Don't be fooled by the same dude with the headband on the cover, DW7 is not the same game as DW6!
As mentioned in my blurb, do not expect Dynasty Warriors 7 to be the same game as Dynasty Warriors 6. While the expectation is still to button mash to achieve mass destruction and the maps are somewhat recycled, the game demands just a little more from the player this time around.
It was bold of the developers to strengthen the RPG aspect of the game by including interactive NPCs, vendors, reputation gains and even a side trivia game which earns you gold if you answer "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" questions correctly. However, what I found most shocking above all else is the requirement to use more than one button, in sequence at times, to execute attack combinations.
Yes. I know. It's almost as if the game is trying to disguise itself as a serious fighting game - or something. Cute.
The skill trees in this game remain pretty rigid, but the focal point in "leveling" has really shifted more towards the weapons that the characters use. Players can switch between two different weapons during the games and use the switching mechanic to increase damage dealt during game play. Additionally, characters are no longer constrained to using one type of weapon, as Dynasty Warriors 7 offers a boatload more variety in weaponry for the player to choose from. Weapons can be obtained through battles or purchased from the NPCs in town and is up to the player to determine character suitability.
A word of advice? Don't bother buying reinforcements from the vendor. You don't need them and they are worthless anyway. Hoard your gold to purchase cooler items, such as the guardian animals or weapons.
If you are looking for a casual evening of genocide with the lady, this a good game to pick up. It's easy to learn and highly enjoyable to play. The artwork is pretty too. I leave you with the hope that you will continue to bring upon curses of damnation towards Lubu, as he ceremoniously overpowers your ass into the ground when you meet him for the first time.