The articlegameplay, story, development, reception
Gameplay
The players' goal is to wipe out the Huang Ching, the organization responsible for the unrest of the Han dynasty and later defeat the tyrant Dong Zhuo, and up to two players can fight side by side to accomplish this goal. This game always scrolls to the right. Players must be able to survive the rebel hordes to reach and kill the rebel general in each stage to free the province.
Players can use three buttons: to attack left, attack right, or use special tactics. In the arcade version, inserting more coins and pressing START increases the maximum life of the player. Completing stages and an experience point system in the form yellow orbs allows the player to level-up, gaining more vitality and stronger weapons. These weapons are upgraded for every 3rd blue orb collected. In-game treasure increases player score, and food packs replenish vitality.
Reception
In Japan, Game Machine listed Dynasty Wars on their May 15, 1989, issue as being the second most-successful table arcade unit of the month, outperforming titles like Crack Down and Valkyrie no Densetsu.
The ZX Spectrum version was received with mixed reviews; Your Sinclair awarded it 80%, highlighting the detailed graphics and horse-mounted theme of combat. CRASH rated it only 44%, criticizing the monochrome graphics, juddering scrolling and dull gameplay.
