It's classic, hack-and-slash, old-school fun.
The gameplay of DW2 is suprisingly easy to master, even if it's your first time. Simple controls and combos make beating up countless poor soldiers extremely satisfying and enjoyable. Each character has his/her own unique moves and over-the-top outfits, and every level is different. Well-researched backgrounds before every battle add atmosphere and hints, further increasing the game's fun factor.
In terms of graphics, KOEI did pretty well considering the year it was made. The choice of having no blood or gore in Dynasty Warriors 2 is a wise one, in my opinion, as it means children won't be too affected if they choose to play it. The fog of war, however, is a little extensive. Soldiers seem to appear out of nowhere at times, and bosses run away much easier, making winning battles a little too frustrating.
Sound is alright, but enemies sound muffled, and their dying scream can drive one to insanity after a short period of time. Music is fantasic, adding a level of excitement to the sometimes arduous battles. The rock element of the soundtrack is a somewhat ambitious idea, but KOEI pulled it off.
To make a long story short, after a stressful day at work, or a long exercise peroid, sitting down and playing Dynasty Warriors 2 is exactly what the doctor ordered.