Players have the opportunity to create their own character to serve in the lower ranks of the army, gradually rising through the ranks to eventually rule the entire land through their conquests.

Samurai Warriors 4 Empires marks the return of the Empires brand in the Samurai Warriors universe after a nine year hiatus. Since the 2007 release of Samurai Warriors 2 Empires for the PS2, Samurai Warriors has grown to become one of the most successful and acclaimed titles in the Warriors universe. This revamped version of the fan-favorite installment features improved gameplay mechanics and an expanded, intuitive governing system, and explores the effects that building in-depth relationships and alliances have in times of war.

Fans who pre-order from Amazon, Best Buy, EB Canada and GameStop will receive a ‘Bonus Item Set’ consisting of an additional castle option, the ‘Golden Castle,’ the ‘Osaka Campaign’ scenario, and an additional costume for in-game character Takakage Kobayakawa. In addition, fans will receive an exclusive costume for one of the most popular female characters of the Samurai Warriors series, Lady Hayakawa.

Lady Hayakawa is only one of the historically known women of influence available to players in Samurai Warriors 4 Empires. This entry also features the first appearance of individualized minor officers with the inclusion of over 200 male and female officers, all of whom with unique appearances and stats. These officers are based on warriors, known lords and ladies, and dynamic personalities who left their distinct mark in history.

Tactics fall into two categories: basic tactics, which are deployed prior to battle, and executable tactics, which are deployed during battle. Basic tactics involve actions such as managing troop economy, blocking enemy aid, and taking action to increase troop strength prior to engagement, whereas executable tactics involve battle strategies such as charging with cavalry and capturing enemy officers. Formations affect the way an army is structured, with specific formations offering bonuses on attack, defense or speed. A well thought out and balanced strategy is essential when choosing formations, as the enemy could use opposing formations to overrun player troops.

Engagements in Samurai Warriors 4 Empires follow the classic Empires style of ‘Base Battles.’ By conquering enemy bases and converting them to allied bases, players can establish supply lines that link strongholds together on the battlefield. Players can also claim “chains” of enemy bases by cutting off enemy supply lines and isolating them, and an enemy base positioned in-between two allied bases will automatically be converted to the player’s side! Analyzing enemy battalion placements and efficiently cooperating with allies can help players bolster their supply lines until they can lay siege to the main enemy camp. These options add a wide variety of strategic elements to the exhilaration of the game’s “one versus a thousand” battle style iconic to the Warriors franchise.

Samurai Warriors 4 Empires will be available as a physical release on PS4, digital only releases on PS3 and Vita handheld.