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Dynasty Wars Review: The Three Kingdoms Beat 'Em Up That Started It All

**Dynasty Wars** is a fascinating piece of arcade history. Released by Capcom in 1989, it's not to be confused with the later *Dynasty Warriors* hack-and-slash series, but it sets the stage with the same Three Kingdoms period theme. This side-scrolling beat 'em up differentiates itself immediately by putting the action firmly on horseback, a unique mechanic that made it stand out from its contemporaries. Playing as a legendary general like Liu Bei or Guan Yu, you're constantly fighting your way through armies to defeat the Yellow Turban rebels.

### Why Play This Retro Gem?

| **Pros** | **Cons** |
| :--- | :--- |
| Unique horse-mounted combat and theme | Controls can feel stiff by modern standards |
| Historical setting is engaging and epic | Graphics are strictly 8-bit retro (dated) |
| Pioneering character selection and leveling system | Repetitive level design in later stages |

### Final Verdict

**Dynasty Wars** is a must-play for fans of **retro arcade games** and the Three Kingdoms era. While the controls might feel a little stiff compared to modern action titles, the joy of carving a path through an army on horseback is still intact. The RPG-lite elements, such as leveling up your health and weapon, add a welcome layer of depth to the classic beat 'em up formula. It's a great choice if you want to **play online** a true classic. It earns a high mark for its historical significance and unique gameplay.

**Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 Stars)