Ranking Every Dynasty Warriors Game Worst To Best

While Dynasty Warriors 2 created the blueprint for what Dynasty Warriors would become, it was Dynasty Warriors 3 that truly established how great this series could be. With co-op, better AI, and over a dozen new characters, Dynasty Warriors 3 set the standard for a great Dynasty Warriors game. Across the board, it simply had so much more depth than its predecessor. Standardized weapons were replaced with weapon tiers, each character beginning with low quality weapons with limited combos and progressing to more powerful, unique weapons throughout the game. There was even post-game content, with each character having access to a secret, fourth tier weapon if certain challenges were completed.

Stat drops further create a sense of progression. Throughout the game, items will drop from defeating officers or finding secrets, raising a character's attack, defense, health, or other stats. Though not originating in Dynasty Warriors 3, it contributes to the game's RPG stylings, making the player feel like they're growing alongside their character as they progress through the story. It helps that Dynasty Warriors 3 is one of the hardest games in the franchise as well, requiring good play and many stat boosts to complete on the harder difficulties.

It's hard to talk about Dynasty Warriors 3 without addressing the... unique voice acting. Dynasty Warriors has often suffered from questionable voice acting, with stilted dialogue and mispronounced names the norm for the series' earlier entries. It's particularly noticeable in Dynasty Warriors 3, with some lines so bad as to stick in players' minds for years later ("Feel the power of my MAGIC!" comes to mind). Ultimately, though, the rest of the game is so likable and innovating that it's easy to forgive. Besides, at its worst, it's truly so bad it's good.