Warriors Orochi 4 is the latest entry in the musou genre, and it lands on PS4, PC, XONE and Switch with a mission: to combine the armies of Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors into one colossal battlefield. It succeeds, mostly. The game brings back the three-way crossover formula that made the series famous, and it adds a new wrinkle: a fourth faction. The result is a chaotic, colorful mess that fans will love and newcomers might find overwhelming.
The premise is simple. Three kingdoms — Wei, Shu and Wu — are locked in war. But this time, a mysterious force called the Shadow Empire intervenes, throwing the balance of power into chaos. Players pick a hero, choose a side, and fight through dozens of stages across the ages. The story is thin, but it moves fast and gives everyone a reason to hit the battlefield.
Trailer, via KOEI TECMO AMERICA.
The Heroes Return
Warriors Orochi 4 has a massive roster. Over 150 characters appear across the four factions, each with their own unique moveset and style. That is a huge number, and it shows. The character models are detailed, with animations that sell the weight of every swing. Special attacks are flashy, and they feel satisfying when they connect.
The combat system remains the core of the experience. Musou attacks charge up quickly, and the game encourages chaining combos with light and heavy strikes. The addition of the fourth faction adds new mechanics, like the ability to switch between allies mid-fight. It is a small change, but it opens up the gameplay significantly.
The Four Kingdoms
The four factions each bring a distinct flavor to the battlefield. The original three kingdoms return largely unchanged, while the Shadow Empire mixes things up with its own cast of heroes. The balance between them is uneven. Some factions feel stronger than others, which can frustrate players who want a fair fight.
The stages themselves are large and varied. Each map is packed with enemy waves, secret items and hidden objectives. Exploration rewards players who look around, and the game encourages them to do so by hiding treasure chests and bonus fights throughout. The presentation is bright and over-the-top, with dramatic camera angles and sweeping music scores.
Story Mode
The campaign mode is where the game spends most of its time. It follows the main characters through their battles against the Shadow Empire, with occasional flashbacks to earlier periods. The dialogue is silly, but it is also surprisingly emotional at times. The game does a good job of balancing humor with drama, even though the plot itself is predictable.
Side stories flesh out individual heroes, giving players a chance to see their favorites in different situations. These chapters are shorter and less scripted, which makes them feel more personal. They are a nice touch, even if they do not add much to the overall narrative.
Multiplayer
Co-op play is where Warriors Orochi 4 shines brightest. Up to four players can team up online or locally to take down giant bosses and clear stages together. The chaos of four heroes fighting simultaneously is exhilarating, especially when everyone is using their best attacks. The game handles the extra players well, though lag can occasionally slow things down.
There is also a competitive mode for those who want to face off directly. Ranked matches test skill against other players, and the game tracks progress across seasons. It is a solid addition, though it feels secondary compared to the main campaign.
Presentation
The visuals are a mixed bag. On PS4 and XONE, the game runs at a smooth frame rate, though some stages can stutter during large battles. The Switch version holds up better than expected, considering its hardware limitations. PC players get the most options, with support for higher resolutions and unlocked frame rates.
The audio is strong across the board. The sound effects are punchy, and the music is energetic. Voice acting is limited, but the few lines that do appear are well delivered. The game’s presentation is competent, if not outstanding.
Technical Issues
Warriors Orochi 4 is not without problems. Load times can be long, especially on Switch, which affects the pace of play. Some stages suffer from pop-in, where enemies and objects appear suddenly out of thin air. These issues are minor, but they are noticeable enough to disrupt the flow.
The game also has a steep learning curve. New players will struggle to understand the full depth of the combat system, and the sheer number of characters can be intimidating. It takes time to learn which heroes work best together and which tactics are effective in different situations.
What Works Best
Several elements stand out as particularly strong:
- The roster size and variety
- The co-op multiplayer
- The stage design and exploration
- The emotional moments in the story
These strengths carry the game through its rough spots. They make Warriors Orochi 4 a compelling package for longtime fans of the genre, even if it does not reinvent the wheel.
What Needs Work
The game could benefit from a few improvements:
- Better balance between factions
- More polish on the Switch version
- A clearer tutorial for newcomers
- Less repetition in the later stages
These are minor complaints, but they are consistent enough to matter. The game is good, but it could be great with some refinement.
Final Word
Warriors Orochi 4 is a solid entry in a long-running series. It delivers what fans expect: big battles, memorable heroes and a ridiculous story. The fourth faction adds a fresh layer of depth, and the co-op multiplayer is a standout feature. The technical issues and balance problems keep it from greatness, but they do not ruin the experience.
For anyone who has followed this franchise, the game is a must-play. For newcomers, it is a good starting point, though the learning curve is steep. The game is at its best when friends gather around a screen to fight together, and that is where its true value lies.
| Platform | Performance |
|---|---|
| PS4 | Smooth, occasional stutter |
| XONE | Smooth, occasional stutter |
| Switch | Solid, slower load times |
| PC | Best performance, customizable |
The game earns a 7.8 out of 10.
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