It is not difficult to see why its developers consistently crank out these Dynasty Warriors games. Almost as prevalent in console line-ups as Ridge Racer, Dynasty Warriors is a mainstay of reliable, if dated, gameplay mechanics. Certainly, there is some satisfaction that comes with the mindless and seemingly endless violence one partakes in. However, with a serious lack of gameplay variety, the series can be both nicely straightforward and slightly unrewarding. Luckily, the series' newest installment, Dynasty Warriors Next for the PlayStation Vita, looks to alleviate the possible tedium.

You use various characters with differing skill sets to cut down wave after wave of enemy soldiers with the occasional ridiculous boss battle thrown in for good measure. The Dynasty Warriors series revels in the grind, and this latest entry is no different. The real difference though, is the change in hardware, which affords the player newer and fresher ways to go about completing that excessive grind.

The game's launch is scheduled to coincide with the release of Sony's portable console. As is the case with most launch games, acting as a practical showcase, Dynasty Warriors Next will put the powerful hardware to good use by implementing key features. Basic gameplay can be executed via traditional controls (ie. analog sticks and button input) in conjunction with special sequences being controlled by touch screen manipulation.

As you deal out and sustain damage, which is really the bulk of the game, two different gauges continuously build, respectively. Rather than rely on a bar representing your life points, Dynasty Warriors Next takes inspiration from modern Western games. Health and damage are tracked with aural and visual cues like red flashes. When filled, either gauge allows access to special attacks. Execution of these attacks is unique to the character you are using, whether it is by pressing specific buttons or touching / swiping the screen. One such assault even uses the system's accelerometer and motion sensing capabilities, allowing players to unleash powerful attacks by shaking the entire machine. 

You can engage in battle with various grunts using traditional button or screen inputs. Expectedly, the touch screen interaction allows for a degree of strategic precision in attacking that is just not available through the traditional controls.

Occasionally, you will come across Sudden Encounters, wherein a quick-time event takes place requiring mimicking the onscreen inputs in order to come out victorious. Quick-time events and precise touch screen swiping also take precedence during battles with other officers, where one-on-one combat is highlighted by close-up, dynamic camera angles and unique dialogue.

To help add variety, Dynasty Warriors Next sports several modes of play. There is a basic Campaign Mode that lets you play through acts based on the epic tale Romance of the Three Kingdoms, multiplayer affairs including an expand-your-territory Conquest Mode and a local ad-hoc Coalition Mode, and a mini-game-based Gala Mode. Additionally, an Edit Mode allows you to create your own officer to take into battle.

Dynasty Warriors Next looks to be a promisingly fresh new entry in the long-running series.

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