Exploring Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends: A Dual Review
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Dynasty Warriors 8
In celebration of the new year in 2019, I compiled a lighthearted list of the top seven Dynasty Warriors titles from the previous year. The creative studio Omega Force, part of Koei, had an incredibly productive 2018, launching an impressive array of games at a rapid pace. This included both entirely new entries and remastered classics with slight enhancements for newer consoles.
One notable re-release was the Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch, which landed at fifth on my list due to its solid gameplay, though it didn’t introduce anything novel aside from a reasonable $40 bundle packed with extensive DLC.
Interestingly, I recently discovered through discussions on the Dynasty Warriors subreddit that Koei quietly made this same bundle available on the Windows Store simultaneously. This move was surprising, especially given that it was primarily promoted as a Switch title, and the Windows Store has a reputation for being a less popular platform for game purchases.
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Section 1.1: PC vs. Switch: Which is Better?
Is the PC edition of the game superior to its Switch counterpart? To some extent, yes! If you’re in the market for the most comprehensive version of Dynasty Warriors 8 but lack a Switch, it’s a worthwhile option. The Windows Store version offers better value than its Steam counterpart, and its aging engine means it should perform well on most PCs.
However, you might not be inclined to buy this nearly decade-old hack-and-slash title through a convoluted Microsoft-owned store, right? Wouldn’t it make more sense for it to be available on Game Pass for PC, the Epic Store, or for Steam users to receive a free update?
Dynasty Warriors 8 is an action-adventure game inspired by the classic Chinese novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The gameplay revolves around intense, button-mashing battles against hordes of enemies. Players can engage in several medium-length story campaigns, totaling around twenty hours, alongside a bonus Ambition Mode that serves as the game’s hidden gem. In this mode, you can embody one of the numerous playable characters as you aim to conquer the land while developing your town and collecting weapons, materials, and experience points.
While the game doesn’t explicitly highlight the depth of Ambition Mode compared to the main campaign, it’s just as substantial. Similarly, Koei didn’t prominently advertise the availability of the Switch version on the Windows Store. The graphics are decent, but like the Switch version, they draw from the older PS3 edition, with a resolution capped at 1080p and a maximum framerate of 60—similar performance to the Switch in docked mode. Although the PC version does boast slightly improved lighting, textures, and particle effects, the PS4 received a visually enhanced version in 2014, which remains exclusive to Sony's consoles.
Section 1.2: Pricing and Value Comparison
At $40, this version includes 800 DLC items, while the Steam edition begins at $50 for just the base game, with an additional $190 required to acquire all the DLC. This pricing strategy seems like a blatant attempt by the publisher to exploit customers, a tactic Koei has frequently employed with exorbitant DLC pricing followed by later bundled offers, which can be frustrating for fans.
If you’re torn between the PC and Switch versions, I’d still recommend the Switch edition. It provides functional controller rumble and is generally easier to set up since it’s designed for console use. The PC version mirrors the original 2014 PC release in terms of settings and visuals but adds the inconvenience of using the Windows Store.
Chapter 2: Conclusion and Future Outlook
I have a genuine affection for Dynasty Warriors 8, and I understand why many fans consider it a highlight of the series. It’s a well-crafted game filled with entertaining content and a rapid pace that accommodates both short and long gaming sessions. It certainly warrants a modern re-release that encompasses all the DLC, and I’m pleased to see it available on two unexpected platforms.
However, I yearn for a re-release that could utilize the PS4 visuals and wish Koei would offer this "Definitive" edition to their Steam users for free instead of continuing to charge excessive fees for identical content.
We may never comprehend Koei’s reasoning for randomly releasing a PC version of a Switch game on the often-overlooked Windows Store without any significant marketing efforts. It’s a puzzling decision, and while I've been a fan of their games for many years, their choices often leave me perplexed. Oddly enough, that unpredictability adds to the enjoyment for me.
In a month, I’ll be reviewing the latest installment in this franchise, Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires, which took four years to develop and was released in Japan months prior to the global launch, despite all text translations being completed last year. The demo they provided was quite disappointing, and I also plan to address the time Koei charged fifty dollars for what was essentially just a glorified patch.
I do feel somewhat foolish for purchasing this Windows Store edition of DW8 when I already owned the competent Switch version. I had hoped it would offer something more than the 2014 Steam original or at least feature the PS4 graphics, but instead, it serves as further evidence of Koei's lack of consideration for their customers. It feels like a slap in the face to Steam users, and the marketing was so poor that I only stumbled upon it years later by accident.
Chapter 3: Video Reviews
This review of Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Definitive Edition explores the game’s features across various platforms, including in-depth gameplay analysis and visual comparisons.
The second video, Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Switch Review - ULTIMATE WARRIOR?, evaluates the Switch version specifically, highlighting its unique aspects and gameplay experience.