ONE PIECE: PIRATE WARRIORS 4

Developer: Koei Tecmo
Release: Mar 26th 2020
Platforms:
Action
Addictive
Faithful
Dynamic
Repetitive
D L C-heavy
ONE PIECE: PIRATE WARRIORS 4 Poster

" Dynamic action game with massive battles and faithful anime style but repetitive missions "

ONE PIECE: PIRATE WARRIORS 4 Review

ONE PIECE: PIRATE WARRIORS 4 is a dynamic Musou-style action game that faithfully adapts Eiichiro Oda's beloved anime saga. It offers over 40 playable characters, each with unique combat styles reflecting their Devil Fruit powers and Haki abilities. The game features large-scale battles where players mow down thousands of enemies, enhanced by aerial combos, environmental destruction, and verticality, keeping gameplay engaging.

The story mode, "Dramatic Log," covers major arcs from the anime with an original "what-if" conclusion to the Wano arc, blending in-engine and anime-style cutscenes that deliver emotional impact. While the narrative may not satisfy purists due to creative liberties, it maintains pacing and excitement.

Visually, the cel-shaded graphics capture the anime's aesthetic with vibrant characters and explosive combat effects, though some environments feel repetitive. Despite occasional AI shortcomings and repetitive mission design typical of the genre, the game provides a generous amount of content including Free Log mode, Treasure Log challenges, and DLC expansions, making it a must-play for fans of One Piece and Musou games alike.

Highlights

Gameplay mechanics shine with fluid combat, unique character abilities, aerial combos, and satisfying environmental destruction.

The graphics faithfully replicate the anime's vibrant cel-shaded style with expressive character models and kinetic effects.

The storyline covers major One Piece arcs with emotional cutscenes and an original Wano arc ending, delivering a compelling narrative experience.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include repetitive mission objectives and enemy AI that can be simplistic or unchallenging.

The original Wano arc conclusion may feel jarring or non-canonical for dedicated fans.

Some players report technical issues such as lost save data and occasional performance hiccups.

Additionally, the abundance of DLC can be seen as a downside for those seeking full content without extra purchases.

Pros

  • Over 40 characters with unique combat styles and special abilities.
  • Engaging large-scale battles with thousands of enemies on screen.
  • Satisfying environmental destruction adds depth to combat.
  • Faithful cel-shaded graphics capturing anime aesthetics.
  • Diverse gameplay with aerial combos and transformation mechanics.
  • Emotional and well-executed story arcs with cinematic cutscenes.
  • Generous content including Free Log and Treasure Log modes.

Cons

  • Enemy AI can be simplistic and unchallenging at times.
  • Repetitive mission design common to Musou genre.
  • Original Wano arc conclusion may disappoint purists.
  • Some technical issues including lost save data reported.
  • Environments occasionally feel flat or repetitive.
  • Excessive DLC required for full character and content access.
  • Controller support issues and occasional performance hiccups.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

ONE PIECE: PIRATE WARRIORS 4 is the latest evolution of PIRATE WARRIORS action! Based on the concept of "experiencing a real ONE PIECE battlefield," buildings will come crashing down during the action and attacks will throw up smoke and dust, placing you in the thick of the ONE PIECE world!

Release Date Mar 26th 2020
Publisher BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment
Developer Koei Tecmo
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (4,470)
94% Positive 6% Negative