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 40 battlefields affected by seasons and the passing of time.

Specifically, players will be able to enjoy exhilarating Warriors action on the go, using new intuitive touchscreen controls for actions such as calling their faithful steed or activating the powerful ‘Rage’ state! The touchscreen can also be used to select and activate special skills called Stratagems, allowing the player more accurate control of the battlefield.

Since even the most powerful warriors need allies, Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires encourages two-player ad hoc cooperative multiplayer, allowing nearby friends to join together and survive the fierce battles of ‘Empire Mode’, or overcome the challenging scenarios in ‘Free Mode’.

Furthermore, the title is compatible with PlayStation TV, meaning gamers can enjoy the game on large screens. For those already in possession of the PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®4 versions, Cross-Save and Cross-Play functionality is enabled across all versions, and content downloaded for the PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®4 can be downloaded on the PS Vita version free of charge.

Lastly, KOEI TECMO announced downloadable early-purchase bonus content, available to those who purchase the game during its first month of release on the PlayStation®Network! Specifically, this ‘Special Edit Parts’ pack includes equipment and costumes based on fan favorite KOEI TECMO characters: Guo Jia and Guan Yinping from Dynasty Warriors 8, Date Mashamune from the (Japan-only) social game Nobunyaga no Yabou, and a very special Tenko costume from the sensational demon-hunting action title Toukiden!