Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires focuses deeply on the chaotic lives of the warriors as their fateful decisions affect the rise and fall of the nations they bravely fight for. Players can select from 83 unique characters, or create their own original character with a plentitude of options through the edit function. The visual customization goes further with the newly implemented ability to customize their horses, banners and "normal" officers.

In the returning Empire mode, players can select from one of many distinct roles which are best suited to them or to experience the epic history and its outcomes through a different methodology of warfare in replay. Whether choosing from Liu Bei, a provincial ruler forced to wander the land in search of a home or Lu Bu, an egotistical warrior who moves from one betrayal to another in search of his own glory, players are swept up in the drama of warfare.

Courageous warriors trudge through Ancient China with its vast plains, bleak wastelands, narrow ravines and immense castles as they slash through enemy lines. In Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires, warriors must fight against not only enemies but also the forces of nature as the changing seasons bring new elements to the more than 35 battlefields affected by seasons and the passing of time.

The pre-order bonus DLC available at GameStop and EB Canada for the PS4 and Xbox One versions includes the following:

• Special Costume Set (Date Mashamune, Guan Yinping, Guo Jia and Tenko costumes) pre-order via Independent retailers through CentreSoft in Europe
• Edit Armor Set 1 (for male characters) pre-order from GAME in Europe
• Edit Armor Set 2 (for female characters) pre-order from ShopTo.net or the PlayStation Network in Europe

New, favored weapons for 9 different characters in Dynasty Warriors 8: Empiresinclude:

1. Deng Ai's "Revolving Crossbow" which can be used for long and short-range attacks and is capable of rapidly firing multiple arrows,
2. Guan Suo's "Sabatons" which are equipped on the feet, focused solely on kicks and able to launch combo attacks in the air,
3. Lianshi's "Mandarin Duck Hooks" which makes up for its short reach with sheer speed that she wields in both hands,
4. Liu Shan's agile "Dragon Column" known for its variety of special counterattacks,
5. Meng Huo's hefty "Stele" that transform into a palm tree or other items during Strong Attacks,
6. Sun Quan's "Flame Blade", a well-rounded powerful sword, enveloped in flames with fast attack speed at distances both near and far,
7. Wang Yi's "Emei Piercers" used primarily by assassins has a short reach, but is capable of multiple rapid attacks,
8. Xiaoqiao's "Paired Fans" which can create a flurry of small tornadoes that fly freely in the air, and last but not least,
9. Yueying's "Bladebow", which combines a crossbow with a short-range sword that fires a homing arrow after multiple shots are executed.

Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires will be available at retail for $49.99 (PS4/XOne), while the PC (Steam/$49.99) and PS3 ($39.99) verions will be digital download only.