Dynasty Warriors 7

Overview

Dynasty Warriors 7 is a PS3/ Xbox 360 entry in Koei's long-running Dynasty Warriors series. The game was released in North America on March 29, 2011 for both platforms. The game features over sixty playable characters from the Shu, Wei, and Wu kingdoms, as well as the new faction Jin. Although characters from other factions are included, they are not playable in the primary story mode. Both the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game support stereoscopic 3D.

Story

Dynasty Warriors 7 features a completely revamped story mode. Similar to Dynasty Warriors 4, each kingdom has its own story. However, for this entry, the officer played in each mission is fixed in a manner similar to Warriors: Legends of Troy. The game also does away with the pre-battle planning screen and instead transitions seamlessly from cutscenes to control of the chapter's playable character, either in camp (where the player may make preparations such as equipping weapons or spending skill points) or directly into battle.

For the first time in the series, the storyline does not end at the Battle of Wu Zhang Plains. The game instead tells the story of the Jin kingdom, which arose late in the Three Kingdoms era and eventually won out, uniting China and establishing the Jin Dynasty in 280 A.D. The vast majority of the Jin-aligned characters are all-new, with only Sima Yi (formerly a Wei character) returning from previous entries. The Jin storyline begins with stopping Gongsun Yuan's rebellion, and ends with the final stage being the subjugation of Shu and the surrender of Liu Shan.

Conquest Mode

Conquest Mode is the second primary gameplay mode. In it, the player selects a character and advances across a map of China by completing missions. Scattered about the map are cities that the player may visit once freed, where weapons can be forged and purchased, visiting characters may be spoken with, and other special events may take place. Each character also has access to their own Historic Battle challenges ("Legend" stages), with some based on events of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, while others are original scenarios.

Gameplay

The combat gameplay is similar to the classic "Charge" attack system seen in titles predating Dynasty Warriors 6. This game also borrows the dual weapon system used in Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce. Each character is capable of using two weapons. The player can freely equip different weapon types to each character, though characters equipped with a weapon they have poor affinity with are not as effective as they are with other weapons. Characters can also actively switch between their equipped weapons during battle and will perform a special attack during the transition.

The musou gauge is split in up to two bars. This is similar to Samurai Warriors 3, allowing the player to do multiple musou attacks in a row. In addition to the standard and horse-mounted musou attack variants, some characters can unlock a second standard musou, and some can perform musou attacks in midair.

A new addition to the gameplay is the use of siege weapons. In previous games, such weapons appeared strictly as either obstacles to destroy or targets to protect. However, in Dynasty Warriors 7, the player can take active control of siege weapons in select stages, including catapults, ballistas, and others. Use of such weapons is required to complete certain objectives, such as destroying gates or sinking ships.

Playable Characters

Kingdom of Wei

Cao Cao

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors

EX Weapon: Sword

Voice Actor: Douglas Rye

Leader of Wei, known as the "Hero of Chaos."

Cao Pi

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 5

EX Weapon: Dual Swords

Voice Actor: Doug Erholtz

Cao Cao's son and Zhen Ji's Husband, succeeds his father as the leader of Wei.

Xiahou Dun

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors

EX Weapon: Sword

Voice Actor: Kirk Thornton

Cao Cao's right hand general. Also his cousin.

Xiahou Yuan

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 2

EX Weapon: Bow

Voice Actor: Tony Oliver

Expert archer and prominent general of Wei. Cousin of Xiahou Dun.

Cao Ren

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 4

EX Weapon: Flail

Voice Actor: Beau Billingslea

Specializes in defense and fights to end the turmoil. Cousin of Cao Cao.

Zhen Ji

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 3

EX Weapon: Flute

Voice Actress: Wendee Lee

Originally the wife of one of Yuan Shao's sons, now married to Cao Pi.

Xu Huang

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 3

EX Weapon: Pike

Voice Actor:

Devoted to the Warrior's Path, trains for strength.

Cai Wenji

First Playable Appearance: Multi Raid 2

EX Weapon: Harp

Voice Actress:

Talented musician, saved by Cao Cao from a tribe.

Zhang Liao

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 2

EX Weapon: Dual Halberds

Voice Actor: Travis Willingham

General under Lu Bu until his defeat at Xia Pi, hero of He Fei.

Dian Wei

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors

EX Weapon: Axe

Voice Actor: Beau Billingslea

Cao Cao's loyal bodyguard.

Jia Xu (New Character)

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 7

EX Weapon: Chain and Sickle

Voice Actor: Vic Mignonga

Strategist that travels the land, defeats Cao Cao before joining Wei.

Zhang He

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 3

EX Weapon: Claws

Voice Actor: Yuri Lowenthal

Defected from Yuan Shao during the battle of Guan Du.

Xu Zhu

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors

EX Weapon: Club

Voice Actor: Doug Stone

Strong warrior who is a bodyguard of Cao Cao.

Kingdom of Shu

Liu Bei

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 2

EX Weapon: Twin Swords

Voice Actor:

Founder of Shu and sworn brother of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. Fights for virtue and the people.

Guan Yu

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors

EX Weapon: Pike

Voice Actor: Dave B. Mitchell

Known as the "God of War", and famous for his long beard. Sworn brother of Liu Bei and Zhang Fei.

Zhang Fei

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors

EX Weapon: Double-ended blade

Voice Actor: Steve Kramer

Strong warrior who has bad drinking habits. Sworn brother of Liu Bei and Guan Yu.

Zhuge Liang

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors

EX Weapon: Feather Fan

Voice Actor: Lex Lang

Liu Bei's strategist. Known as arguably the greatest strategist of the era.

Liu Shan (New Character)

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 7

EX Weapon: Rapier

Voice Actor:

Son of Liu Bei, known as an incompetent leader.

Xing Cai

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 5

EX Weapon: Sword and Shield

Voice Actress: Wendee Lee

Daughter of Zhang Fei, fights along side Guan Ping.

Guan Ping

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 5

EX Weapon: Greatsword

Voice Actor: Bryce Pappenbrook

Guan Yu's adopted son. Strives to be like his father.

Guan Suo (New Character)

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 7

EX Weapon: Nunchaku

Voice Actor: Spike Spencer

Guan Yu's fictional third son. His sincerity makes him popular with the people.

Bao Sanniang (New Character)

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 7

EX Weapon: Spinner

Voice Actress:

Character created for the game, no historical origin.

Jiang Wei

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 2

EX Weapon: Spear

Voice Actor:

Zhuge Liang's successor. Originally a member of Wei.

Yue Ying

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 4

EX Weapon: Bo Staff

Voice Actress:

Zhuge Liang's wife. Invented Shu's Juggernaut.

Zhao Yun

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors

EX Weapon: Spear

Voice Actor: Terrence Stone

One of Shu's greatest warriors. Poster boy of the series.

Ma Dai (New Character)

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 7

EX Weapon: Magic Brush

Voice Actor: Justin Giddings

Ma Chao's cousin, best known for slaying Wei Yan.

Wei Yan

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 3

EX Weapon: Double-ended Blade

Voice Actor:

Strong warrior but his loyalty was often questioned by Zhuge Liang.

Pang Tong

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 3

EX Weapon: Staff

Voice Actor:

A talented strategist overshadowed by Zhuge Liang, known for his odd appearance.

Ma Chao

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 2

EX Weapon: Spear

Voice Actor: David Berón

Believes in fighting for justice. Vows to get revenge on Cao Cao for killing his father.

Huang Zhong

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 2

EX Weapon: Bow

Voice Actor: Alan Shearman

Legendary archer, known for being a fearsome warrior despite his old age.

Kingdom of Wu

Sun Jian

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 2

EX Weapon: Sword

Voice Actor:

Known as the "Tiger of Jiang Dong" Triggers the events to form the Kingdom of Wu, but dies before it is realized.

Sun Ce

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 3

EX Weapon: Tonfas

Voice Actor: Yuri Lowenthal

Founds the Kingdom of Wu, but like his father, dies early.

Sun Quan

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 2

EX Weapon: Sword

Voice Actor: Gideon Emery

Second son of Sun Jian, and most prominent leader of Wu.

Sun Shang Xiang

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors

EX Weapon: Wind-and-fire Wheels

Voice Actor: GK Bowes

Daughter of Sun Jian and wife of Liu Bei.

Zhou Yu

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors

EX Weapon: Bo Staff

Voice Actor:

Wu's early strategist. He is Sun Ce's childhood friend, and rivals with Zhuge Liang.

Lu Xun

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors

EX Weapon: Twin Swords

Voice Actor: Skip Stellrecht

Later era Wu strategist. Responsible for the defeat of Shu at Yi Ling.

Lu Meng

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 2

EX Weapon: Pike

Voice Actor: Tony Oliver

Common soldier who studied and trained to become a great general and strategist.

Taishi Ci

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors

EX Weapon: Dual Rods

Voice Actor: Darrel Guilbeau

Was rivals with Sun Ce but joined Wu after being defeated.

Da Qiao

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 3

EX Weapon: Metal Fan

Voice Actor: Wendee Lee

Sun Ce's wife. The more thoughtful of the Two Qiaos.

Xiao Qiao

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 3

EX Weapon: Metal Fan

Voice Actor: Carrie Savage

Zhou Yu's wife. The more impulsive of the Two Qiaos.

Zhou Tai

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 4

EX Weapon: Curved Sword

Voice Actor: Travis Willingham

Loyal bodyguard to Sun Quan. He is usually calm and composed.

Lian Shi (New Character)

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 7

EX Weapon: Crossbow

Voice Actor:

Sun Quan's wife and the bodyguard of Sun Shang Xiang.

Ding Feng (New Character)

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 7

EX Weapon: Gauntlets

Voice Actor: Kyle Hebert

Known for his fearsome appearance. Served Wu for a long period of time.

Ling Tong

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 5

EX Weapon: Nunchaku

Voice Actor: David Lodge

Fought with his father and driven after his death. Has a rivalry with Gan Ning.

Huang Gai

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 3

EX Weapon: Club

Voice Actor: Lee Everest

Early era Wu general, known for carrying out the fire attack at Chi Bi.

Gan Ning

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 2

EX Weapon: Chain and Sickle

Voice Actor:

One of Wu's strongest warriors, former pirate that joined Wu to be appreciated.

Kingdom of Jin

Sima Yi

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 2

EX Weapon: Feather Fan

Voice Actor: Kyle Hebert

Brilliant Wei strategist who eventually stages a takeover, setting the foundation for the Jin Kingdom.

Sima Shi (New Character)

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 7

EX Weapon: Rapier

Voice Actor:

First son of Sima Yi. Has a perfectionist attitude, and comes off as cold to others.

Sima Zhao (New Character)

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 7

EX Weapon: Sword

Voice Actor:

Second son of Sima Yi. Seems to be aloof and uncaring, but is a talented general.

Wang Yuanji (New Character)

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 7

EX Weapon: Throwing Daggers

Voice Actor: Tara Platt

Wife of Sima Zhao, also spends a lot of time keeping him focused.

Zhuge Dan (New Character)

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 7

EX Weapon: Feather Fan

Voice Actor: Keith Silverstein

Cousin of Zhuge Liang who eventually rebelled against Jin.

Guo Huai (New Character)

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 7

EX Weapon: Arm Cannon

Voice Actor:

Wei general who is loyal to Sima Yi. Reformed the ranks after Xiahou Yuan's death in battle.

Zhong Hui (New Character)

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 7

EX Weapon: Flying Swords

Voice Actor: Quinton Flynn

Talented yet arrogant general for Wei who eventually rebels against Jin with Jiang Wei.

Deng Ai (New Character)

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 7

EX Weapon: Drill Spear

Voice Actor:

General who uses the terrain to his advantage. Very prominent in the final battles against Shu.

Xiahou Ba (New Character)

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 7

EX Weapon: Greatsword

Voice Actor: Vic Mignogna

Son of Xiahou Yuan, he is loyal to Wei, but pressured when the Jin uprising occurs.

Other Forces (Not affiliated with any of the main kingdoms)

Lu Bu

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors

EX Weapon: Halberd

Voice Actor: Jamieson Price

Known and often feared as the strongest warrior in the land. Also famous for his legendary horse Red Hare.

Diao Chan

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors

EX Weapon: Chain Whip

Voice Actor:

Affiliated with Dong Zhuo before she convinces Lu Bu to rebel against him. The only person Lu Bu cares for.

Yuan Shao

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 2

EX Weapon: Rapier

Voice Actor: Dave Wittenberg

The Grand Commander of the coalition against Dong Zhuo. Arrogant because of his noble upbringing.

Dong Zhuo

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 2

EX Weapon: Ball and Chain

Voice Actor: Richard Epcar

Usurps the power from the Emperor. A tyrant who causes misery for the people.

Meng Huo

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 3

EX Weapon: Gauntlets

Voice Actor: Kirk Thornton

King of the Nanmans, famous for his many battles with Zhuge Liang and Shu.

Zhu Rong

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 3

EX Weapon: Throwing Daggers

Voice Actor: Jessica Gee

Married to Meng Huo, known for being related to the goddess of fire.

Zhang Jiao

First Playable Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 2

EX Weapon: Staff

Voice Actor: Doug Stone

Leader of the Yellow Turban cult and instigator of the rebellion against the Han.

Merchandise

As a pre-order bonus in Japan, people received one random pen from a set of four featuring character art. This was also a pre-order bonus in the UK through shops such as GAME.

In Japan there was a Treasure Box version of the game available, which contains special postcards (featuring each kingdom, plus Zhao Yun and Lu Bu have one each), an art book, and more.