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Welcome to our regular gameplay impressions and video post where we record our first 10-30 minutes with a new game, and provide some general impressions on that early playthrough. Today’s game is: Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends: Complete Edition from developer Omega Force.

Although most have heard of the long-running Dynasty Warriors franchise, finding members of its devoted fan base is easier said than done. They are certainly out there - there is no doubt about that - but being familiar with and being devoted to Dynasty Warriors are not one in the same.

As viewers will see in the video above, Dynasty Warriors 8 is a familiar foray into the 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' universe, boasting tons of playable characters, several different view points, and three key modes. In the video we highlight the fan-favorite story mode, which focuses on various sides of the conflict and lets players follow its timeline while controlling different characters.

Dynasty Warriors 8 Gameplay Video

Despite a few new features like a Rage Mode for unlocking more devastating attacks, a Three-Point System that imbues weapons with different elemental-like properties, and the Ambition Mode, Dynasty Warriors 8 doesn't try to reinvent the wheel as far as the franchise is concerned. For better or worse, that seems to be how fans of the series like it; they prefer the subtle changes, but appreciate a core gameplay conceit that remains relatively the same. In other words, if you've seen or played a Dynasty Warriors game before, you should have little trouble jumping into this 8th numbered iteration.

Amidst all that, though, Dynasty Warriors still presents a compelling experience, but it requires an accepting player. The cutscenes and dialogue bits are extremely silly and the characters are appropriately stylized, but the finesse of combat is something that I continually fond myself engaged by. It does take some getting used to, but once players find a good rhythm they should, at the very least, begin to understand why Dynasty Warriors has the rabid following it does.

At the same time, those who have tried previous entries in the franchise and found them either unappealing or lacking in the gameplay department won't find much has changed with Dynasty Warriors 8. As we mentioned at the top of the post, developer Omega Force and publisher Koei are not interested in reinventing the wheel. They've found what works for their series, and as long as fans keep returning they will keep delivering these games.

Dynasty Warriors 8 Gameplay

As far as the Complete Edition is concerned, Koei has added new content for the Ambition and Challenge modes, a new EX attack for every character, and a set of five new playable characters to the game. For this video we played the PC version but there is also a PS4 version of the Complete Edition and a Vita version that's called Dynasty Warriors 8 Portable. Essentially, those players who are interested in Dynasty Warriors 8 should invest in the Complete Edition for the extra content.

Saying Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends is pretty much more Dynasty Warriors isn't a knock against the game. For years the franchise has been known for remaining relatively unchanged, so players shouldn't expect anything revolutionary here either. I had some fun with it, and fans will absolutely enjoy the dozens of hours' worth of content available.

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What do you think of Dynasty Warriors 8? Does it look like a game for you? Let us know in the comments below.

Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends: Complete Edition is available now for $49.99 on Steam

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Follow Anthony on Twitter @ANTaormina