There’s no two ways about it, Dynasty Warriors 9 is massive and a
little bit complicated at times, but you get out what you put in. With
each step you take, you need to make sure it’s in the right direction or
it’ll start to feel like some sort of East Asian Groundhog Day with
swords and spears. With so many new mechanics and changes to the old
formula, it’s no surprise that you’ve amassed a whole load of questions.
So settle in as we try to provide the answers you’re looking for. If
you can utilise all these tips and even find some quirks to the systems
on your own, it won’t be long until you’re kicking about China with
ease...
Catch These Hans
Dynasty Warriors is infamous for its methodical button mashing
combat. It was honed year upon year to the point of player complacency.
Complacency is the slow and hidden enemy of progress. Pushing Dynasty
Warriors 9 towards the 21st century is a new system that allows players
to weave a variety of different Trigger Attacks together with Flow
Attacks. There’s no longer a series of branching combos. Instead you
have access to launching attacks, knockdowns, a stun, and specials by
holding one of the trigger/shoulder buttons,. These Trigger Attacks
enable you to cut through enemies like a warm Dao through butter. Each
attack serves a purpose. For instance, the stun Trigger Attack is best
used to create an opening and garner a few extra hits, whereas the
knockdown Trigger Attack is best used to create a little space and time
to use an item. Finding the right spot to place a swift slice is the
difference between life and death.
Just as important as how you swing your weapon is the weapon you
choose to swing. Every character in Dynasty Warriors 9 has a favourite.
Equipping the right weapon gives a few added bonuses, like an
uninterruptible charge for all your Trigger Attacks and a bit extra
damage.
Did You Say Utility Belt?!
There was a time where you’d scran some fresh dumplings from the
dusty battlefield without batting an eyelid. Oh how times have changed.
These days it’s all about 'inventory management'. Yuck. You have to
think about where you’re going, if you want to go fishing, or even try
your hand at placing some trap boxes. It’s all so confusing. The thing
is, it's also mega important. With the new inventory system, you are
pushed to think about the kind of buffs and healing items you want to
take into battle and how quickly you can access them, so make sure you
get to grips with it. When push comes to shove, you might find yourself
with your head in your hands lamenting the fact that you forgot to
switch out your fishing bait for the much more combat oriented elixir.
There’s nothing worse than being unprepared, so pack your bag and check
it twice.
Ode to the Geode
Everyone loves a big gem, don’t they? It’s the quickest way to
display wealth – that’s why I’ve got a grill of pure diamond teeth. What
the experts don’t tell you is that all these gems have special
properties. Or at least in DW9 they do. With six available slots for
gems on every weapon, you can use them them to inflict some nasty status
ailments and score a few extra points in your strength stat. So
stockpile all the gems you can find and make sure you always have some
spare cash to spend at vendors across the land, 'cos you never know when
a hot new stone will hit the market.
Peltin’ Aboot
There’s these wee beasties that run about the countryside, right?
Every last one of them thinks that you’re a bit of a wuss. Set about
them. Show them who’s the boss. For every pelt you liberate from the
sweaty back of those wolves who dare mock you by, er, spawning into the
world near you, you're rewarded with precious hunting points that can be
exchanged for goods, materials and scrolls through the Dilettante in
every city's market place. Unlike every other resource, there’s no clear
indicator for animals on the map – so you’ll need to keep an eye out
for orange blips on your radar and pray that they aren’t bandits. Oh,
and don’t forget to crouch. The last thing you’ll want to do is scare
away the unsuspecting wildlife.
Take Your Currency Back
Not long ago, in a time before the Euro, there was more currency
kicking about Europe than there are unread emails in my inbox, and now
every so often you find a lira from a stag do ages ago that you can't
spend anywhere. Dynasty Warriors 9 is a bit like that, as you'll come
across weird coins that don't technically have monetary value. Luckily,
for every weird coin in your purse the Coin Collector has something they
can trade you, from weapon scrolls to gems.
Charge of the Liught Brigade
If you’re in anyway familiar with Alfred Tennyson’s poem, you’ll know
it’s the quintessential example of staring death in the face and
marching onwards. By now you should be aware of the history of the Three
Kingdoms: all roads lead to an early grave, but the perseverance is its
own reward. Thankfully, the glory never fades. With each successful
play through you are showered with riches and, unlike the Egyptians,
your prized possessions are not buried with you. You might step into the
shoes of a fresh faced Sun Quan, but behind his eyes are decades of
experience. With this in mind, put the time in gathering and crafting on
your earlier play throughs. Then, with every subsequent run you take at
the game, there’s no need to worry about finding rare weapons as you’ll
have all the materials to make them and any additional equipment can be
reforged with gems shared across a multitude of warriors.
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