TL;DR
Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Complete Edition brings the beloved hack-and-slash action to PS4 with graphical boosts and new content like the formidable Lu Bu. While character transfers let you keep your progress, the core gameplay loop can get repetitive, making shorter sessions more rewarding. If you're new to DW8 or a hardcore fan seeking the best visuals and a familiar, satisfying experience of decimating enemy hordes, this PS4 version is a solid, albeit not essential, upgrade. Curious to see if the enhanced visuals and new character are enough to win you over? Dive into the full review to find out!
Tecmo Koei’s Japanese hack-and-slash game delivers engaging large-scale battles, but may not be an essential upgrade to the next-generation console if you already own a previously released version.
The Dynasty Warriors series has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with players. Since the early days of the PlayStation, this franchise – centered around developing a hero who then confronts massive enemy forces – has steadily evolved in terms of visual style and scale. Now, with the eighth installment, which debuted over six months ago on PS3 and Xbox 360, we have the PS4 version: Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends – Complete Edition. This edition offers enhanced starting equipment, a new playable character (such as the formidable Lu Bu), and additional bonuses, alongside graphical improvements and optimized frame rates leveraging the PS4’s hardware capabilities.
For those familiar with the core gameplay and who may possess a well-leveled character from the previous-generation DW 8, character transfer to the PS4 is supported, allowing you to continue with your maxed-out warrior, now with access to 50 additional levels of progression. Players can then select their hero, choose their weapon, and engage the overwhelming waves of enemies. The special moves remain a highlight, and witnessing Lu Bu decimate enemies with powerful attacks, sending them flying in every direction, is as satisfying as ever.
However, a recurring issue with Dynasty Warriors 8 is the limited variation in gameplay. After several levels, a degree of repetition can arise, making shorter play sessions more enjoyable. While the PS4 version features improved textures and skin tones, the graphical enhancements, while present, may not justify an upgrade for those who already own a previous iteration.
Final verdict: Dynasty Warriors 8 provides enjoyable hack-and-slash action in measured doses, especially for those already familiar with and appreciative of the genre. Its arrival on the current generation of consoles is a welcome addition. For future installments, we anticipate more significant graphical advancements and greater gameplay variety, given the extended development time available. However, fans of the series who do not yet own the eighth installment should consider exploring this edition on the PS4.
