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yeonchi · 1 year ago

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Dynasty Warriors Weapon Moveset Power Rankings Part 7

Here are the weapons I'll be covering in this part, comprising of those belonging to Wei, Wu and Shu characters who debuted in Dynasty Warriors 7:

(technically, Cai Wenji debuted in Multi Raid 2 and numerous characters cut in 6 redebuted in 7, but they're not featured here because I hate the way Koei Tecmo fucked up the character orders from 6 onwards)

Cai Wenji (蔡文姫): Harp (箜篌)

Jia Xu (賈詡): Chain & Sickle (鎖鎌)

Ding Feng (丁奉): Circle Blade (断月刃)

Lianshi (練師): Crossbow (弩)

Liu Shan (劉禅): Rapier (細剣)

Ma Dai (馬岱): Brush (妖筆)

Guan Suo (関索): Nunchaku (両節棍)

Bao Sanniang (鮑三娘): Spinner (旋刃盤)

Harp (箜篌)

EX user: Cai Wenji EX attacks: C1/C5 Category: Special Technique: Dash

“Reflect sound waves off an iron fan when switching to it with a Switch Attack.”

Having previously used the erhu during her debut in Multi Raid 2, Cai Wenji’s signature weapon is the harp from her first official debut in 7. The harp can be used as both a short range and long range weapon, with it being able to emit sound waves or fire projectiles that cause sound waves to be emitted when they hit enemies. This weapon mostly attacks from the front and there is a slight lag between attacks, so players should be wary of attacks from behind the character. The C2 supports additional input and the Jump Attack in 7 is the Jump Charge in 8.

Cai Wenji’s EX1 causes balls of light to rain from the sky while her EX2 sets three sound balls that resonate with Normal Attacks for 10 seconds before disappearing. The gimmick of this weapon, when used in conjunction with the iron fan, is that it can resonate with the iron fan’s tornado generated by the Switch Attack.

Musou Attack 1: Amber Light (琥珀光) Generates an aura that knocks back enemies and heals allies around the character. In 7, the character’s health recovers as well, but this effect was removed in 8.

Musou Attack 2: Jade Light (翡翠光) An offensive attack that creates a green fog of energy. Used in WO3 and 4. Also used in NEXT as a Multi-Strike Type Musou.

Aerial Musou Attack: Crimson Light (紅玉光) Introduced in 8. While playing the harp, two red orbs surround the character as they land. It’s probably another glorified Jump Charge.

Tier ranking: B

Chain & Sickle (鎖鎌)

EX user: Jia Xu, Gan Ning (7-7XL) EX attacks: C5/C2, C3 Category: Special Technique: Dash

“A weapon that can perform rapid and far-reaching attacks. The Switch Attack can be initiated even when under enemy attack.”

The Chain & Sickle is a ninja weapon that was introduced in 7 for Jia Xu and Gan Ning before the latter received the flail in 7E. While the weapon is good for rapid and far-reaching attacks as the description states, it isn’t that powerful and it doesn’t provide full coverage as there are gaps in the attacks that the enemy can take advantage of. The C1 supports additional input for a targeted attack and the C2 also supports additional input to follow on with the EX2, which is a targeted attack. Gan Ning’s old EX Attack is also a targeted attack.

Gan Ning’s moveset in WO3 is the closest to this weapon’s moveset with little to no changes.

Musou Attack 1: Phantom Fire (分身火旋撃) Flips back before creating two phantoms of the character to send out three flaming whirlwinds. In 8, you can change the direction of the attack even though the flaming whirlwinds will stay where they are. Used in WO3 and 4. Also used in NEXT as a Multi-Strike Type Musou.

Musou Attack 2: Shadow Strike (火影) A targeted attack that grabs an enemy and pulls them in before performing some dashing slashes. The Type Action in WO3 is adapted from this Musou.

Aerial Musou Attack: Shadowblink (瞬影) Introduced in 8, the character briefly turns invisible before surprising opponents with a swift slash.

Gan Ning Old Musou Attack 1: Flying Shadow/Rings of Fire (爆炎双輪) A simple attack that brings enemies into the air before landing. This attack would have been better if it affected more enemies, particularly on the landing because it feels a bit weak. If it were improved, it could have remained with Gan Ning in 7E and 8. Used in NEXT as a Multi-Strike Type Musou.

Tier ranking: B

Circle Blade (断月刃)

EX user: DLC (7-7XL), Ding Feng (7E-8E) EX attacks: C5/C1 Category: Clubs Technique: Whirlwind

“By following up a Strong Attack with specific timing, you can alter your attack.”

The Circle Blade was introduced in 7 as a DLC weapon before it became Ding Feng’s new signature weapon in 7E. For a long time, I never really knew the gimmick of this weapon until I took the time to notice it; when you perform a Charge Attack, you can press the button again when you see a flash (red in 7, white in 8) to enhance it. Aside from that, the Circle Blade is a powerful weapon at close range. The EX Attacks can be executed from the normal or enhanced versions of their respective Charge Attacks. The EX2 is a targeted attack.

Musou Attack 1: Volcano Shot (疾風礫) Being carried over from Ding Feng’s moveset in 7, this attack has the character shoot projectiles as they pose three times. The weapon is not used in this attack, allowing it to be used by any character without continuity issues. However, due to it being a carryover attack, there are two versions of this Musou Attack, one with the gloves as used in 7 and one without as used in 8. Even though it’s a minor cosmetic issue, I wish that both versions were included in 8E to minimise continuity issues for edit characters using gloves. Used in WO3 and 4. Also used in NEXT as a Multi-Strike Type Musou.

Musou Attack 2: Flaming Moon (把月獄炎礫) Introduced in 8. A semi-targeted attack that, when connected to an enemy, performs some slashes with the Circle Blade before one final slash, otherwise it only performs the final slash. As the name of this attack implies (particularly the Japanese name), it is a stronger version of Ding Feng’s old Musou Attack 2, Heartburn/Flaming Stones (極炎礫). This attack is called in the Japanese script.

Aerial Musou Attack: Moon Blast/Lunar Slash (月衝斬) Throws the Circle Blade into the ground to attack enemies before it explodes.

Tier ranking: A

Crossbow (弩)

EX user: Lianshi (7-8XL), Lei Bin (Godseekers) EX attacks: C5/C2 Category: Projectiles Technique: Whirlwind

“After switching to this weapon, its attack speed will increase for a limited time.”

In an effort to introduce more projectile weapons aside from the bow, the crossbow was introduced in 7 as Lianshi’s signature weapon. Although the weapon can be aimed in different directions while attacking for good long-range coverage, the character stands in place while doing so and since this is a Whirlwind weapon and not a Dash weapon, the character is more vulnerable to attacks from the sides or behind compared to the bow since characters using it can easily jump away. As such, users should utilise the weapon’s long range to clear crowds from afar instead of close by.

In 7, the gimmick of this weapon is that it would shoot more powerful arrows after switching to it. From 7XL onwards, it was changed to provide an increase in attack speed and movement speed, plus after performing a C4 to C6, which requires a reloading of the weapon, the attack range temporarily increases with two extra sets of arrows being shot on each side and an added fire element. The C3 supports additional input while the EX attacks are a decent contrast to the weaknesses of this weapon.

Although Lianshi’s EX weapon was changed in 8E, the crossbow was given to Lei Bin in Godseekers, where in that game, most of the movesets’ Charge Attacks are named (not all of them are used just as not every character was featured in that game). Lei Bin’s EX attacks are executed from the same Charge Attacks as that of Lianshi, but with the following differences - the EX1 rains a hail of electric arrows while the EX2 removes the water ripple effects.

Musou Attack 1: Depth Charge (波濤射) Jumps up and shoots downward to hit enemies in a large area. I feel like the name “Tsunami Rain”, which was used for the Musou Attack 2 in 7, should have gone to this Musou, particularly as the description says “Unleash the power of a tsunami/the seas upon the enemy”. Used in WO3. Also used in NEXT as a Blast Type Musou.

Musou Attack 2: Tsunami Rain/Blessed Rain (天恵射) Shoots into the air to summon a healing rain that heals the character and any allied units in the area while also knocking back enemies in the process. The Type Action in WO3 is adapted from this Musou.

Aerial Musou Attack: Storm Wave (波球嵐弾) Introduced in 8. Summons a second crossbow to shoot arrows while spiralling to the ground.

Lei Bin Musou Attack 1: Chaotic Dreams (開物成夢) A ranged attack that summons a second crossbow to fire a barrage of arrows at multiple enemies in its range.

Lei Bin Musou Attack 2: Creation Blast (志創堅固) A ranged attack that summons a second crossbow to fire some golden projectiles before spinning around and firing a barrage of arrows like with his Musou Attack 1.

Lei Bin Aerial Musou Attack: Heavenly Knowledge (天長地究) A melee attack that is the same as Lianshi’s Aerial Musou Attack, but fires electric arrows instead.

Tier ranking: C

Rapier (細剣)

EX user: Liu Shan (7-8XL), Yuan Shao (7-7E), Sima Shi (7-7XL) EX attacks: C3/C6, C4, C2 Category: Blades Technique: Dash

“A weapon perfectly-suited to rapid strikes against the enemy.”

The rapier has been the signature weapon of more regal characters, particularly Liu Shan who has been portrayed as somewhat weak throughout the series. It is useful against soldiers as its attacks are swift and can cover the character in all directions, but it is not so good against officers, particularly on higher difficulties. The rapier’s moveset mostly consists of lunges, with the C1 being an attack that grabs the enemy to break their guard and pushes them forward, which can be spammed for humorous effect. The C3 and C5 support additional inputs.

Liu Shan’s EX1 is called in the Japanese script (雷皇刃, Thunder Kingsblade). His EX2 allows for a small recovery of health. Sima Shi’s old EX attack slashes four times before sending out dark shockwaves in five directions.

Liu Shan’s moveset in WO3 is the closest to this weapon’s moveset with little to no changes.

Musou Attack 1: Lightning Wave (斬撃双雷掌) A simple attack that sends out a line of thunder. Used in WO3. Also used in NEXT as a Blast Type Musou.

Musou Attack 2: Thunder Kick (飛雷蹴) Charges forward with a lightning-infused kick.

Aerial Musou Attack: Avian Strike (鳥襲腿) Introduced in 8. It is a targeted attack that jumps on three enemies’ heads before landing on the ground, so you’d better hope you have enough enemies around for the full effect.

Tier ranking: B

Brush (妖筆)

EX user: Ma Dai EX attacks: C6/C4 Category: Special Technique: Whirlwind

“Generates energy balls that explode after a delay or in concert with certain Strong Attacks.”

7 and 8 brought in their share of sillier weapons mixed in with more serious weapons, and the brush is one of those sillier weapons. Being Ma Dai’s signature weapon, the brush’s gimmick generates paintballs that explode into picture phantoms.

There are four types of picture phantoms that can be produced, namely the tiger, qilin, phoenix and dragon, all of which correspond to each kingdom’s animal emblems. The C1, Jump Charge and Dash Attack draws a tiger (with instant explosion on the latter two), the C3 draws a qilin, the C5 draws a phoenix, and the C6, N6 and Switch Attack draws a dragon (with instant explosion on the N6). The explosion of the picture phantoms can be triggered with the N6, C2, C4, EX1, the Jump Charge and the Switch Attack (the Switch Counter doesn’t affect placed paintballs). The Storm Rush spams tigers before drawing three qilins, while the EX2 draws a phoenix, tiger and dragon respectively.

Fun fact - if this weapon is used by Xu Zhu, Xu Huang, Ma Chao, Wei Yan, Guan Suo, Zhang Bao, Guan Yinping, Sun Ce, Xiaoqiao, Zhong Hui, Wen Yang, Yuan Shao or Meng Huo, the picture phantoms produced by them will appear deformed, which is more noticeable at the eyes. In Empires, edit officers using their respective EX weapons are not affected by this.

The EX1 is called in the Japanese script (旋風陣, Inkwind). Ma Dai’s Musou Attacks are called in the Japanese script as well.

Musou Attack 1: Inkbomb (疾風弾) Creates a paintball and pitches it like a golf ball. Used in WO3 and 4.

Musou Attack 2: Painter’s Fury (烈風閃) Creates a whirlwind of paint and sends it forward. The Type Action in WO3 takes a cue from this Musou. Used in NEXT as a Multi-Strike Type Musou.

Aerial Musou Attack: Strong Gusts (豪風陣) Introduced in 8. Draws a dragon in the air along with a vortex of paint that affects enemies below and in front of the character.

Tier ranking: A

Nunchaku (両節棍)

EX user: Guan Suo (7-8XL), Ling Tong (7-7E) EX attacks: C5/C3, C3 Category: Clubs Technique: Dash

“After switching to this weapon, its attack speed will increase for a limited time.”

Although the nunchucks were used by Ling Tong upon his debut in 5, he continued to use them in 7 until they were replaced by the three sectional staff that he used in 6. In 8, the nunchaku is used by the Bruce Lee wannabe, Guan Suo. Like the three sectional staff before or after it, the nunchaku is a good weapon for fast attacks, but it lacks range and reach.

The C5 is a targeted attack, so the EX1, which kicks up a double tornado, cannot be executed if it misses, while the EX2, which is a combo attack, is a targeted attack in itself. Guan Suo’s EX1 is also called in the Japanese script (烈空脚, Tornado Strike). Something to note for button mashers is that the input time for attacks is kind of unbalanced, so you might be performing a C5 when you wanted to perform a C6.

Guan Suo’s Musou Attacks are called in the Japanese script. The weapon is also not used in his Musou Attacks, allowing them to be used by any character without continuity issues.

Guan Suo’s moveset in WO3 is the closest to this weapon’s moveset with little to no changes.

Musou Attack 1: Sweeper Strike (強烈回転脚) A series of sweeping kicks. Used in WO3. Also used in NEXT as a Multi-Strike Type Musou.

Musou Attack 2: Fancy Footwork (烈風猛襲脚) A targeted attack that takes an enemy and kicks them multiple times. In 8, his English line for this attack is just a squawk that sounds like his voice actor (Spike Spencer) is either trying to imitate Bruce Lee or a chicken. This is less obvious in 7 and you can also hear it at the end of his Musou Attack 1.

Aerial Musou Attack: Circular Kick (烈震円衝脚) Introduced in 8. Just another glorified Jump Charge. Even if you have a lot of enemies around you, this attack feels very weak, because you can have an enemy directly in front of you and it wouldn’t affect them.

Tier ranking: C

Spinner (旋刃盤)

EX user: Bao Sanniang EX attacks: C5/C1 Category: Special Technique: Dash

“The spinning blades can suck in enemies and draw them closer.”

A bladed yo-yo, really. The moveset is cohesive and the attacks are good at both short and wide ranges. Bao Sanniang’s EX and Musou Attacks match her cat theme, in which case it is also a coincidence that her weapon disappears while executing the EX attacks.

The description of this weapon in the English version is somewhat misleading as enemies don’t really get drawn closer to the character while using this weapon. Regardless, this moveset is still easy to use.

Musou Attack 1: Tiger Pounce (猫々天昇斬) A targeted attack that cat-crawls into enemies and kicks them up into the air. The weapon is not used in this attack, allowing it to be used by any character without continuity issues. Used in WO3 and 4. Also used in NEXT as a Throw Type Musou.

Musou Attack 2: Tiger Rush (猫々超疾走) Introduced in 8. Walks her yo-yo, hitting enemies in the way before throwing it up into the air. It’d be nice if there was something more to it, but that’s what it is. This Musou takes a cue from her Type Action in WO3.

Aerial Musou Attack: Tiger Spin (猫々回転) Just rolling to the ground. The weapon is not used in this attack, allowing it to be used by any character without continuity issues.

Tier ranking: A

#dynasty warriors #koei tecmo #koei warriors #dynasty warriors 7 #dynasty warriors 8 #dynasty warriors weapon moveset power rankings

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