Deal to merge makes for new and vigorous growth in Europe
Hertfordshire, UK- June 26th, 2009 – TECMO KOEI EUROPE LTD proudly announces its official merger between developing powerhouses TECMO and KOEI, to form brand new company TECMO KOEI EUROPE LTD (TKE).
In a move that brings together two of Japan’s biggest gaming companies, TKE will offer a new library of games to European audiences while continuing to thrill fans of existing franchises and titles.
The first title released under the new TKE banner will be NINJA GAIDEN Σ 2 exclusively for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. “Featuring new characters, game play, and developed by the award-winning Team NINJA, NINJA GAIDEN Σ 2 is the perfect vehicle with which to launch the new company”, said Will Curley, VP of Sales and Marketing. “This is a momentous occasion for both KOEI and TECMO. With some great quality titles coming from both sides, such as UNDEAD KNIGHTS (PSPTM) and QUANTUM THEORY (name TBC) (PLAYSTATION®3) from TECMO, and Warriors: Legends of Troy (PLAYSTATION®3 and XBOX360®) and TRINITY: Souls of Zill O’ll (PLAYSTATION®3) from KOEI, TKE will quickly become one of the major players in the video games industry”.
Dynasty Warriors has to be the longest franchise along side final fantasy ever to hit the videogame industry. The success of this brand has been relevant for some time now and for all the fans out there that support this game are in for another great edition. Check out this new gameplay trailer of Dynasty Warriors 6 also this game looks good enough to possibly bring in new consumers and create new fans.
Hello everybody. Here it is, my review of Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce, along with the winners of the giveaway. I uploaded a video, so just watch the video to find out who the winner is. In the meantime read the review. Even if you don’t win the game is worth looking into. Again, I would like to thank KOEI for making this happen.
Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce (PSP)
Developer: Omega Force
Publisher: Koei
Released: April 28, 2009
MSRP: $29.99
Presentation
Graphics
Now the first time you see this game, you are going to notice that it looks great, for a PSP game. The game looks much better than the first Dynasty WarriorsStrikeforce. You can now clearly tell the difference between each character instead on relying on color, weapon, and gender. Nothing is really pixilated and when you see it you will not be disappointed it.
Audio
The audio however is superb. The narrator, sound effects, and music are really tight. You may not notice it when you play it without headphones. The game has a completely different experience when you play with a good pair of headphones connected. This actually surprised me. I was more immersed with headphones on, just like for Patapon. The game plays and feels better when you wear headphones.The music is just what you would expect from previous Dynasty Warrior games. Even though there is nothing noticeably good,it still is rock heavy as ever, but with an oriental touch.
Gameplay
The game has been revamped. It does not play the same anymore. What separates Strikeforce from other games in the series is the subtle RPG element. Buying and managing items and weapons, collecting items to upgrade stores, leveling up, etc.. The core gameplay is exactly the same though, which is what everyone loves. The combo system is made more complex so that you can’t really spam the same moves over and over. The way the combo system works now is that you can get a nice combo chain going, but you have to time your attacks right to keep them going.
Every aspect of your character can level up. You can improve your skills with all weapons, attributes (attack, defense, life, etc.). Everything can be upgraded, and some things upgrade faster than others, because it is your characters specialties.
Omega Force added a Fury Mode that makes the game much easier to play. Instead of filling your Musou gauge you fill your Fury gauge. Now when you fill your fury gauge and activate it you become supernatural. You can fly, dash further,improved attacks, and become super fast. I love the new Fury Mode much better than Musou guage which you fill up and use once. In this case you can activate fury mode, and when you feel like it use a musou attack. So you get the best of both of worlds.
Now the game is focused on the 4 player co-op more. This is where the game has a big flaw. When you face bosses who usually come at you in groups, it can be pure hell to get through it by yourself. It is painful to go through those boss battles, and you may be forced to level grind to defeat enemies.Another issue is that you probably will not find many others who have the game so that you can play co-op. The good thing though is that the game is not so brutal, that you cannot finish it.
The Dynasty Warriors series has really changed, and all the shortcomings can be forgiven for the better of the series.
Controls
Wow, the controls have been quite literally revamped. It does not play the same as the other later Dynasty Warriors games, so do not expect it to be easy to play if you are a veteran to the series. Now, do not let that discourage you, the controls have improved. They made it much easier to play.
It is now much easier to block, parry, attack, etc. Everything is much easier to accomplish, such as changing the camera or dodging enemy attacks. The controls are a step forward for the series, even though it is not a big step, it is a step forward nonetheless.
Now even though I said the controls are an improvement, there are still some problems with it. They added a lock-on feature that allows you to lock on to the closest enemy. This is all good, but there is one problem. Switching between enemies is a pain in the ass. You have to let go of the lock on button and then press it again in the direction of the next enemy you want to lock on to. It may sound easy, but when you are surrounded by 10 powerful enemies, just trying to do that can mean death. At least you can hold L (lock on) and hit up on the d-pad to lock on to the main targets such as officers, bosses, etc. Another thing I hate is the way you have to use items. It is really a pain, but it does not take long to adjust to.
Now after all that you may thing the controls suck. Guess again. The controls are great, but it is more like Final Fantasy Dissidia. It is built for one vs one encounters. The problem with that is, you rarely ever get into a one vs. one fight. So if you want to you certain items, you have to run away and use it. You always have to be aware of who is around you before you make a risky move.
Summary
Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce is really a step forward for the series. If you left the series because each sequel is the same, then you should try this game out. If you are a fan of the series, then you have to pick this game up. If you are looking for a good portable game to play with friends, then this is for you. The controls are hard to get used to, but once you adjust to it, it becomes less troublesome. The game looks and sounds great, and it really is much better with headphones on. The story is not as compelling as other games, but most will be more interested in killing and destroying people.The game is overall solid. There are still issues with it, but they are minor compared to the improvements the series received. If you are a fan of the series, then this is really a must buy. Dynasty Warriors has always been a close series to me, and this game is really a step forward. I can’t wait to see what the future has to offer for this series.
Verdict: Newbies- Try it! Then Buy it! Veterans- BUY IT!
Check out the picture above. The wonderful folks over at Koei sent us a couple copies of the game, and we want to give one away to the readers. You can win this and all you have to do is post a comment. All you Dynasty Warriors fans gotta try this game out. I will be raffling this game off on Wednesday. Previously it was scheduled for Tuesday, but due to some problems, I have to push it back to Wednesday. Anyway, just post a comment and you will be assigned a number (1-50). The numbers will be assigned corresponding to your comment number. I will put the numbers 1-50 in a hat, and pick out a winner. Just post a comment on this page if you want the game. The winner will be announced with my review of the game on Wednesday. If I find out anybody has commented more than once, they will be disqualified from the giveaway contest, and all future contests.
The Prizes:
1 copy of Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce for the PSP
The game so far from what I have played is a completely new experience for the series, and I love the new direction. So if you guys want it, then you better post and just hope that you win. The way I see it, everyone has a good chance to win. Free game and lanyard for a great game.
In terms of how the game will be given out, just make sure under your account you have the correct email, so I can email you and ship it out. If I do not get a response in 1 day, I will pick a new winner, etc. If you have any doubts, just post it in your comment. Remember limit one comment per user.
“The multi-million selling Dynasty Warriors® series has long been renowned for pitting a lone warrior against an army of thousands. The highly-anticipated action game reinvents the Dynasty Warriors brand of action into this year’s hottest multi-player experience on the PSP system.
DYNASTY WARRIORS: Strikeforce is a game unlike any other in the series. For the first time, up to four friends can join together to form a “Strikeforce.” As a team, players will travel to different towns, embark on quests, and use coordinated assaults to conquer heavily-armed fortresses and colossal beasts.
End of level bosses await intrepid heroes with a multitude of guises and deadly attacks while enemies, spread throughout each stage, possess much greater levels of intelligence and more powerful attacks. So now more than ever it’s imperative that players work together as a team and find ways to overcome the challenges and obstacles that stand between them and victory.
New “Fury” transformations give characters even greater supernatural abilities and attacks, including lightning fast speed and the ability to fly. Warriors can now take to the skies and face off against their foes in spectacular aerial combat.
Later this year, KOEI will offer new content for DYNASTY WARRIORS: Strikeforce. Additional quests will be available free-of-charge, exclusively through PlayStation®Store.
DYNASTY WARRIORS: Strikeforce is developed by Omega Force and is for 1 to 4 players. Multi-player play is via ad-hoc mode only. This game is rated “T” (Teen- Violence) by the ESRB.”
THANK YOU KOEI!
And folks, this is a contest brought to you by Killa-Indian.
