Dynasty Warriors (PSP)

Dynasty Warriors is a PSP port of Dynasty Warriors 4 with tactical elements different from Empires. It was one of the first games to be released during the handheld console's launch.

Gameplay
Unlike the mainstream titles, characters do not retain stat growth and weapon levels after each fight. Instead, their stats are derived from the officers serving under them. The player can bring up to four different officers as bodyguards, each with their own unique traits and biographies. Some officers are able to provide tactical support via abilities, buff the player with passive boosts, or offer skills that prove handy in difficult situations; the D-pad is used for toggling officer skills and activating them.

Command points dictate the quantity and quality of the player's party; the maximum amount increases by clearing a stage. Generic officers are mediocre yet affordable while unique characters offer superior bonuses to compensate for their expensive upkeep. Those who share the same birthplace yield lower costs when deployed together. Battles must be won in order to earn more officers, though certain individuals are only unlocked by fulfilling certain conditions.

Due to the PSP's limitations, battles are segmented into squares which both sides must compete over. Entering a hostile area means fighting enemy troops until their morale or fighting spirit gradually wears down; this can be hastened by eliminating multiple enemies or a single officer. Likewise, the player's fighting spirit dwindles if they lose allies or remain idle. Should it plummet completely, the battle will end in failure and all deployed officers will be lost. The arrival of reinforcements is essential to keep morale high enough for the player to survive.

Time limit is determined by the amount of supplies on hand. These are extended by taking enemy supply depots scattered throughout the map. But due to the more aggressive AI, it is recommended to clear nearby areas first and ensure that no other enemy officers are present.

Fighting raises the player's levels which in turn provide stat boosts and better weapons. Using charge attacks to critically wound dying foes earns more experience points. Reaching Level 10 allows the player to perform a True Musou attack regardless of their current health. Since levels always reset to 1 per battle, claiming enemy territory will often be a top priority before attacking the main camp.

Unlocking Characters
Certain characters can be unlocked from the game's main mode.
 * Cao Cao, Cao Ren, Sima Yi - Complete Musou Mode with any default Wei character.
 * Zhang He, Zhang Liao, Xu Huang - Complete Musou Mode with Cao Cao.
 * Sun Jian, Sun Ce, Sun Quan - Complete Musou Mode with any default Wu character.
 * Zhou Tai, Huang Gai, Lu Meng - Complete Musou Mode with Sun Jian.
 * Da Qiao, Xiao Qiao - Complete Musou Mode with Sun Ce.
 * Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei, Pang Tong - Complete Musou Mode with any default Shu character.
 * Jiang Wei, Huang Zhong, Wei Yan - Complete Musou Mode with Liu Bei.
 * Lu Bu, Diao Chan, Zhu Rong - Complete Musou Mode with any default Other character.
 * Yuan Shao, Dong Zhuo - Complete Musou Mode once with one character from each kingdom.
 * Zhang Jiao, Meng Huo - Complete Musou Mode with one character from Shu, Wei, and Wu.

Allusions

 * Portraits for NPC officers are taken directly from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms games.
 * The Samurai Warriors cast appear as bodyguard officers in this game.