PS2: Dynasty Tactics, Complete
Spawned from the legendary hack 'n slash series Dynasty Warriors, this latest release from KOEI, as you may have guessed from the title, takes a relatively different approach. While the premise remains the same - build powerful armies and conquer cities in ancient China - the concept of the game is very much based on tactical simulation and strategy. Selecting between the forces of Liu Bei, Cao Cao or Sun Ce, players recruit powerful officers, build armies and embark on the quest to conquer 60 key cities across China. Each commander possesses special tactics, such as Charge, Ambush, and Fire Attack and, through skilful placement and timing of these tactics, one special attack may set off another unit's special attack, and thus create what's known as a Tactical Combo. A series of different storylines and endings await players, resulting from the strategic choices they make along the way. These choices can have a diverse effect on the proceedings and subsequently create faithful re-enactments of history. Important results can emerge from simple decisions such as appointing a commander or dispatching envoys or spies. At the end of the day, victory can be achieved through careful planning. Focusing on the tactical elements and planning ahead can unleash powerful sequences of attacks, capable of defeating thousands of enemies instantly. Which is definitely quite handy when dealing with such epic battles.
