One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4

Before I jump into the review, you may be wondering why I am posting a new review for a game that came out back in 2020. Well, in February Bandai Namco announced that this game had sold 4 million copies and to celebrate a next-gen (PS5 and Xbox Series X/S) port was announced, along with even more DLC content which will actually be decided by fan votes! So I was lucky enough to be sent a copy by the publisher to check out what all the fuss was about!

As a long-time fan of One Piece, I was beyond excited to dive into Pirate Warriors 4. The idea of stepping into the shoes (or sandals) of Luffy and the Straw Hat crew to relive their epic adventures was too good to pass up. After spending countless hours smashing through hordes of enemies and reliving iconic moments, I’ve got a lot to say about this game. So, let’s break it down: gameplay, story, game modes, and the highs and lows.

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 brings several improvements and changes compared to its predecessor, Pirate Warriors 3 including the introduction of destructible environments, character classes, aerial combat and graphical/performance improvements.

If you’ve played any of the Dynasty Warriors games, you’ll feel right at home here. Pirate Warriors 4 is a Musou-style game, which means you’ll be mowing down waves of enemies like a hot knife through butter. And let me tell you, it’s ridiculously satisfying. The combat is fast-paced, chaotic, and over-the-top—just like the anime.

Each character has their own unique moveset, and with over 40 playable characters (theres also a large number of extra DLC characters available on top at an extra cost), there’s no shortage of variety. Luffy’s Gum-Gum attacks feel as stretchy and impactful as you’d hope, while Zoro’s swordplay is a whirlwind of destruction. The game even introduces aerial combat, letting you juggle enemies in the air for some flashy combos. It’s not perfect—targeting enemies while airborne can be a bit clunky—but it’s a fun addition that spices up the gameplay.

The progression system is another highlight. Each character has their own skill tree, allowing you to unlock new abilities and upgrades. There’s also a universal skill tree that benefits all characters, which is a nice touch for those who like to switch things up.

That said, the gameplay isn’t without some nuances. The AI enemies are often brain-dead, offering little challenge beyond sheer numbers. And while the combat is fun, it can get repetitive after a while. But hey, if you’re a fan of mindless fun and flashy moves and love anime and dynasty warriors, fear not because you’ll have a blast.

The story mode, called Dramatic Log, attempts to condense nearly 900 episodes of One Piece into a 15-hour campaign. It’s an impossible task, but the game does a commendable job of hitting the major story arcs: Alabasta, Enies Lobby, Marineford, Dressrosa, Whole Cake Island, and a unique take on the Wano arc.

The cutscenes are a mix of narration, still images, and fully voiced scenes by the original Japanese cast. While it’s not a replacement for watching the anime, it’s a great way to relive some of the series’ most iconic moments. I prefer the Dubbed version of the anime (I KNOW, please don't hate me), so hearing the dialogue in Japanese is always jarring when playing anime style games, however I do think the One Piece original voiceover is one of the best ones out there!

The story mode isn’t perfect. If you’re not caught up with the anime, be prepared for spoilers. And for those who have played Pirate Warriors 3, some arcs might feel like déjà vu, as only Whole Cake Island and Wano are entirely new. Still, the game’s love for the source material shines through, making it a treat for fans.

Beyond the story mode, Pirate Warriors 4 offers a variety of other modes to keep you entertained. The standout is Treasure Log, which features a series of standalone missions with unique challenges and rewards. It’s a great way to experiment with different characters and test your skills.

There’s also multiplayer, both local and online. While the local co-op can suffer from frame rate drops, it’s still a blast to team up with a friend and wreak havoc together. Online multiplayer, on the other hand, is a bit hit-or-miss. It’s fun when it works, but finding matches can be a challenge.

The Good:

Faithful to the Anime: The game captures the spirit of One Piece beautifully, from the character designs to the epic soundtrack.
Variety of Characters: With over 40 playable characters, there’s someone for everyone.
Satisfying Combat: The fast-paced, flashy combat is a joy to play, especially for fans of the Musou genre.
Emotional Moments: The story mode does a great job of recreating some of the anime’s most emotional scenes.

The Bad:

Repetitive Gameplay: The combat, while fun, can get repetitive after extended play sessions.
Lack of Challenge: The AI enemies are often too easy, making the game feel less rewarding.
Spoilers Galore: If you’re not caught up with the anime, the story mode will spoil major plot points.
Performance Issues: Frame rate drops in local co-op can be frustrating.

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 isn’t a perfect game, but it’s a love letter to fans of the anime. It’s a game that lets you step into the world of One Piece and experience the thrill of being a Straw Hat pirate. Sure, it has its flaws, but the sheer joy of smashing through hordes of enemies as Luffy or Zoro more than makes up for it.

If you’re a fan of One Piece, this game is a no-brainer. And if you’re new to the series, it’s a fun way to dip your toes into the world of pirates, treasure, and adventure. So grab your controller, set sail, and get ready for a wild ride. Gomu Gomu no… FUN!

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (Gold)