Dynasty Warriors 4 Xtreme Legends

Well I know me spouting a load of mode-names isn't particularly helpful, so I'll try to explain. Legend mode consists of 42 different short scenarios, each specific to each character (that means 42 characters peeps!). They are very varied in terms of objectives, some involving stealth, some involving escape, some involving escort dutie. However, the one thing I like is that the developers have kept true to the core of the series; the heart of the gameplay being the good 'ol hack-and-slash i've grown to love, with a hint of strategy. The attacks are vastly improved from DW3 and DW2, but I suspect they're the same in DW4. Graphics are good, with detailed characters and excellent animation, not to mention the HUGE levels. Slowdown is very rare, but the game still suffers from that annoying fog, which is even more noticeable in two player.

Anyway, once you 'finish' legend mode, you can replay each with a any of the 42 characters you like, as well as your own officers that you can create, AS WELL AS your own bodyguard units you create as well (how many as wells can I get in a sentence?). But my favourite mode has got to be xtreme. in this mode, you pick a character (can be your own), choose a mission out of 3 randomly generated choices, buy stuff from a shop and hack your way through china. You can create your own kingdom and defend it with your life, recruit unit and officers to accompany you, do missions for other officers and even betray your allies. It's great. Also, you don't choose a difficulty... it starts easy and gets progressively harder with little health to find along the way. You can't save mid-game as such, but you can between game so the game manages to keep you on your toes (don't have room here to go into detail). If you get killed, that's it though. No loading previous data.

Anyhow, I'd love to go into more detail, but space and time is short and all I can do is recommend it to anyone. I think it's brilliant as a stand-alone game, and will probably be loads better mixed with DW4, along with the improved AI. Old DW fans will love it, and I'm sure newcomers could be converted...

O, I also love the encyclopedia. Call me sad, but including the history of the three kingdoms and hundreds of officers involved is a great idea.

GAME MODES
Xtreme mode: Select a character and battle your way through ancient china, recruiting officers, conquering land, betraying your leader (unless you are it), buying magic items, and killing off anyone who gets in your way. Every mission, you can chose from 3 randomly generated scenarios, with their good points and bad points about going to that area. Best mode in my opinion.

legend mode: Get one of 42 warriors, and experience what they actually did in life, ranging from holding off entire armies, or assassination work for your leader.

Arena mode:See how long you can last when you go up against the mightiest warriors round after round (although this can get boring).

Finally: The graphics and music are amazing. Oh, and you can also get new level 11 weapons. There are also 5 difficulty levels.

Also I am Lu Bu.