These are good times for fans of video games and manganime. One of the most outstanding sagas in both worlds is without a doubt One piece. Nintendo Switch has two titles from it in its catalog: One Piece: Unlimited World Red – Deluxe Edition which launched on September 29, 2017 and One Piece: Pirate Warriors 3 – Deluxe Edition, which launched on May 11, 2018.
Well, at the end of last March a new installment arrived: One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4, a musou developed by Koei Tecmo, In collaboration with Omega Force and distributed by Bandai Namco, loaded with action and news. Today I will analyze the version for Nintendo Switch.
Are you ready to distribute tow with the Straw Hat band?
Gameplay
As soon as we start the game we will see a main menu with the following sections:
- Dramatic Diary: It is the main story of the game and in it we are explained the events that occur in the manganime from the beginning in summary with animated scenes (many events are explained in a hurry). It is divided into 6 arches, starting at the Alabasta Arch (covering the history of the Wano Country), each divided into different levels or chapters. Before starting them, we must select the character we want to play with (sometimes there is only one default). We can also change her outfit (they will be unlocked as we go through the adventure), assign special moves and abilities, and change the music. To complete each chapter we must fulfill the victory conditions that they indicate, which can change. After completing them we will be able to see the number of defeated enemies, the time it took us to complete it and the general rank, as well as the amount of berris (money) we have obtained. In addition, when certain conditions are met, new characters will be unlocked to play in Free Diary and in Treasure Diary.
- Free diary: It will initially be locked (unlocked by completing the first chapter of the Dramatic Diary). In this mode we can play the same episodes as in the previous mode, but as we want and with the character we want from those we have previously unlocked in Dramatic Diary. That is, we can play freely, without predetermined elements.
- Treasure Diary: Initially it will be locked (it is unlocked after completing the initial tutorial of the game). Here we will embark on an adventure in an unexplored area of the sea where we can play several episodes with exclusive characters. The Treasure Diary episodes are divided into various ranges (East Blue, Grand Line and New World). At first we will only be able to play episodes of East Blue rank, but if we meet the requirements for rank we will be able to play episodes of higher rank (difficulty cannot be changed). Some episodes are called central and are essential to advance in this mode. It is certainly where we will invest more hours after completing the main story.
- System: Here we can change the game settings (disable connection, load, save and difficulty setting options, automatic load at start and vibration).
- Gallery: In this section we can explore collectibles (character encyclopedia, glossary, event viewer, music playback, coin guide, and crew guide).
- to download: To get downloadable content in the Nintendo eShop.
Combat system
One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 is a musou, which means that we must go through a series of scenarios while hitting thousands of enemies and meeting a series of requirements until completing them. Its combat system is very simple as well as spectacular, with four buttons to perform the main Actions. With And we can execute normal attacks, pressing or holding X we can execute very powerful charged attacks, with B we can skip (We can also combine it with other buttons to execute a powered attack and after that air strikes) and if we press A we can perform a acceleration and knock down enemies while we move (if we hold down A we can travel more distance). The acceleration is very useful in various situations (to move, dodge, attack, etc.), but keep in mind that it consumes resistance. Resistance is gradually restored when we do not attack.
All these actions we can combine to perform a wide variety of combos. In both ground and air attacks, the maximum number of combos varies depending on the character and increases as you progress. Airborne enemies can fall to the ground by inflicting breaking off or knock them down. Besides, we can also set to goals and perform some special skills towards the set target.
Powerful enemies possess a armor bar, which can be reduced with attacks and when emptied, the enemies will stay momentarily stunned. Being in this state, they lack protection, which makes them vulnerable to longer combos. We can pin up Powerful enemies with R and change the target set. This is very useful in combat, since when using the acceleration with a fixed objective without pressing any direction, we will launch towards it.
On some occasions we will meet giants enemies, whose armor bars can only be reduced when they are in the middle of an attack. When they initiate the attack maneuver, we can use the acceleration to dodge and attack from their blind spot. When the armature bar is emptied, the number of shield icons is reduced by 1 and the character enters break state. In this state, when the character suffers an attack, it will be interrupted and take more damage than usual. In addition, the character will lose consciousness when losing all his shield icons. There will even be Lodge-type characters activating an ability and modifying its appearance, unaffected by normal attacks. By bringing them to a state of rupture, they will again be vulnerable to direct damage.
And there will be no lack of special moves and to do them we must hold down R and press Y, X, A or B and the special motion bar, which fills up as we attack or take enemy damage. The amount of bar required varies depending on the special movement. With some special moves, our character will enter an empowered state called Full force burst. The special bar will gradually decrease while this state is active, and it will come to an end when the bar is empty or if we press the same button that we use to activate it.
Finally, it should be noted that each character has a fighting style determined: Power, Speed, Technique, etc. Depending on the type they belong to, they will have certain characteristics that will increase during the Full Force Burst. For example, Luffy is a Power type and when an enemy takes a hit and falls to the ground or hits a wall, it generates a shock wave that affects nearby enemies. The characteristics of the Power-type Full Force Burst is that the strength of the attack increases and the attacks with blows are even more powerful.
The most negative aspect of its gameplay is that the camera can give us some problem in certain situations For example when we fight in closed places, narrow places or against giant enemies.
Objectives, items, and side quests
One of the objectives that we will have to meet regularly in the game is defeat enemies within territory to reduce territory resistance to 0 (it is marked by a red bar) and then beat the Leader when it appears to make the territory fall. Conquering enemy territories will greatly facilitate the advance of our allies. However, there are also some special territories that they are under tight enemy control, so they cannot be captured.
In the scenarios we will sometimes find treasure chests, and if we open them we can get different objects
During the course of the battle, there will be allies with little force indicated by a green ring around them. If we get closer to those allies, they will regain life and return to action. It is important to keep this in mind, since some missions will require that no ally die to achieve victory and if we get confused and kill him, the game will end and we will have to start again.
On the other hand, they may appear side missions when approaching combat at different locations or when meeting different requirements. If we successfully complete a side quest, we can receive berris as a reward after the battle.
We will also get crew points in combat, which will increase crew levels of the members who fight alongside us. As our crew level increases, we will be able to obtain valuable coins Y new development maps. To earn crew points we must use special moves to defeat enemies, defeat enemies during a Full Force Burst, defeat enemies during shape changes, rescue crew, occupy territories, defeat many enemies, and defeat powerful enemies.
During the game, we can get different types of coins: bronze, silver and gold. To get bronze coins we will have to beat powerful enemies, winning battles we can obtain silver coins from allied characters (the higher the crew levels, the more silver coins we will receive) and the gold coins can be obtained as a reward for completing a battle.
Characters
In One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 we have the largest cast in the series to date, 43 characters, and are next:
- Luffy
- Zoro
- Usopp
- Sanji
- Nami
- Chopper
- Robin
- Franky
- Brook
- Buggy
- Mihawk
- Smoker
- Tashigi
- Crocodile
- Ace
- Teech
- Hancock
- Ivankov
- Jimbei
- Kizaru
- Kuzan
- Akainu
- White beard
- Framework
- Doflamingo
- Fujitora
- Law
- Sabo
- Shanks
- Lucci
- Bartholomew
- Cavendish
- Katakuri
- Hawkins
- Carrot
- Reiju
- Ichiji
- Niji
- Yonji
- Bege
- Kid
- Big mom
- Kaido
One of the most outstanding novelties, and which attract attention for their spectacularity, is the possibility of control giant characters like Kaido or Big Mom, which is tremendously satisfying for the feeling of power they convey. Another of its characteristics is that the characters can progress using maps. Upon reaching an island and using the coins Y berris necessary, we can increase the character stats and acquire new special skills. Each island can be used to develop the character a certain number of times. There are different types of maps, such as start maps: The improved parameters in this map affect all the characters (it is recommended to start the development with this map) and the character maps– Increased parameters and acquired special moves will only affect that character. However, abilities can be assigned to other characters.
Game through communication
As long as the text Game via communication appears in the upper left of the screen, this function is available. If we select the option “find player ” We can create a session with the configuration that we want. If we go into preparations for departure
Finally it should be noted that this title, like most Switch games, can be played in portable mode, desktop mode and TV mode. In addition also It is compatible with the Nintendo Switch Pro controller and the paid online and cloud data storage service.
Graphics and sound
One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 features 3D modeled characters with a striking resemblance to style cel shading, which is why it is a very colorful title and presents very colorful and expressive animations, although they are appreciated Sawtooth. On the other hand, the scenarios are little varied and poor in details, although they contain more elements (such as various buildings) and perfectly fulfill their mission.
True popping (sudden appearance of elements on stage) and late texture loading at times. Another much more annoying aspect is the continuous loading screen before starting any mission and even when accessing any mode and then exiting, which quite breaks the rhythm of the game. Therefore, we are not facing a technical portent, far from it, but its good artistic design makes these details remain in the background and we focus on distributing cakes to thousands of enemies, which is what it is all about here. Yes, the game It is quite fluid, although at times it has slight drops in the framerate.
Regarding the sound section, the title offers us good melodies, some very cane and that perfectly match what we see on screen, as well as good sound effects, being very forceful.. Finally we have voices in japanese (with the original dubbing of all the protagonists) and Spanish subtitles, something that is always appreciated.
Duration
As always happens when we talk about a musou, talking about duration is very relative. The dramatic Daily mode (the main story) can be completed in a few 16-18 hours approximately, duration that can vary depending on the difficulty that we play, the character that we choose (some are better than others) and if we focus on going to the objectives without further ado or on the contrary we explore the entire scenario in search of chests and try to conquer all areas. However, as I have previously commented, it also has the possibility of playing all the chapters in Diario libre with the character we want and, of course, Diario de tesoros, which will give us many more hours of entertainment, being one of the most interesting modes of the title.
If we add to all this the possibility of improving statistics and acquiring new skills for all the characters, we are facing a really long title that will give us tens of hours more to enjoy if we want to complete it 100%, either alone or in company, In this second case, it becomes more fun and enjoyable, but also chaotic.
Curiosities
- One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 features 4 free outfits downloadable in the eShop for Luffy, Zoro, Nami and Sanji (Luffitaro, Zorojuro, Onami and Soba Mask respectively).
- The game will also feature a Digital Deluxe Edition, which will include both the game and a DLC Character Pass which will include 9 additional characters (not yet revealed) to be released after launch, plus pre-purchase of Charlotte Katakuri as a playable character.
- There is also a collector's edition called Kaido Edition which includes the following: One Piece Pirate: Warriors 4 physical game, 30cm Exclusive Led diorama and special collector's edition box.
conclusion
One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 is a proposal that improves its predecessor, adding interesting new features, as well as more playable characters and options. As always, although this title can be enjoyed by any player, it is clearly intended for manganime fans who like the musou genre. So if this is your case, we definitely recommend giving it a try.
One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 is available in physical and digital format, through the Switch eShop, from March 27 at a price of € 69.99. You must have a free space on your console or 12.1 GB microSD card to download it.
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