It’s a pretty much forgone conclusion that conversions of console games are generally a bit rubbish. They’re often seen as a cheap way to make one last bit of cash for an ageing game and don’t take advantage of all the positives the PC platform has to offer. So here we are, and you know what, DW4 isn’t actually too bad at all.
Despite it being a pretty sizeable game on the PS2 and Xbox, most hardened PC gamers will barely even bat an eyelid at it’s release despite it being a sturdy conversion complete with impressive visuals and the large battles that made it so popular amongst our console brethren.
The game opens and gives you the choice of nine warriors and allows you to customise their weaponry before setting you loose. You’ll suddenly find yourself slap bang in the middle of a huge battle and with little time to waste, so it’s straight into the action.
However, as with most things in life this proves to be both good and bad. It’s certainly fun because you really do feel like a hero turning the way of the war as you slash your way through enemies, perfecting combos and producing special moves. However, the camera angle is terrible and takes out a lot of what should be an extremely enjoyable experience.
In reality it’s very frustrating as had the developers spent some time to get this sorted it would have been a top quality title. The soundtrack fits the bill perfectly, and whilst the AI is a little disappointing at times the sheer fun of it all lessens the problem. Unfortunately, after a few hours of game time you soon begin to realise that it’s ultimately a rather limited game, which for the most part you spend, doing the old button bashing.
So, it’s a console game and it makes no bones about this. It’s certainly better than most of the ports we see and the stunning battles certainly appeal. It’s no classic – which is a shame – as it could have been a whole lot better. But for those of you who like this sort of thing, and can put up with the dodgy camera you could do a whole lot worse!
Fun, if ultimately rather limited
