Dynasty Warriors 3

Dynasty Warriors 3 (真・三國無双2, Shin Sangoku Musou 2) is the third title in the Dynasty Warriors series and acclaimed by fans of the earlier titles to be one of the most difficult due to the enemies' AI. This title introduces the Nanman tribe and also set the standards for many of its following titles.

Gameplay

 * If they have a high ranked weapon, characters can now perform six hit combos. The four previous charge attack properties remain the same but add two more to the mix.
 * ,, , , undefined: Sends the opponent high into the air with a special type of new launch different from the C2; continuing to press undefined triggers a synchronized follow up. This additional combo is called a Charge Drive.
 * ,, , , , undefined: Triggers a unique combo or a entirely different unique attack; some officers can also extend it by tapping undefined.
 * By this proxy, all playable generals use their third weapons as their signature weapons.
 * The new combo system also applies to mounted attacks.


 * Enemy AI is much more aggressive and clearing crowds takes more effort. Even the most common soldier will actively run up to the player to attack, especially on higher difficulties.
 * For the first time in the series, players can collect and equip various items. Specific items can affect the playable characters' stats but others can be unlocked after fulfilling certain requirements. The tradition of unlocking rare fourth weapons also began with this title.
 * Stat boosting remains similar to the previous title except Dynasty Warriors 3 offers different stat boosts when the game is on harder difficulties.
 * Mounted attacks -as in, when the horse slays an enemy- can now affect the KO count for the player. Elephant mounts have also been added. Riding a specific steed, however, demands the player to be at certain level. For example, if the character is at a low level and tries to ride Red Hare, they'll likely be thrown off its back. To counter this setback, the player can level up their characters or equip saddles.
 * Saving during battle can be done by choosing to quit from the pause menu. Only one game can be counted at one time and choosing to not continue it makes it invalid.
 * Characters are more vocal than before and will talk during in-game cutscenes. New English voice overs have been done as well.
 * However, in-game battle cries are the same as in the previous game and are only in Japanese.
 * For the first time, players are able to have personal bodyguards with them in battle. The player will start with 2 peons and when maxed out will be able to have up to 8 elite bodyguards. Playable characters can be assigned to be the player's bodyguard as well, along with their equipped items sets and current weapon.
 * Enemy and allied officers can replenish their health, and increase their attack and defense in a similar way as the player would charge their Musou (and they may also charge up their Musou normally as well). They will now often do so when their main target of aggression is knocked down near them, regardless of somersault recovery. Enemy and allied officers will also always counter back with their Musou Attack if they happen to get hit with a six-hit max combo while still grounded/without a knockdown.
 * Musou Attacks no longer knockback on all hits (save for Xu Zhu's), and a majority of them no longer inflict a form of knockdown barring the final hit(s). True Musou Attacks as of this game now always juggle targets on their initial hits but always apply a fire elemental effect. Overall, most Musou Attacks can now connect fully on targets, and are now invincible to arrows (though certain hazards will still damage the user and will cancel them).
 * Characters can now use Musou Attacks while mounted on their horse.
 * When two players work together on a stage, they can perform an attack called a Double Musou. If they are close to one another and have their Musou gauges filled, they can press together to unleash a powerful assault, where they automatically perform their True Musou Attack, but both attacks will have a lightning element property.

Musou Mode
Characters' modes are extended as they can participate in more battles than before. Many of their new scenarios involve the Southern Campaign to suppress the Nanman rebellion.

Free Mode
Similar as before, more stages and characters can be unlocked when the player completes Musou Mode. This is where the Other characters can be played.

Versus Mode
A mode that gives two players 90 minutes to compete with one another. They can chose to participate in the following challenges.
 * 3 vs 3 Elimination - set at Hu Lao Gate's front, three fighters can duel with one another on horseback in a barricaded arena.
 * Struggle for the Imperial Seal - search for the Imperial Seal in the one of the Wu Territory bases and earn more warriors.
 * Skirmish at Chang Ban Bridge - pave a clear path through the wall of enemies on the bridge.
 * Battle at Sea - defeat all your opposition's soldiers on one of the ships at Chi Bi.
 * Team Battle - defeat the three officers atop Fan Castle's walls.
 * 4 vs 4 Elimination - be the first to climb Mt. Ding Jun's highest slope and meet the commander at the top.
 * Valley of Stone Soldiers - a thick fog clouds the field and obstructs vision. Find any enemy officers inside Yi Ling's Stone Sentinel Maze under these conditions.
 * Duel - have a one-on-one battle with a barricaded arena at Mt. Jie Ting's highest summit.

Challenge Mode
Within a 90 minute time limit, do one of the following.
 * Endurance - At Tong Gate's map, defeat as many officers as possible without being defeated.
 * Time Attack - Similar as endurance except it expects the player to meet a set time limit. Takes place at the Raid on the Rogue Fortress.

Data Base
Includes an encyclopedia for various officers and showcases collected weapons and items.

Characters
Those with bolded names are unlocked right from the start. Characters with an asterisk next to their names are new in this title.

Expansions/Spin-Offs

 * Koei 2002 Spring Pack Shin Sangoku Musou 2/Shin Sangoku Musou - repackaged as a part of Koei's 2002 Spring Sale set. Received a 2002 clear file with purchase.
 * Dynasty Warriors 3: Xtreme Legends
 * Mobile Shin Sangoku Musou
 * CR Shin Sangoku Musou - pachinko machine
 * Pachislot Shin Sangoku Musou - pachislot machine

Related Media
Kamaya released ten figurines of the cast.

Aside from the official guide books and character illustration book, Koei officially funded the following publications for this game:


 * Comic Shin Sangoku Musou 2 ~ Extra Stage Vol. 1 - collection of four panel parody comics created and illustrated by fans. ISBN: 4-87719-999-3
 * Comic Shin Sangoku Musou 2 ~ Extra Stage Vol. 2 - ISBN: 4-7758-0029-9
 * Comic Shin Sangoku Musou 2 ~ Extra Stage Vol. 3 - ISBN: 4-7758-0036-1

Image Song

 * Shenglu ~CIRCUIT~
 * Performed by Yō Hitoto

Allusions

 * Several tracks from this game later appear in Warriors Orochi 2 and 3. Some were also given a unique remix in Dynasty Warriors: Online.
 * Kiniro no Corda 2 includes a short loop of ENDLESS FIGHT in an event.