Originating in the arcades, Dynasty Wars is a beat-em-up set during the Three Kingdoms Era of the Chinese history, and is, more specifically, based on the Tenchi o Kurau manga adaptation of the story. The player adopts the identity of an ancient Chinese warrior, and riding on horseback has to eliminate all his opponents, mostly infantry and archers.

The year is 184 AD. The Han Dynasty has been overthrown by rebellious warlords who are ravaging the countryside. Violence is the only language spoken now. and the sword has silenced any opposition. All of China is in a state of turmoil as the situationseems hopeless for the people... Yet out of the ashes ot‘ the fallen dynasty. four courageous warriors have united in strength to challenge the warlords. But are they strong enough to restore the Han Dynasty to its rightful place of power? Dynasty Wars lets you become one of the four warriors in their quest to defeat the evil warlords.