My view on Dynasty Warriors 5 has changed somewhat since I reviewed the PS2 version a few months back. I've become more accustomed to the game; I've warmed up to it. A few months ago I was sick of seeing Dynasty Warrior titles for the PS2, but for the Xbox, this is a welcome addition. Well, it's probably about as welcome as a cousin you've not seen for a long time turning up for Christmas dinner. You want to talk to them like you used to talk to them all those years ago, but you just can't bring yourself round to speak fluently. What? I have a nice looking female cousin, my age? Why did nobody tell me?! [Clearly no-one has told him what happens when cousins get together either! Ed]

I guess that's comparable to wanting to play Dynasty Warriors like you used to, feeling the same as you did all those years ago - but because they bring one out every year, you just don't have the same feelings for it. Dynasty Warriors has outstayed its welcome, while a lost cousin hasn't stayed long enough. Are you with me here?

The gameplay for DW5 doesn't differ from the PS2 version at all. The usual modes are here, more importantly, all the modes are here that have been here since the first Dynasty Warriors title was released. One thing in Dynasty Warriors' favour is the multitude of playable characters, all with their uniquely told story. However, the characters have their own story only in spoken voiceovers. "It was a long time ago when…" your chosen character might say, to give the endless killing some meaning to the character you're about to play as. In this game new characters have been added when you compare it to the fourth game in the series, but next to the PS2 version with the same title, the Xbox one has nothing new as far as I can tell.

48 characters means, as usual, that the lasting appeal is through the roof - and with each character taking a few hours to complete, fans will be at this for a while. Let's say it takes you 100 hours to complete Musou mode, which is the main mode in the game - how are you going to feel? 100 hours of playing this game and the next Dynasty Warriors title will be out for the 360 - which is a valid point. Apparently number 6 is coming to the Xbox 360 with stunning graphics, more enemies on screen and new modes and characters. It is rumoured to be coming out in the first few months of the 360 release too. So why would you get this game over the inevitable next-gen version, which will be a hell of a lot better? It doesn't end at 100 hours either - there are loads more modes that offer similar yet different gameplay, such as free mode and challenge mode.

Challenge mode, as I stated in my PS2 review, is fantastic. It's even better on the Xbox version, because the graphics are a little bit better, bringing the frame rate up a notch or two. Fighting masses of enemies non-stop, really putting the pressure on in a graphically rich environment, it looks great and feels great. As before, challenge mode feels more enjoyable than the main game itself, because there's never a dull moment. Musou mode isn't without its moments though; going around the map, turning the red enemy areas into blue friendly areas by knocking down loads and loads of enemies - defeating army leaders all in real-time is great. For the first few hours. Which brings me to that question again. Why would you want to invest 100 hours or more into a mostly repetitive hack and slash?

The sound in the Xbox version can now be enjoyed in 5.1, which is a godsend for those people who have the equipment. However, some of my old gripes remain - repetitive music, loads of heavy metal guitars that just don't seem to fit and listening to the same track over and over really frustrates. For a Chinese game you'd expect some oriental music while you impale people at least. Limited sound effects are present for your weapons, which sound good - and there's a lot of vocal content in the game, none of it superbly acted out, but it's more quantity over quality here. The graphics have improved slightly from the PS2 version. Only slightly, but I feel the Xbox handles the masses of enemies better than the PS2 version does and the loading times generally feel shorter too. Special weapon effects are present for your special attacks and they look good, if not a bit generic at times. You have to credit the big battles though; they're well choreographed if nothing else.

This is a rather disappointing turn out once again for Dynasty Warriors 5 really. Still, did you expect anything more? There are a few things that stop this title from scoring big. Firstly the next-gen version is looming on the horizon like an armoured elephant ridden by armour-clad warriors. Secondly, no Xbox exclusive features have been added that enrich the gameplay. A multiplayer or Live feature would have been cool - if not just for Live score boards. Again this one is for the fans, but I'd urge even them to wait for the Xbox 360 debut of Dynasty Warriors 6.

Reviewed by Dexter Pearson for AceGamez (All Rights Reserved).