The (Extremely Late) Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires Review

3 years later, I have reviewed one of the Warriors games of all time.
To chat with me, come join the Dynasty Warriors discord:
/ discord
Music:
War Council 3 - Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires: 0:01
Exploration - DW9E: 1:43
China Symphonica 2. The Epicenter - Dynasty Warriors 9: 6:58
Battle Prep - DW9E: 11:15
Final Destination - DW9: 12:25
Results Defeat - DW9E: 15:20

[@RougeMephilesClone]

Super-glad to see another video from this channel. However, I didn't think you explained your final recommendation enough. If I'm understanding right, the advantages DW9E has over other Empires titles are its face/voice customization, family trees, and reputation/choice system in strategy mode. The gameplay only seems to be improved from DW9 proper by essentially removing the open world, adding some extra battle objectives, and not having to engage with whatever 9's campaign was. Otherwise, all the seige battles sound repetitive, and not enough of the bugs or gameplay issues from DW9 were fixed to justify playing DW9E over any other Empires title. I'm happy to hear more about this, but most of this review felt like a thorough explanation of why Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires was a disappointment.

[@WildcatWeather]

Thank you for the comment! I do tend to focus more on the negative aspects than the good aspects, but I genuinely believe 9 Empires is a good Warriors game. I think what I failed to get across is that while 9 Empires is good, it could've been SO MUCH better. That's where my disappointment and frustration with the game mostly lies.

[@SpoopTheSpoopster]

I like this game. It succeeds where the original fails... which is pretty much everything.

[@MacDonald98]

9 empires is absolutely horrendous, you right it is slightly better than 9 but still a slap in the face to all us long term koei fans ☹️☹️ needs to go back to the good old days like DW3/4/5

[@gandhialwaysleavesanonion679]

Thanks to this comment I now know to avoid DW9 Empires thank you!!

[@SNOWDUDE13]

The game that introduced the Renbu system was thr first and hardest slap to the face.

[@baaron7]

5 empires was the pinnacle of the franchise

[@andree1991]

DW4E was amazing. ALL UNITS, FORWARD!!!!!!!!!!

[@SeaOfVomit]

@@SNOWDUDE13 Meh, I'd rather play 6 than any of the modern versions of DW. But regardless, the "classic era" is surely missed... 🥲

[@TheNightowlGaming]

Never too late to talk about DW! I liked DW9E I think there were good and bad parts, the unfortunate part of it is that it's replayability is very limited due to each playthrough feeling so similar imo 🤙

[@jmizz2153]

The irony that I looked up reviews a day after you uploaded this

[@gandhialwaysleavesanonion679]

Subbed very recently man, so great to see an upload from you. Koei fans unite!

[@WonderBlubber]

I was considering buying 9E or just reinstalling 8E... I think I'll save my money. Appreciate the detailed review bro, you saved me $36 lol

[@StonesCrossRoads]

I only recently discovered your channel last week and was worried that I had found you too late. Super glad and coincidental to see you post this just as I finished watching all of your other videos.

[@pikablu9375]

Great video as always. DW9 Empires was a real let down for me; I remembering I was expecting some grandiose and I personally feel like it didn’t hit the way it did. With that being said, I’ve come back to play the game and I sort of like it now? It’s not good by any means, but I agree with you in the sense that it’s way better than base game 9. It’s an okay game, I really like the interactions your custom character has with other characters. The character creation is great, but I was really turned off by the lack of clothing/outfits. I know I’m in the minority, but the lack of pretty outfits was a turn off for me lol. The DLC added outfits were also so outlandish, and they didn’t really fit the whole aesthetic of ancient China. I don’t know, I just feel like the custom character creation outfits was just a let down. At least in the costume department. Another thing that bugged me a lot about this title was the lack of quests/mini battles. In the previous 3 empires titles, besides invasions you were able to also do mini quests. Also! The loading screens in this game is a bit much.

[@anonymousrebellion]

Okay, so how should I put it? DW9 was definitely horrendous. 9 Empires was better, but still no dice to being the best Warriors game. In 9 Empires, I do like the battle sequences. Castle Siege was new to me, but I got used to it already. It may not be a connecting-dots battle like the previous Empires games, but oh well... I still like 'em both. The new combat system I got used to already, so there's no problem at all for me. Edit mode was downgraded from 8 Empires as you already pointed out. I like the new Family Tree system in 9 Empires though. 9 Empires had so much potential, I just wish the developers didn't rush the progress. I'm just waiting for Dynasty Warriors 10 to come out. But until then, Imma keep grinding for Lord and Superior Gems in 9 Empires cuz that's what's getting me to keep playing the damn game lol.

[@Catt0]

The GOAT is back!!

[@DarthBodya]

Indeed, Empires game with open world, where you can start as hobo warriors with few camp fires, going to first village and take quests like in Empires 8. Get some gold and buy house where you can hire characters, make a spouse, take brother oath. After that you can even build your own camp where you finally could hire your presonal small army of peons...on and on...to start making your own Empire. I don't think it's to much to want, they just to greedy\lazy to make.

[@mohd88zarif7]

sometimes I turn on my PS2 just to play Dynasty Warriors 5, and it give me so much more excitement than any modern DW

[@legoshi6769]

Welcome back Wildcat

[@Dimiblossom]

Legend is back

[@Rayhaku808]

It's my favorite empires game that I also hate playing lol

[@WildcatWeather]

This is so relatable

[@scrittle]

After playing DW5E for a bit, I realised the bar for a good empires game is low. DW6 Empires is alright if you get it for under £10, however it's the most monotonous Empires' game in the franchise.

[@mexicanoaao]

HE RETURNS

[@gassedupplat1729]

I enjoyed 9 a lot because of the role play capabilities. I was disappointed in 9E's lack of options in comparison to previous empire games.

[@SirIsaacFortesque]

I'm not really one to judge games I haven't played, (Well not too much) so here's a comment for the algorithm.

[@WildcatWeather]

Always appreciated!

[@RyanJSmith]

Sad to say you rank this too highly. The hours i have poured into Empires titles, they've been my favourite part of a DW life cycle, but for 9 it just fell far too short. If it had been a major fix like 6 I'd probably have gone back to it, but any time I've thought to I've picked up 8 Empires instead. Hopefully it's lesson learned and 10 is the same return to form 7 was. Better yet be like 5. Whatever they do I'll look forward to your hopefully not as late review

[@lazygamer2995]

This game kept me hooked which is what the original failed to do so in my opinion this is a good game. Coming from a long time fan since dw2

[@swbftor403]

I’m working on an indie game with a game loop very similar to empires’, but with much more in depth combat. If you’d be up for giving it an honest review I’d definitely send a copy your way

[@WildcatWeather]

I'm more than interested! Send me an email or message me on Discord (@WildcatWeather) and we can connect when you're ready.

[@Gamsterjeff600]

Secret plan is just a funny gimmick to me. I feel like regular 9 seems more fun to me

[@realacturius]

That square map reminds me of dynasty warriors next in the psvita.

[@Aizen2468]

Unfortunately for me, the issue is that DW9 Empires has probably anywhere between a third or less than half the customization options compared to DW8 empires in most areas. For example, the weapons. A fraction of the amount that DW 8 Empires has, as well as far less customization for anything combat related. Also, like you said, youd THINK the clothing section would be amazing, since theres more sections. But theres sooooo few sets, that even though DW 8 empires only has like 5 sections, the number of sets they have seems to give you more than double the customization. Its almost all a massive downgrade. Yeah, the faces, eyes, and hair are better in DW9 empires, but...does that single area make up for failing in literally every single other area?

[@KevinSatron]

How about dw7e compare to 8e?

[@stathisdimakakos4765]

Does it have split screen?

[@oz70nyc50]

The fact that you can't manually place kingdoms in Gathering Of Heroes mode for me was way to much of a deal breaker. I liked creating my own scenarios. That it's just totally random was a major turn off for me. And there wasn't even a fraction of post release support for 9E as there was past DWE entries. I'm skipping DW10 if it ever comes out, that's how sour the taste of this one left in my mouth...and I've played every DW game since the 1st entry. Koei Tecmo really dropped the ball with DW9.

[@Gabriel777Ari]

As a long time fan of the DW Empires series and as someone who has not played any of the games for at least 7-8 years, do you guys think I should get this one? I'm honestly considering it, although at the moment I only have a Switch and I'm not sure if there are any differences in the Switch version compared to the others.

[@Squabbles619]

I really think this series will only be able to elevate once they change their combat system. If they adapted an Arkham Knight style of combat mechanics I think it would bring a lot of people back to the franchise.

[@xvct2661]

Finally i can die in peace

[@BrD4GOD]

There are other mechanics to the game. I think I've played about 15hrs so far maybe 20. The ranking you get matters. You did say you can rule or take part in a kingdom. But with being a king, the game opens up a bit more. Another thing you didn't really mention is the length. This game on Conquest Mode is very long. So the replayability isn't great. There are also your titles, horses, weapon choices, a different type of combo system with the combat(didn't play DW9 yet so I'm not familiar with the move sets) equipable staus changes and there's a lot of Grand plans to pick from. Based on the relationship rank of the other officer, your plans will change and either be a greater effect or can be harder to achieve. Honestly, I don't have much Empires experience. This is the first one I've really dove into and my thoughts on the Empires games is they've always been a stop gap in between of the mainline DW titles. Therefore, not as great and usually compromising somewhere. So my expectations were low going into this so I wasn't really disappointed. Even though is is a square and all battles are sieges, the game is still fun with this newer feeling combat. Which I kind of like. And guess what? I'm playing the Switch version! The pop-in and framerate isn't great. But I don't mind. I want the Xbox version to compare it with. But the Switch version for me, as a dad on the go with limited time, handheld is great. I'm happy with it honestly. But I hope they watch your video and improve for the next one. Hopefully Koei stops suing SuZu and just tries to make a better game. Lol

[@cauliflowerconnoisseur2710]

For a cash grab, it is kinda an okay game. Nowhere near as good as 5E, which is the best empires game. But it is fun. It was a step up over 9, which isn't saying much. But it was enjoyable. The loading screens after every single time you choose what directive to use got a bit much. Plus the muddy textures in cut-scenes was awful for next gen.

[@derrickhaggard]

I'm getting this game.

[@dutchwarrior2192]

Wsg wildcat

[@justiceblade6550]

I'm still on edge to get this game but not for 30-50$ 😂

[@thealucard9119]

I'm confused on the way you describe DW9 and DW9 Empires, is almost like you're saying that both games have there own thing, so you have to buy both? Isn't DW9 Empires an enhanced version of DW9?

[@kg888]

Not really.

[@harisbisevac4578]

Empires games are completely different. In empire games you create characters and attempt to rule the world yourself.

[@RudeSaiyan]

My nostalgia interest peaked because I put MANY summer says into DW4E... This is just sad.

[@Jociaoftrades]

The game is good, but very lackluster. Which explains it all. It lacks polish. A lot of it. It could have used more love, but I do enjoy it, just not as much as the last entries. I didn’t jump onto 9, since I enjoy CAWs. So when DW9E was finally announced I was so excited. Then the long ass wait made me worried and finally it happened. And sadly it didn’t live up to my own hype I gave it. But I do enjoy it somewhat. Just wish they got at least one thing right, but nothing. CAW is lacking, open world is lacking, and everything is just lacking. I actually don’t mind the combat system, The State Combo System. It does make things prettier, but I do wish it was the original. It is like playing Budokai Tenkaichi for a long time then going to Ultimate Tenkaichi where it was simplified to make things look flashier. Aside from that I do enjoy the game and wish they do better in the future.

[@EzGrimzz]

dw9 walk so dw10 can run, just like any other games franchise

[@DBTHEPLUG]

Dw origins*

[@TemporalZack]

I kind of wanna see you review the Hyrule Warriors games. I personally enjoyed them a lot, but that could just be because I'm a Zelda fan and haven't played any of the other Warriors games, so I am very curious what a long time Warriors series player would think about these two games.

[@afeiden]

i just found out this game even came out should i try this one of 9 and give it a real shot cus many said play 8 and not 9 also i never played an empires game

[@WreepyUchiha]

I'm not getting it because they took Ma Chao's spear away.

[@deiansalazar140]

Please do ROTK next! It'll be my favorite video to munch and relax to 😊

[@niccomagana642]

They should make a dynasty warriors game with chivalry 2 mechanics and gore. I’d keep and expand on empires strategy though. More roleplaying as well.

[@Razor7557]

2:12 OMG, a game that still allows to choose a gender instead of a "body type" or "style" or some other imaginary inclusive term?! That's amazing... DW7 Empires remains the best though I see, and PC keeps being screwed over in terms of Empires games being stuck with only subpar DW8E and DW9E now XD Hopefully now that SW4 finally got released on Steam, we will also see SW4E release there too.

[@GB.Gaming]

Every single battle is a siege? Pfffft that's enough reason not to buy this.

[@Darkheart1413]

I just can’t get this game. The CAW ruined it for me. How can they take a system thats so good (nioh 2 caw) and ruin it with sheer laziness and greed by having only 6 options for gauntlets/boots and limited options for other stuff. Even the hair whilst it was great, it felt like 8 empires still had more options. And nioh 2 itself had hair highlights as well as i believe being able to shorten certain bits. I know if i bought this game i’d be dissatisfied with the caw and buy the dlc for more bits to soften the disappointment but then be more annoyed by how much money i’ve given them for this. I keep the demos on my switch and other consoles to constantly remind myself how shit it is, anytime I’m tempted to try it

[@jpc-273]

Please. I want you to do a review and ranking of miscellaneous Musou games like Dynasty Warriors Gundam, Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage, Warriors: Legends of Troy, One Piece: Pirate Warriors, Hyrule Warriors, Arslan: The Warriors of Legend, Berserk and the Band of the Hawk, Fire Emblem Warriors, Persona 5 Strikers and Touken Ranbu Warriors.

[@crislunaverellen6563]

This is gonna be off topic, but I kinda tend to like Warriors Orochi. I think it was badass for a crossover (of course one of my favorite crossovers was Marvel vs Capcom), and I want to believe that there's a Warriors Orochi 5! Though we will never get one, since the Warriors Series had downfalled really hard. Yet, *hey* we all can dream of a new installment, so I've decided to brainstorm and come up with my own idea for a Warriors Orochi 5! Here's the plot The Heroes from the Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors universes were once again amalgamated and sent to an alternate reality, only this time it's beyond different! This time, they must work together to save a ten year old little girl who is possessed by a dark power that is *connected* to Orochi, and the Orochi's servants plan on hunting her down and use her as a vessel for Orochi! So, the Heroes of both worlds must keep the girl safe, defeat Orochi's remaining minions and prevent the resurrection! How many Characters are there going to be you ask? *YES* but I am excluding the Norse and Greek Gods and the Guest Characters (via: Ryu Hayabusa, Achilles, and Joan of Arc). So, the roster will be every Character from every Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors installments (excluding SW5 since it was a reboot and y'all hated it), including Orochi and the servants again, *and* also including gods of Chinese and Japanese mythologies! Plus, the mini games return Dream Mode Free Mode VS. Mode Challenge Modes And I'm adding a new mode known as: Dance Mode (it's basically a fun dancing competition inspired by Just Dance and a bit of Dance Central), just to be silly It's not much, but it was all for fun and as a project in general

[@sorarockss93]

As someone who's put in 200 hours in this game on the PS4 and 200 more on the PS5, and got platinum for both consoles, I gotta say that DW5E is still the best Empires I've played. I'm gonna play DW8E at some point and try SW4E too. The worst thing about this game is how unoptimized it is. Constant screen tearing on both modes and sometimes textures look like they're from the PS1 era, which clashes so much with the rest of the game.

[@FastFacts-lz5zz]

Go back the old dw4 formula and get rid of open world.

[@XRuglia]

I have to disagree on DW9E being a "relatively good warriors game". Maybe my standards are too high but it just falls short in all most any aspect.

[@thelastgrape7510]

Ngl if I had the funding for the game I’d create it and keep it as it should have been just with updates 9 was just disappointing really wish the next one captures the aspects we all loved , One game I thought was great which is the yukimora story ? That was great story telling

[@FangsofYima]

To be a DW fan in the modern era is to suffer

[@JohnVandenhoef]

Game is mixed for me but soundtrack is great

[@pinchyh]

I've been playing since DW2 and the series has fallen off big time after DW6. The whole empty-open world thing has ruined the action side of the game and the 'rpg' elements have ruined any strategy that the Empires game once innovated. I don't even know what the game is any more..its trying to be too many things and thats where the developers have failed.

[@easybreezy6]

I remember when i was played dynasty warriors 3 on a demo disc for the PlayStation 2 game was so good, but I think after dynasty warriors 5, it just fell off for me.

[@jukkemson3926]

Your monotone voice kills me man. Just being honest. I like your content but damn can't you sound a bit more enthusiastic? With all due respect

[@Whirlwindd1]

DW8 best DW game ever. end of the story.

[@Safersephiroth777]

I am a huge Warriors fan. Played all of them. Dynasty, Samurai, Orochi, Pirate you name it. I have played it. So DW 6 sucked. But I liked DW 6 Empires. DW 9 sucks even more. And I don't like DW 9 from the demo I played too! Seriously they messed up so bad...

[@xxsnow_angelxx3953]

The female set is too sexualized and not what u would wear in the theme while the men is normal😅

[@KimSamaVideos]

WTF is this? This isn't the Dynasty Warriors I play. Why character creation? I don't want to be self inserted, I want to play as the cool Chinese warriors, not myself