For the first time in the series, the expansive land of China is shown on a single map with the introduction of an open world format for diverse progression through the game. The ‘one vs. thousands’ exhilarating action of the Warriors series and the beloved characters from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms tale are carried over, but the freedom through an open world stage provides a brand new Warriors experience.
Critical Missions unfold and progress the story of the player character, and are supplemented by numerous missions from various regions such as Regular Missions that affect the Critical Missions and requests from other characters. The situation will be ever changing depending on what missions are selected. In the many battles that occur on the map, players will find a variety of strategies and tactics open to them such as “attacking head on,” “launching a surprise attack from an elevated position” or “infiltrating at night”, for numerous ways to enjoy the expansive world of the Three Kingdoms.
The map is displayed with beautiful graphics and features many different regions of China such as snow plains, jungles and deserts which reflect the passage of time and changing climate. Key cities and checkpoints, such as Luoyang and Hulao Gate, and landmarks such as the Yelｌow River and Mt. Song, are replicated, allowing for deeper immersion into the game world.
Further exhilarating, further variegated, revamped “WarriorsAction“
While keeping the simple controls the Warriors series is known for in tact, Dynasty Warriors 9 has a new action called the “State Combo System” that lets players react differently depending on the situation. It is composed of three attacks: the “Trigger Attack” that starts the combo, the string of consecutive “Flow Attacks” that follow and change based on the enemy’s state, and the powerful “Finish Attack” that concludes the combo. Through this, you can experience the series’ highest level of ‘one vs. thousands exhilaration.’
Additionally, Dynasty Warriors 9 uses “Interactive Actions” that are possible based on the terrain and environment. You can of course climb mountains and swim across rivers, “climb walls using a grappling hook,” “explode an oil container with a bow and arrow to attack enemies,” and so on. Since you can choose from a variety of actions based on the situation, the breadth of strategy is expanded.
The epic tales from the Three Kingdoms through the eyes of new and returning officers
New comers like Cheng Pu, a Wu officer who supported the Sun family across 3 generations, and Zhou Cang, a Shu officer known for his fleetness of foot are two of the fascinating new characters.
Experience the Three Kingdoms story woven through a vast roster of characters; included are all 83 officers from the Dynasty Warriors series, with new costumes.
■ Characters
Cheng Pu
An outspoken man of integrity.
A long term retainer and skilled General who supported 3 generations of the Sun Family and furthered the expansion of Wu territory. A brave general who fought often on the front lines but was also a trusted advisor and tactician.
Xiahou Dun
A one-eyed general who supports military rule.
The cousin of Cao Cao, he was a courageous warrior and a superb fighter despite losing an eye in battle. A calm and level-headed leader, he was dependable to a fault and was one of Cao Cao’s greatest assets in his bid for supremacy.
Guan Yu
A military god with great integrity.
Honoring an oath of brotherhood with Liu Bei and Zhang Fei, he was an essential figure in the establishment of the Kingdom of Shu as the leader of the Five Tiger Generals of Shu. A heroic and skilled warrior with a strong dedication to what is right, he earned the respect of both friend and foe alike while at the same time, acquring the nickname “Lord of the Magnficent Beard” from the Emperor.
Zhao Yun
A young dragon guided by the light of benevolence.
As a young warrior, he traveled the land in search for someone worthy of loyalty. Finding such qualities in Liu Bei, he ended his journey and entered Liu Bei’s service wherein he becomes one of the Five Tiger Generals of Shu. Normally a calm person, he displayed ferocity in battle that shook entire armies.
Dynasty Warriors 9 is currently in development for PlayStation 4. A release window has yet to be announced.
(Update 9:15 a.m.: It should be noted that Koei Tecmo has updated the U.S. and European Dynasty Warriors 9 websites to remove the PlayStation 4 logo that was at the bottom of the page when this post was first published. In both Koei Tecmo America and Koei Tecmo Europe’s press releases sent out at 9:00 a.m. this morning, it states, “Platforms, release timing, and more information on the game’s new features, characters, and narrative will be unveiled in the coming months.” In Japan, the game has already been officially announced as a PlayStation 4 release.)
