Dynasty Warriors 4: Empires is a videogame developed by Omega Force and published by KOEI Co. Ltd. The game was exclusively released for the PlayStation 2 home console from Sony in August 2004. The title is classed as an action adventure game played from a third person perspective with a lot of influences taken from history and some light fantasy elements. There are also role playing elements and strategic gameplay.

It is another iteration in the long running series based on the Romance of the Three Kingdoms epic story, which details one of the most interesting periods of the history of ancient China. The difference is that the Empires version of the fourth installment actually introduces more strategy gameplay elements than seen before in the franchise.

The main element of the game is the single player campaign. The diversity is staggering as Dynasty Warriors 4: Empires offers players a chance to select from 24 regions that can be controlled and 42 rulers who can lead the small kingdoms. Those who are very involved can even choose to create their own rulers reflecting their personality. Then, they need to guide the small kingdoms to glory and eliminate all rivals.

On each new turn, players can choose from amongst four decisions, which involve assaulting an enemy province or defending one of your own. Once a battle begins, three generals, three lieutenants and their troops are brought in and more traditional Dynasty Warriors combat begins. Strongholds must be controlled and enemy generals can be challenged to a duel with the ultimate goal being the full defeat of enemy forces.

GAMEPLAY HINTS

Easy weapon experience

For fast weapon, attack, and defense level up for any character, start Zhuge Liang's legend with any character under the normal difficulty setting. You will have to fight Yu Ying a total of eight times. Each time you kill her, you will gain 812 experience points towards your weapon. Also, each time you kill her, you will get either a golden sword (+ 4 attack), or a golden shield (+ 4 Defense). There will also be three other officers wanting Yu Ying. You will fight them and they will each give you 204 experience points towards your weapon. They will also give you either a silver sword (+ 2 Attack), or silver shield (+ 2 Defense). The final time you fight Yu Ying, there will be Juggernauts. The easy way to defeat them is to use arrows, jump and attack, or attack from the side as fast as you can.

Here's a quick look at the opening of the game: