Romance of the Three Kingdoms a.k.a. "Dynasty Warriors" series

[murph20]

Ok, I lied, one more post for the night. For those who are familiar with "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" or, in the video gaming world, Dynasty Warriors, who is your favorite character?

Since there are notable characters in each kingdom, I will provide a favorite from each...

Shu: At least in the manner in which Zhao Yun is portrayed in the novel (as well as the game series), he is the epidemy of heroism. Not only did he fend off his enemies while protecting Liu Bei's heir-to-be, but, unbeknownst to many who follow solely the game, he was able to still be of great service into his sixties, slaying his foes until dying on the battlefield. Honorable mention goes to Zhuge Liang.

Wei:Personally, I would have to go with Zhang Liao. In the novel, there is a part where he willing forfeits his life following his defeat while under the command of Lu Bu at the Battle of Xia Pi. When Zhang Liao witnessed how cowardly Lu Bu acted after being detained, he openly detested Lu Bu's attitude and outstretched his neck to be beheaded and retaining his honor. He is the most righteous associate of the Wei clan followed by Xiahou Dun (honorable mention).

Wu: Probably the least focused on group in the novel, it is very hard to determine who the key figure is. Sun Jian and Sun Ce die very early in the novel and the game series really elaborates on their characters a lot more. However, I would have to say that Huang Gai stands out the most. In order to make his "defection" seem authentic to Wei during the great conflict at the Battle at Red Cliff (a.k.a. Battle at Chi Bi), he received lashings from his "former" superiors to deceive Cao Cao into believing that Huang Gai had really wanted to defect to his side during the battle. Also, he served under three generations of Sun (Sun Jian, Sun Ce, & Sun Quan). Honorable mention goes to Gan Ning

[DarkRunner00]

I've always enjoyed Gan Ning... and then he switched to dual blades... and lost interests. I like Fanboys... Sima Yi and Zhuge Liang... but Zhuge is cooler...

Romance 3 kingdoms... I usually make my own character... so there goes that.

[murph20]

I know... I know... Lu Bu is stronger than anyone else... yadda yadda yadda. However, after the fall of Dong Zhuo, and Lu Bu's failure to maintain control over the capital, he went rogue. The man who "bowed to no one" sought shelter from place to place. Liu Bei, despite objections from his two "blood brothers," gave Lu Bu refuge. However, Lu Bu went on to turn on Liu Bei later due to some uncertainty, on Lu Bu's part, in regards to trusting Liu Bei. In addition, rather than fight valiantly to the end in Siege of Xia Pi, Lu Bu held himself up in his room, drinking away his sorrows. When Cao Cao was to behead him, Lu Bu broke down in tears and begged to be spared in return for his services. However, seeing how Lu Bu had a tendency to turn on his leaders (ex. - Dong Zhuo), Cao Cao did not compromise. Lu Bu hit his peak when he was able to temporarily fend off the combined might of Liu Bei, Zhang Fei, and Guan Yu. After that, his military career started to plummet.

I do understand, though, that his character is exaggerated in the game to make him appear as one of the true powerhouses (a.k.a. "tanks"). Similar to the role given to Tadakatsu Honda in the Samurai Warriors series. Still, upon reading the novel, I never really cared for him much :-\

[murph20]

Note the trademark headpiece donned by Lu Bu. Very extravagant.

[Pram the Oracle]

Dian Wei.

Weird choice, but hey, can't go wrong with a bald guy :P

[murph20]

Yeah, you can't go wrong with the courageous ox of a man and personal bodyguard of Cao Cao, Dian Wei. Game highlights his main points, especially the part in which Cao Cao is ambushed. Dian Wei, very inebriated and sleep deprived from a night of celebrating, takes charge when duty calls after Cao Cao and his family is ambushed at Wan Castle. He sacrificed himself in order to ensure the safe passage of his master, Cao Cao. (note: one of Cao Cao's sons died as well after offering his mount to his father to escape, his name isn't coming to me though)

Here are some pics of Dian Wei for those who are not familiar with the series. In the most recent game in the series, DW6, Dian Wei ditches his monstruous axe for a spiked ball-and-chain.

[Pram the Oracle]

My mistake, nevermind. Too bad he dies early on though.

[murph20]

Hmm :-\

[Pram the Oracle]

Nah, I thought Deng Ai was his son.

[murph20]

Yeah, I think Cao Cao adopted Dian Wei's son after his death. Also, I think the name of Cao Cao's son who died during that ambush was named Cao Rui.

[marquis14]

xiahou dun was one of my favorites, loyal and brave, plus I just like the way his attacks worked vs other generals/officers.

[Mistabig]

Zhaou Tai was always awesome. He had a samurai sword.

[Mislead Prophet]

I was always a Wu fan, myself. Not sure exactly why either. Maybe it had to deal with that I enjoyed the family line in the Wu dynasty, as well, it had Zhou Yu, the swordsmen and strategist for Sun Ce and Sun Quan. Not to be mistaken with Zhao Yun, one of the Five Tiger Generals of Shu.

Lu Bu was always a nice character because he was just the badass that everyone feared. But, even besides him being the strongest character in the entire game, I love his story. Like, he was feared by man from Dynasty to Dynasty.

He wasn't just muscle, he was a military general and later a minor warlord. Lu Bu mastered Horseback and archery, and quickly became feared as The Flying General. He even poison tipped his weapons, adding to his streak of being compared to Achilles in prowess.

Too bad Cao Cao and Liu Bei had him hung.