The core hack-and-slash, button-mashing action from previous Dead or Alive games are carried over into DW5: Empires, set in ancient China. The game also includes a new mode called Empire.
The basic game receives an additional layer of strategy in the Empire mode, which features a map with 25 different locations that must be conquered. Empire Control and war preparation are the two components that make up each turn. Each turn, the tax revenue generated by your territory is available for you to spend on various actions. You can invent items and strategies for your generals to use while they are engaged in combat. In addition to the numerous other command options, you can recruit generals and troops and fortify your domains. You can wage war on different territories and may be required to defend your environment. You can choose the generals and lieutenants that will participate in each combat. There are a total of four different situations to unlock. However, they don’t differ much from one another.
Each of the Empire of Free play modes has a split-screen cooperative game for two players. This edition of the game includes, in addition to the soundtrack of the main game, the soundtracks of the previous three Dynasty Warriors games: Dynasty Warriors 2, Dynasty Warriors 3, and Dynasty Warriors 4.
