay.

Kingdom management mechanics: The game involves kingdom management, including turn-based systems for resources, gold, and finances. This strategic layer is a key part of the gameplay loop.

Poor optimization and frame drops: Multiple reviews report frequent frame drops, instability, and overall poor optimization, with some noting sub-60 FPS on high-end machines. This is the most common performance complaint.

Poor keyboard and mouse adaptation: Several players criticize the keyboard and mouse controls, including poor configuration, non-configurable extra mouse buttons, and overall poor adaptation. This affects a subset of players.

Controller configuration lost: The PC version lost the controller config for one player, making the game unplayable with a controller. This is a specific but serious bug.

Forced shutdown on exit: Trying to exit the game normally forces the computer to shut down, a severe bug that affects system stability. This is a rare but critical issue.

Texture loading errors in events: Textures load incorrectly in event scenes regardless of PC performance, indicating a rendering bug. This is a specific visual issue.

Wait for sale: A common sentiment is that the game is not worth full price and should only be purchased at a significant discount. Reviewers recommend waiting for sales or deep discounts before buying.

Not for Musou fans: The game is not recommended for fans of the traditional Musou style or for those expecting a classic Empires experience. It may appeal only to extreme enthusiasts or newcomers.

Positive for some: A few reviewers give positive recommendations, especially for those who enjoy the Musou gameplay style, roleplaying, or are new to the franchise. They find the game fun despite its flaws.

Alternatives recommended: Reviewers suggest other games like Dynasty Warriors Orochi, Samurai Warriors, or Romance of the Three Kingdoms as better alternatives for similar experiences. They advise against buying DW9 Empires.

Community fair range: $5.00 - $15.00.

Game completion: 50.0h.

Session length: 1.0h.

The game has significant early friction (repetitive battles, tedious management) but becomes addictive after a full playthrough or in the late game.

Friction: repetitive siege battles; tedious domestic management; boring open world exploration; lack of customization options; small reused maps; monotonous battle mode.

Disappointed Veteran Fan: Compares every aspect to previous entries, expects traditional combat and content, and evaluates the game through a nostalgic lens. Motivation: Franchise loyalty and hope for a return to classic Warriors gameplay, but ultimately let down by the changes. Stance: sale.

CAW Enthusiast: Spends most time in the character editor, building and refining custom characters, and prioritizes CAW depth over other game modes. Motivation: Character creation and deep customization of a personal warrior. Stance: no buy.

Ruler Strategy Player: Focuses on the strategy map, making political and military decisions, and engaging in ruler mechanics rather than direct combat. Motivation: Strategic management, diplomacy, and territorial control in a large sandbox. Stance: buy.

Monetization: The game is heavily criticized for aggressive monetization practices, including day-1 DLC that strips content from the base game, a season pass with poor value, and paid costumes recycled from previous titles. Players feel the developer is milking the fan base rather than delivering a complete experience.

Worse than previous Empires: Multiple reviewers compare this game unfavorably to earlier Dynasty Warriors Empires titles, especially DW8 Empires and DW7 Empires. They note it is worse in almost every aspect, with less content and missing features.

Missing features from predecessors: The game is missing many features that were present in previous Empires titles, including campaign features and customization options. Reviewers note that DW8E has better customization and unaffiliated gameplay.

Feels unfinished: Reviewers describe the game as an incomplete project or a half-finished product. They criticize the developer for the lack of polish and for the game's shortcomings.

DLC monetization criticized: The game's DLC structure is criticized, with armor sets and costumes from previous games sold as paid DLC. Some reviewers note that previously free uniforms are now monetized.

Season pass poor value: The season pass is described as pathetic value, offering only a few costumes and three interchangeable scenarios. Reviewers consider it useless and not worth the cost.